Is it true that adding white vinegar to an iron pot can make it non stick

The statement that adding white vinegar to an iron pot can make it non stick is not entirely correct. This method can only improve the smoothness of the pot surface in the short term and cannot truly achieve the non stick effect. The key factors for anti sticking treatment of iron pots include acetic acid reaction, oil film formation, temperature control, usage habits, and coating differences.

The surface of the iron pot reacts with acetic acid in white vinegar, which can temporarily dissolve some rust or residue, making the pot surface smoother. But acetic acid cannot form a lasting protective layer on the surface of the iron pot, and food is prone to sticking when cooked at high temperatures. In daily use, iron pots need to form an oil film through high-temperature carbonization of oil to prevent sticking. White vinegar can only assist in cleaning and cannot replace the protective effect of the oil film. The PTFE coating of the non stick pot is chemically bonded to the pot body, providing high temperature resistance and strong stability. Even after vinegar treatment, the metal surface of the iron pot still lacks the microstructure of the coating, making it unable to resist sticking for a long time. Frequent use of vinegar treatment may accelerate the corrosion of the iron pot and affect its service life. The correct approach is to dry and apply oil after each use, and form an oil film through natural curing of the pot.

Iron pot maintenance should avoid prolonged soaking or scratching with hard objects. Preheat thoroughly and control the oil temperature before cooking. A new pot can be stir fried with fatty pork to form an oil film, then dried and coated with oil for rust prevention after daily cleaning. If pursuing a non stick effect, it is recommended to choose regular non stick pan products. Iron pans are more suitable for dishes that require high-temperature stir frying, and reasonable maintenance can reduce adhesion but cannot fully achieve non stick pan performance.