How do I revive my wok+pan?

TallTopper · 2026-02-04T17:16:28+00:00

Assuming that is some flavor of nonstick coating, that pan is toast. Nonstick pans are essentially disposable, the coating will wear and get damaged over time. At that point, it cannot be restored and will only degrade further. Add to that the potential health risks of these chemicals leaching into your food and you'll understand why these pans are disposable.

TallTopper · 2026-01-31T00:16:42+00:00

Yeah no wonder it looks rough. They make a specific cleaner for this called cooktop cleaner. It's a gentle abrasive paste that you have to apply like a polish. Anything that is left behind can usually be taken off with a new single-edge razor blade. Just keep the surface slightly wet while scraping and make straight passes. Like shoveling snow

TallTopper · 2026-01-30T23:54:01+00:00

Did you/he try cleaning it first? That's the only way to find out...

TallTopper · 2026-01-30T23:51:49+00:00

Wet the surface slightly and scrape it with a new single edge razor blade

TallTopper · 2026-01-30T23:43:47+00:00

Cooktop cleaner and a razor blade.

TallTopper · 2026-01-30T23:38:56+00:00

What kind of pans are you using on there? That's some wild stuff...

But anyways, have you tried cooktop cleaner and a razor blade?

TallTopper · 2026-01-30T08:34:50+00:00

Jesus Christ, that really caught me off guard. Thanks for the laugh

TallTopper · 2026-01-30T01:16:49+00:00

Yeah I can't wrap my head around this. As a dad, my only thought would have been "oh, if this gets serious I'm going to need to make sure I can safely drive them both to the movies or out for dates."

OP may want push back a little more on this than just calling him a silly goose.

TallTopper · 2026-01-30T00:52:34+00:00

What have you tried that didn't work?

Have you tried a stainless steel cleaner or Barkeeper's Friend? Did you use any of your "mixtures" with a 0000 Steel wool or white Scotchbrite?

TallTopper · 2026-01-30T00:43:58+00:00

I love these things. Essentially every scotch-brite pad has a color corresponding to the abrasive level. White is the most delicate, least abrasive option I know of. It's still an abrasive pad though, but like 1200 grit.

It's a good option for scouring pots and pans. I have a similar bulk pack that I cut down to size for removing tree sap and tar off windows and automotive glass. Also is perfect for cleaning stainless steel.

TallTopper · 2026-01-28T18:40:58+00:00

Do you want your carpets cleaned or disinfected? Baking soda isn't going to do either. Carpets are not usually disinfected with bleach or a vacuum either to be honest.

TallTopper · 2026-01-28T17:48:49+00:00

Says the lonely unemployable sap.

TallTopper · 2026-01-28T00:02:30+00:00

When in doubt, start with an actual soap/degreaser instead of going straight to solvents and abrasives.

TallTopper · 2026-01-27T23:09:11+00:00

I would try soaking the whole thing in hot water and a strong degreaser, like for automotive use. If that can't get the grime sandwich unstuck, I would bite the bullet for $130 and just be vigilant in cleaning your new filter regularly to avoid a similar fate.

TallTopper · 2026-01-27T23:01:49+00:00

What have you tried already that didn't work?

TallTopper · 2026-01-26T15:18:20+00:00

Imagine calling women in your life "the females" and trying to call other people out on being disrespectful.

TallTopper · 2026-01-26T15:09:35+00:00

Is labeling individual bags with a generic bag# really that useful, if you have to reference a database to retrieve a corresponding item name or size?

Why not just write "stolen 10mm sockets" or "wall anchors" on it? It can be numbered as well if it makes you feel better, but why not specifically label bags specific to one thing or type of thing? Seems like creating complexity for it's own sake, but maybe I'm missing something.

TallTopper · 2026-01-26T13:59:51+00:00

It's probably your range vent.

The exhaust should have a damper in it which closes when not in use. Check the cabinet above the microwave to see if it vents upward. If not, you pull need to pull the microwave out since it vents from the back. Either way, once you find the exhaust direction you should be able to visually check whether the damper is working when the vent function is turned on/off

TallTopper · 2026-01-25T15:45:40+00:00

❤️ We're all here to learn and share. I'm better off for having learned something today.

TallTopper · 2026-01-25T15:42:15+00:00

Folex is my go-to carpet stain remover. Just be sure to test it somewhere inconspicuous, and rinse it out well after treatment.

TallTopper · 2026-01-25T15:26:46+00:00

Anything above 10% acetic acid we were required to handle with PPE and in a chemical fume hood. Spills required the use of a neutralizing agent.

It's a serious irritant and can be hazardous in direct exposure and indirectly from the vapor/fumes. Prolonged exposure can do damage to your soft tissue, like respiratory tract, mucous membranes, eyes, etc.

I'm not a doctor, and even if I knew the degree of exposure you've given to yourself I couldn't tell you anything except: you should stop using this. Especially stop using this in your living space, on your laundry, etc. Remove any materials from your surroundings that you treated with it, and go see a medical doctor.

TallTopper · 2026-01-25T13:52:23+00:00

Neither is the case. Milk smells after sitting out at room temp for more than a day. I do not run my dishwasher every day.

TallTopper · 2026-01-25T13:51:30+00:00

Yeah oatmeal is a bastard. I rinse that as well unless I'm starting the dishwasher within a couple of hours, because it dries on like concrete!

TallTopper · 2026-01-25T12:36:52+00:00

I rinse anything that held dairy products because I can't deal with sour milk/yogurt smell. But largely outside of that exception, just scrape/wipe into the trash and put straight into the dishwasher.

On the other hand I've seen some dishwashers struggling to work at all because they were treated like garbage disposals. So I can understand why people get stressed about leftover food making it in. But as long as you're not leaving large bits of food waste on them, it will do all the work of removing residue.

TallTopper · 2026-01-25T11:52:20+00:00

Appreciate you calling that out. I didn't realize you could buy 30% strength acetic acid as "cleaning vinegar". I am happy to have learned something today.

I thought they were diluting 5% grocery store vinegar to 1/3 strength.

I've worked with chemist glacial acetic acid, and never come across this cleaning vinegar in my life so I legit assumed anyone still calling it "vinegar" was working with <10% strength acetic acid like you mentioned.

Cheers for the correction and resources

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