One of the most valuable things you can do to make your cookware and bakeware last a long time is to take good care of them. By doing so, you can save money in the long run and enjoy superior results in cooking and baking.

It would help to clean your pots and pans with warm water and a soft sponge or dishcloth. Avoid metal scrubbing pads, steel wool, and abrasive cleaners.

Invest in a Good Nonstick Coating

Invest in a good nonstick coating if you’re looking for an easy way to keep your cookware and bakeware in tip-top shape. These coatings, generally made of either ceramic or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), provide a nonstick surface that makes cooking easy and safe.

While these coatings are inert and safe, they wear down over time. Taking care of your nonstick pans and bakeware is important so they last as long as possible.

When choosing nonstick cookware and bakeware, you should consider the type of coating and how it’s made. Those with multi-layer or reinforced nonstick coatings are the most durable and will last longer than single-layer coatings.

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Don’t Leave the Handle Hanging Over the Edge

Leaving the handle hanging over the edge of your pot or pan is a surefire way to cause damage. Besides, the heat is usually too much for one person to safely hold a hot pan in one hand or two. Luckily, most manufacturers provide handy and functional cookware racks to keep your wares upright. Consider getting a pan protector or two for the kitchen. You’ll be glad you did! And, of course, a good nonstick coating can save you a lot of time, hassle and money. Lastly, you might be interested in reading up on the best cookware for your kitchen before you buy.

Don’t Turn the Heat Up Too High

Cooking with high heat can lead to oils and carbonization buildup, creating sticky spots. These can cause food to stick and ding your pans. If you notice the spots, turn your heat up slightly and use a sponge designed for nonstick cookware, like our Restore Sponge, to wipe them off.

Stainless steel cookware will often become discolored (often rainbow in appearance) due to overheating. This can be easily fixed by soaking it in distilled white vinegar diluted with water for about 10 minutes and rinsing and drying. Alternatively, use a powder like Bar Keeper’s Friend that contains oxalic acid to remove the stains and make your stainless steel look as good as new.

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Don’t Store It in a Drawer

While organizing your cookware in a drawer may sound like a good idea, it can be bad. It can cause your pots and pans crowded and make it difficult to find what you’re looking for. To keep your kitchen tidy, consider getting a lid rack that has slots to hold the lids of your prized pots and pans vertically. Alternatively, use a bar or thin piece of plywood to create an easy-to-access shelf from which you can hang the pots and pans. The best part is that you’ll have a cleaner kitchen and more energy to put into your cooking.