The Paper Towel Hack That Can Keep Cookware In Tip Top Shape

Stacking your pans in your kitchen cabinet is one of the many ways to organize cookware, especially if you're working with limited storage. However, did you know that stacking them bare can make them prone to surface damage? While normal wear and tear can be expected over time, a protective layer in between each pan can extend its durability. A quick, easy, and low-effort solution is to place a paper towel between each pan before stacking. This will help your cookware retain its good condition for far longer by preventing scratches, chipping, and other issues that can affect the quality of your treasured pans.

Paper towels are a kitchen staple, making them a readily available solution for many households. The product's soft yet durable texture comes from virgin wood pulp, which is what most brands use, with some manufacturers applying embossed patterns as a way to absorb moisture more effectively. On the other hand, some paper towel brands use recycled fibers, which is great for households looking for eco-friendly yet accessible material to clean their kitchens and stack their cookware safely.

When it comes to storage and everyday care, it is important to protect your cookware from any sort of surface damage. While cast iron and stainless steel pans are able to withstand abrasive contact to a certain extent, non-stick pans are built differently. This type of cookware is coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), often referred to by the brand name Teflon. And when this coating breaks down into small, microscopic flakes, it can mix into your food — which raises certain health and food safety concerns.

Whether you use cast iron, stainless steel, or non-stick cookware, lining paper towels in between each pan provides a protective layer for whenever they slide, shift, or get lifted in and out of storage. To do this hack properly, simply place one to three clean sheets of paper towel, depending on the cushioning you would want, in between each pan before stacking. With repeated or regular use of your pans, avoid any paper towel mistakes and remember to replace them regularly so they won't trap moisture or any grime over time.