Avoid these Teflon pan mistakes to protect your health

Almost every home has at least one Teflon frying pan. Although it seems like a sturdy utensil, it is more delicate. When using it, we should handle it carefully. Cooking with a Teflon pan can easily cause damage that makes it unusable. Pay attention to these mistakes while frying; you'll save money and your health.

Inappropriate use of a pan leads to damage and an unsightly appearance, but we jeopardize our health by destroying the Teflon coating and continuing to use it. A worn layer can lead to chemical reactions when heated, producing toxic substances. Additionally, improper use can result in bits of Teflon ending up in our dish, which we certainly wouldn't want on our plates.

One of the most common mistakes is mixing or flipping during frying with metal utensils. This is the worst thing we can do to our pan, as it scratches and wears off the Teflon. We should always use wooden kitchen tools.

Another mistake involves how we wash the pans. First, never pour cold water over a hot pan right after frying, as this temperature difference destroys and deforms the coating. Always wait for the pan to cool down before washing it by hand. Putting the pan in the dishwasher risks weakening and wearing out the Teflon.

Now that we know that washing pans should always be done by hand, let's discuss how to do it properly. Harsh sponges, brushes, or scouring pads should be avoided, as they can damage the Teflon coating.

Instead, choose a sponge with a soft texture that won't damage the delicate surface. When drying, blot away excess water with a cloth or paper towel. If possible, set the sponge aside and let it air dry on its own.