I. Introduction
Cooking with cast iron pans is an excellent way to make flavorful, evenly cooked meals. However, cleaning these pans can be tough, and if done improperly, it can lead to damaging the pan. In this article, we will share how to clean cast iron pans, what tools you will need, and offer tips and tricks for maintaining and restoring these pieces of cookware.
II. Step-by-step guide on how to clean cast iron pans
When we think about cleaning cast iron pans, we can get a hesitation but cleaning cast iron pans isn’t as difficult as you might believe. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly clean and care for your cast iron pans.
Preparing the pan for cleaning
The first step to cleaning a cast iron pan is to prepare it for cleaning. This means removing any excess food or residue from the surface. You can do this by using a spatula or scraper specifically designed for cast iron pans. Alternatively, you can also use kosher salt as an abrasive to scrape off any leftovers. Once any residues are removed, the pan is ready for cleaning.
Using hot water and a sponge to clean the pan
After preparing the pan for cleaning, the next step is to use hot water and a sponge to clean the pan. Avoid using soap as it can remove the pan’s seasoning. With a wet sponge or cloth, scrub the pan thoroughly until it’s clean. If needed, use a small amount of salt to help remove stubborn food pieces. Avoiding the use of steel Wool or any abrasive cleaner as it can damage the pan’s surface.
Drying the pan completely
After washing the pan, dry thoroughly using a clean towel or place the pan on low heat to evaporate any remnants of water. Make sure the pan is entirely dry to avoid rust growth or damage to the seasoning
Seasoning the pan with oil
The last step in cleaning a cast iron pan is to season the pan with oil. This will protect the pan from rusting and gives it a non-stick surface. To do this, rub a small amount of oil like vegetable oil over the pan with a paper towel. You can leave the oil on the plan or bake it in the oven after coating it with oil. Bear in mind that you shouldn’t drop oil in the pan, as the excess oil will become sticky and make your cast iron cookware sticky as well.
III. The best tools to clean cast iron pans
Although washing cast iron pans using hot water and a sponge is an effective way to clean it, it may not always remove the toughest stains from the surface. Here are additional tools that you can use and how to use it effectively.
Chainmail Scrubbers
A chainmail scrubber is a stainless-steel mesh scrubber that is used to scrub the surface of cast iron pans. It’s particularly helpful in removing stubborn bits and pieces on the surface without being too abrasive or damaging the seasoned thin layer of oil. To use this tool, run warm water to the pan to soften any residue. Scrub lightly using a circular motion until the surface is clean. After that, finish with warm water, dry it well, and season the pan as usual.
Kosher Salt
One of the best ways to get your cast iron pans clean is by using kosher salt. It’s particularly useful for removing burnt food residue. Salt is abrasive, which makes it an excellent scrubber for removing dried bits of food. To use kosher salt, pour a small amount on the pan’s surface, use a damp cloth or sponge to scrub the salt until the pan is clean. After rinsing, dry with a towel and oil before storing.
IV. Tips and tricks for maintaining your cast iron cookware
Here are some helpful tips to maintain your cast iron cookware:
Avoid sudden temperature changes
A sudden shift in temperature could damage the pan and cause it to crack. Refrain from placing your hot pan directly in cold water or pouring cold water into a hot pan. The change in temperature can warp or crack the pan, resulting in significant damage to your cookware.
Don’t soak your cast iron
No matter how morose it sounds, do not soak your cast iron as it could cause it to rust. Wetness has a tendency to start the rusting process. If you must simmer something on the stove or soak for any reason, do that within a specific time frame and dry it with a towel as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
Season the pan to prevent rusting
Seasoning your cast iron is the ultimate solution to prevent rusting and add non-stick properties to the pan’s surface. A well-seasoned pan prevents food from sticking to the pan during cooking.
V. DIY cleaning solutions for cast iron
The following DIY natural cleaning solutions are effective for cleaning cast iron pans:
Vinegar and Baking Soda Mixture
To remove oils, seasonings, and the stubbornest residue from your cast iron pan, try cleaning it with vinegar and baking soda. In a bowl, blend 1 tbsp of baking soda and 1/4 cup white vinegar. Watch the mixture fizzle, then pour it on your cast iron seasoned pan and shake it. Rinse the mixture away from the pan with hot water. Wipe away the moisture, then oil and keep the pan.
Lemon Juice
For a practical and economic solution, you can rub a lemon half with coarse salt over your pan lightly. The acid in the lemon can remove stains and prepare your cast iron for the next cookware.
VI. Common mistakes to avoid when cleaning cast iron
Many common mistakes can be made when cleaning a cast iron pan. Here are a few to avoid:
Soaking the pan
Soaking the cast iron pan is a no-no. Always remember that cast iron pans must be avoided from soaking as it promotes rust and results in the pan’s warping from the weight of the water.
Using soap or steel wool
Soap and steel wool can strip the pan’s seasoning and leave them prone to rusting. Soap mixed with hot water can wash away a portion of the seasoning that guards the pan’s surface and adds non-stick benefits to cooking. Steel wool can destabilize the pan’s seasoning and inflict scratches on its cooking surface.
VII. How to restore rusty cast iron pans
If you notice rust on your cast iron pan, you can remove it and restore the pan’s surface by following these steps:
Using Vinegar
Add enough white vinegar to the pan, then heat it over medium heat until it boils, then remove it from the heat and let it cool. Scrub the pan with a scrub pad after boiling and then rinse and season as usual.
Using Baking Soda
Mix enough baking soda to make a paste, then spread it in the rusty areas of your pan. Leave it there for 15 minutes. Using a scrub pad, scrub the rusty areas. Wipe the debris off the pan with a soft cloth after rinsing it with hot water. Oil the cast iron pan and bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
VIII. Conclusion
Cleaning and maintaining cast iron pans don’t have to be intimidating. Following the right cleaning techniques with the tools available could keep your cookware looking new for years to come. Remember to season it, avoid soaking, or using soap regularly, as they can damage its quality. With frequent cleaning, your cast iron pans will provide you with delicious meals and reliability, and you won’t have to fear cleaning them.
