HexClad pans are easiest to clean with hot, soapy water, a soft sponge, and the occasional baking-soda or Bar Keepers Friend scrub for stubborn residue.

Everyday quick clean

For regular after-dinner cleanup, treat your HexClad like a hybrid nonstick pan that can handle a bit more scrubbing than classic Teflon.

  • Let the pan cool slightly so it is warm, not screaming hot, before cleaning to avoid warping and thermal shock.
  • Rinse under hot water to loosen food, then wash with dish soap and a non‑abrasive sponge or dishcloth.
  • Focus on the stainless “hex” ridges if grease sits there; they can hold on to browned bits more than the nonstick valleys.
  • Rinse well and dry thoroughly with a towel to prevent water spots on the stainless.

Deep cleaning stuck‑on gunk

Sometimes eggs, proteins, or high‑heat sears leave a film that normal washing won’t touch.

  • First try a brief soak: fill the pan with hot, soapy water and let it sit 10–15 minutes, then scrub again with a sponge or nylon scrubber.
  • For tougher stains, make a paste of baking soda and a little water or use a cleanser like Bar Keepers Friend, then spread it over the stained area.
  • Let the paste sit about 20–30 minutes, then scrub along the lines of the hex pattern with a non-scratch scour pad and rinse well.
  • Repeat if needed; a couple of shorter treatments are safer than one overly aggressive scrub.

Dishwasher and what to avoid

HexClad’s own guidance is more forgiving than typical nonstick, but some reviewers still prefer a gentler routine to maximize life.

  • The brand states that HexClad pans are dishwasher safe, and they can tolerate it better than classic nonstick.
  • However, many independent reviewers recommend hand‑washing to preserve the nonstick performance and avoid harsh detergents over the long term.
  • Avoid steel wool or very aggressive metal scouring pads directly on the nonstick “valleys”; use nylon or non‑scratch pads instead.
  • Skip oven‑cleaner sprays or bleach, which can damage both the stainless and the nonstick coating.

Seasoning and keeping it nonstick

A lightly seasoned surface helps HexClad release food better and reduces how hard you need to scrub later.

  • When the pan is new (or after a deep clean), wash and dry it, then heat over medium‑low for ~30 seconds.
  • Add about 1 teaspoon of neutral oil, swirl to coat, and heat on medium for 1–2 minutes, then let it cool and wipe out the excess.
  • In everyday cooking, use a small amount of oil or butter; HexClad is “hybrid,” not totally fat‑free nonstick, so a thin film of fat improves release and makes cleaning easier.

Mini FAQ and care tips

Here are quick answers to the most common “how to clean HexClad pans” questions.

  • Can you use metal utensils? The stainless hex pattern is designed to tolerate them, but using silicone/wood will minimize micro‑scratches and keep cleaning simpler.
  • Brown discoloration or “rainbow” tint? Often just stainless heat tint; a Bar Keepers Friend polish or baking-soda paste usually clears it up.
  • Food keeps sticking and burning on? Use slightly lower heat (HexClad runs hot) and a touch more fat, and re‑season after a deep scrub.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.