Sticky residue in non-stick pan?

[eponymous]

One of my nice non-stick pans (Calphalon) recently developed this sticky residue around the curved rim on the inside. It's not related to the last thing that I cooked in it (chicken in olive oil with a few spices), I think, so I'm guessing that it's build-up residue. Any suggestions for how to get rid of it? Soaking hasn't worked; it's just as sticky.

Thanks for any help!

[mamax2]

Do you use cooking spray in the pan? If so, that's what it's from and I'm afraid to say I'm not aware of any way to get rid of it. You just have to use real butter/oil instead of the canned stuff. My DH has messed up a couple of our pans this way.

[Hello Kitty]

Yeah, avoid the sprays or at least use something like a mister or Mazola Pure. You should be able to get it off - try a degreaser and a soft cloth (and a lot of patience) If you don't have a degreaser, use some real Dawn.

[eponymous]

These pans have never been sprayed with non-stick spray, because I'm allergic to the additive used. What's a degreaser? I've tried soaking it with dishsoap in it, but maybe I need a stronger detergent?

[HeatherFL]

I think Barkeeper's Friend (http://www.barkeepersfriend.com) can be used on non-stick. It's not abrasive (though it looks like Comet) and it's not tested on animals. It cost me like $3 at Williams-Sonoma.

~H.

[Hello Kitty]

Eponymous - I have this Zepp (I think) orange degreaser from Home Depot that I got as a sample. It works really well to take that off, though I always get oily buildup on the outside of my pan, go figure.

[tlew12778]

You can use vinegar.

[eponymous]

An update: nothing worked and I had essentially given up on my larger pan, when the exact same thing happened to my smaller pan! I was so upset and figured that since I had nothing to lose, I might as well try using the hard-mesh side of my sponges, which are the brand recommended by Calphalon as being safest for their pots/pans.

Lo, it worked! All that food build-up came right off with some elbow grease. XH was responsible for all of the dish washing, and apparently I never learned how to properly clean the pans. :o