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Miscellaneous
Chemist Andre Durokhov explains that pouring boiling water directly into nonstick pans causes damage and reduces their lifespan.
Chemist Andre Durokhov has highlighted that extremely hot water can damage nonstick cookware. Despite this, some people pour boiling water directly into pans after cooking to facilitate cleaning.
According to Durokhov, while this practice may quickly remove grease and make the surface easier to clean, the sudden temperature change actually triggers destructive processes in the material.
He explains that the nonstick polymer layer is applied to the inner surface of the metal base of the pan, which is often made from aluminum or steel. This layer is then hardened through heat treatment in an industrial oven. At high temperatures, molecules condense and form a strong bond between the polymer coating and the metal base.
Durokhov states, “When cold water is poured into a hot pan, or boiling water into a cold pan, a sharp temperature change occurs. The thermal expansion coefficient of Teflon is higher than that of metals, so this sudden temperature shift causes tiny cracks in the coating. These cracks may not be visible to the naked eye, but the coating’s structure becomes less uniform and less resistant to stress. Water penetrates these tiny defects, reaching the interface between the polymer and the metal. As heating continues, the water expands, increasing pressure inside the microscopic cavities, weakening the bond between the coating and the surface. Consequently, the coating begins to lose cohesion: first dull areas appear, then roughness, followed by localized peeling.”
He adds that if microscopic cracks exist on the surface, alkaline components from household chemicals can more easily penetrate the coating’s structure, accelerating its deterioration. People who wash pans with boiling water may believe they are removing stains faster, but in reality, they are shortening the cookware’s lifespan.
Durokhov advises, “After cooking, the pan should be removed from the heat source and allowed to cool naturally. When the surface temperature approaches room temperature, it can be washed with warm water and detergent.”
