# Care & Use > For everyday cleaning we recommend hand washing with warm soapy water and a soft sponge While HexClad pots and pans are dishwasher safe using a dishwasher ma Source: https://support.hexclad.com/en_us/care-use-SJBsT6a2c Last updated: 2025-11-20T23:13:30.014Z ### a. Before First Use Before using your HexClad Hybrid Cookware for the first time, it’s important to wash each piece to remove any excess food-grade oil residue left from the hand-polishing process.  1. Simply wash the cookware in warm, soapy water using a neutral pH or everyday dish soap and a soft sponge.  2. Rinse well and dry thoroughly before seasoning. Next, season your HexClad pan to prepare it for optimal performance.  1. Place the pan on your cooktop and turn the heat to medium-low.  2. Add one to two teaspoons of vegetable oil, or another [high smoke point oil](https://www.healthstandnutrition.com/smoke-point-of-oils/), and rub it evenly across the inside of the pan.  3. Let it heat for two to three minutes, then carefully wipe out any excess oil with a paper towel. 4. Your cookware is now ready to use.  5. If you are not ready to cook right away, allow the pan and oil to cool completely before washing it again with warm, soapy water.  Over the first few weeks of use, your HexClad Hybrid Cookware will naturally continue to re-season itself from the fats and oils in the food you cook, improving its nonstick performance over time. ### b. Heat Guidance HexClad cookware is designed to distribute heat efficiently across the cooking surface. Because of this, cooking on medium heat with HexClad will often produce the same results as cooking on medium-high with other cookware brands. We recommend starting at lower temperatures (medium-low) and increasing the heat only if needed. You can use high heat when necessary, but should generally be reserved for specific tasks such as searing or browning meats—for example, achieving a perfect crust on a steak. ⚠ **Risks of Cooking with High Heat When Not Needed:** * Burnt oil residue * Stains or buildup on the surface * Reduced or inconsistent nonstick performance ### c. Everyday Cleaning HexClad cookware features a ceramic nonstick coating, making cleanup simple and efficient. For regular cleaning:  1. Always allow your pan to cool completely before washing.  2. Use a soft, polymer-based sponge and warm, soapy water to hand-wash your cookware. This helps maintain the hybrid surface and keeps your pans looking like new.  3. Be sure to dry the cookware thoroughly before storing it. HexClad cookware is dishwasher safe, and you can use it for convenience. However, consistent dishwasher use may cause the cookware to appear dull or dark over time, as detergents and the heat cycles can affect the finish. Dishwashers vary by brand and age; newer models are generally gentler, while older or defective machines may cause issues. To best preserve your cookware’s shine and performance, hand-wash with a soft sponge and warm, soapy water whenever possible. ### d. Deep Cleaning If you encounter stubborn stains or residue buildup, deep cleaning can easily restore your cookware.  1. Fill the pan with warm, soapy water and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes.  2. Afterwards, clean it as usual with a soft sponge.  3. Rinse well and dry thoroughly. 4. Re-season your cookware after deep cleaning. 5. Above steps removes buildup and helps maintain your cookware’s premium performance and appearance. By following these care and cleaning steps, your HexClad Hybrid Cookware will remain in excellent condition and deliver exceptional cooking results for years to come. ###