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My Hubby Used a Cast Iron Skillet Brush on My Nonstick Pan — The Coating Looks Scratched Off. Is It Still Safe to Use?

If you’ve ever accidentally cleaned your delicate nonstick pan with a harsh brush or abrasive tool meant for cast iron, you’re not alone. It’s a common kitchen mishap—especially in households where different cookware types coexist.

Recently, one reader shared:
“My hubby used a cast iron skillet brush on my nonstick pan. Now the coating looks scratched off. He says it’s still safe to use, but I disagree. What should I do?”

Let’s unpack this kitchen dilemma and find out what’s best for you and your cookware.

Why Is the Nonstick Coating Important?

Nonstick pans are coated with special materials (usually PTFE, commonly known as Teflon) designed to prevent food from sticking and to make cleanup easier. This coating is delicate and can be damaged by abrasive scrubbing, metal utensils, or high heat.

When the coating gets scratched or wears off, two main issues arise:

1. Food sticks more easily.
2. Potential health and safety concerns.

What Happens When You Scrub a Nonstick Pan with a Cast Iron Brush?

Cast iron skillet brushes are usually made with stiff metal bristles or heavy-duty scrubbing pads designed to handle tough residue and rust on cast iron surfaces. These brushes are too harsh for nonstick coatings.

Scrubbing a nonstick pan with such a brush can:

• Scrape off or damage the coating.
• Create scratches or rough spots that worsen over time.
• Expose the metal underneath, which can rust.

Is It Still Safe to Use a Scratched Nonstick Pan?

Short answer:

It’s generally not recommended to keep using a nonstick pan with a damaged coating.

Why?

• Health risks: While minor scratches might not be harmful immediately, continued use can cause flakes of the coating to come off into your food. Though Teflon itself is considered safe at normal cooking temperatures, ingesting flakes is unpleasant and not advised.
• Chemical exposure: Overheating a damaged nonstick pan can release harmful fumes.
• Reduced cooking performance: Your food will stick more, making cooking and cleaning frustrating.
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