You could always just build a fire in your fireplace. Even if it was mold, I suspect that that would handle the issue pretty easily.

Many here have given you the correct answer that there is no such thing as BIFL non stick pans, and that a good option is to buy a set of quality stainless pans and a nonstick skillet or two for your wife that you will expect to replace every year or two so don't buy expensive ones.

As a way forward, my suggestion would be that once you do the above to validate her feelings and show that you value her preferences, get some carbon steel pans and learn how to properly season and care for them and gently teach/encourage her to use them.

A quality, Well seasoned, carbon steel pans are BIFL and are the most nonstick best replacement for ptfe pans that are.

Quality ones also don't have to be super expensive.

The felt isn't supposed to last. It's not there to make the shoe better. A certain percentage of the sole having felt allows them to have a lower import tarrif charged to the company when they are manufactured in a foreign country. It's something along the lines of being taxed as slippers instead of as shoes. The felt should wear off in a few days so you have full rubber soles. There are a bunch of companies that use this loophole.