How To Keep Your HexClad Pans Clean (& Mistakes To Avoid)

HexClad pans have been touted as the ultimate hybrid pan and endorsed by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, but just like all cookware, HexClads get dirty, too. Since the pans are said to be super durable and long-lasting, you want to be sure not to do anything to deteriorate their finish or anything that can shorten the lifespan of your pans. Luckily, this line of cookware is nowhere near as difficult to care for as a cast iron, Teflon non-stick, or stainless steel, but there are very few things you need to avoid when cleaning it. 

Even though HexClad boasts non-stick properties that prevent burned-on food and grease from becoming too much of a problem, they still need regular cleaning after use, and occasional deep cleaning. To keep HexClad pans looking great, the best practice is to scrub them down with hot water, soap, and a standard sponge after every use. But, when in need of a deep clean, HexClads can withstand plenty of other cleaning methods, including your dishwasher. 

According to HexClad, their pans are safe to toss in the dishwasher, which is great news if you're someone who tends to avoid hand washing at all costs. HexClads are fitted with a stainless steel exterior, which is supposed to protect the pans against super hot water and detergent. It also makes them scratch resistant if they come in contact with other dishes and utensils. However, the brand warns that dishwashing can cause the pans to darken or look dull. Thankfully, if this happens, there are plenty of cleaning tools in the arsenal to revive them back to their original color. 

If you notice a pan is becoming dulled or stained, use an abrasive cleaning tool to bring it back to a shine. The finish on both the interior and exterior can withstand something even as harsh as steel wool scouring pads. HexClad is also one of the things you should be cleaning with Bar Keepers Friend, a powdered abrasive multi-purpose cleaner. This is good to keep in mind if you're dealing with burnt-on food and grease on your HexClad that won't come away with regular washing. 

After doing a deep clean with more intense products like steel wool or Bar Keepers Friend, don't forget to re-season the pans, similar to how you season cast iron. This process simply involves heating a small amount of neutral oil in the pan for a few minutes, then wiping the excess oil out with a paper towel once it has cooled. This process helps the pans to maintain their non-stick properties.

Since HexClad states that its pans can withstand a ton of cleaning tools and products, it might seem like there's nothing they can't handle. And while they can take on a lot, there are a few things you should definitely avoid doing. The biggest one is never cleaning yours pans while they're still hot — make sure you give your HexClads plenty of time to fully cool down after cooking and don't hit them with cold water until then. Washing a hot pan in water is a big mistake, because it can cause thermal shock, in which the materials of the pan suddenly contract or expand, causing warping over time. 

Additionally, as a preventative measure you can take to keep food and oil from sticking to the surface of your HexClad pans, the company recommends only cooking with them over low to medium heat. High temperatures increase the chance of burning food, sticky messes, and subsequently longer cleanup times.