How to Restore Bakelite Pan Handles

How to Restore Bakelite Pan Handles
Published: Oct 14, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

If you have a pan with Bakelite handles, a little bit of care and attention will restore the bright glossy finish and have your pan looking like new.

Things You Will Need

  • Warm soapy water
  • Clean cloths
  • Fine gauge sandpaper
  • Liquid metal polish
  1. Wipe down the handle with warm soapy water to wash away as much of the grime as possible.

  2. Rinse with warm water and dry with a clean cloth.

  3. Buff away deep scratches gently with fine gauge sandpaper.

  4. Apply liquid metal polish in a tight circular motion with a clean cloth. Rub with as much pressure as needed to polish away the accumulation of stains and dirt. Wait for the polish to haze over.

  5. Rub with a clean, dry cloth to remove the polish.

The Drip Cap

  • Bakelite is an early form of plastic that was used to make everything from handles on silverware and pans to clocks and telephones.
  • If you have a pan with Bakelite handles, a little bit of care and attention will restore the bright glossy finish and have your pan looking like new.
  • Rub with a clean, dry cloth to remove the polish.

Photo Credits

coffee pot image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com

coffee pot image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com

Chrissie Reinhart

Chrissie Reinhart has written for various websites including eHow and "Notafied Magazine." She is a full-time real estate investor and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Calvin College.

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