I don’t have a proper pan storage system in my kitchen; instead, my limited space means I stack them on top of one another. It’s not the ideal scenario, since I want to look after my pans and extend their life as long as I can.
It would be unrealistic to expect my pots and pans to stay looking like new forever, no matter how much I take good care of them, but it’s worth taking those extra steps to preserve their life and protect their coatings to avoid scratches.
Luckily, I recently came across this simple hack that will stop my pots and pans from scratching, and I wish I’d thought of it myself. What’s more, it’s easy to follow and super cheap, so there’s no reason not to embrace it yourself and protect your cookware.
Paper towels provide cushioned protection
All you’ll need is a roll of paper towels. It’s a kitchen staple that you’ll find in your pantry along with aluminum foil, parchment paper and plastic wrap. If you’re anything like me, you’ll use it daily to wipe up messes or absorb excess moisture or oil from food.
The natural softness of a paper towel makes it ideal for layering between cookware and acting as a liner to prevent scratches. All you need to do is add a clean sheet or a couple more, depending on the level of cushioning, in between your pans before stacking. You can then replace the paper towels once they become crumpled.
Why protecting your pans from scratches is a good idea
Apart from protecting your pans from ugly scratches, chips and dents, it’s important to keep non-stick cookware scratch-free, keep stainless steel pans looking polished and preserve the coating on seasoned cast iron.
If non-stick pans become damaged, the little scratches that build up can cause your food to stick to the base of your pan. What’s more, there’s also the danger of the non-stick coating, known as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), breaking down. If these plastic microparticles get into your food, they can cause long-term health risks.
So whether you decide to buy purpose-made pan protectors or improvise with paper towels, it makes sense to protect your pans from wear.
