Cast Iron Pan Care: To Wash Or Not?

Keeping cast iron pans clean can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. While some people recommend avoiding soap, others say a small amount is fine. What is agreed upon is that you should never put cast iron in the dishwasher or leave it to soak, as this will strip the seasoning and cause rust. To clean, use hot water and a sponge, brush, or scouring pad. For stuck-on food, scrub with salt and water, or try boiling water in the pan. Dry the pan on the stove over low heat, and then apply a light coat of oil to the inside.

How to clean a cast iron pan without soap

Cast iron pans are a versatile and inexpensive kitchen essential. They are durable and can last for generations if cared for properly. Here is a simple guide on how to clean a cast-iron pan without using soap:

Step 1: Wash the Pan

Use hot water and a sponge or stiff brush to wash the pan by hand. Avoid using the dishwasher, soap, or steel wool as these can damage the pan's seasoning. If there is stuck-on food, use a nylon scrubbing brush or a pan scraper to remove it. For stubborn residue, you can simmer a little water in the pan for 3-5 minutes and then use the scraper after it has cooled.

Step 2: Scrub Off Stuck-On Bits

To remove any remaining stuck-on food, create a paste with coarse kosher salt and water, and scrub the pan with it. Then, rinse or wipe the pan with a paper towel. You can also try boiling some water in the pan to loosen the residue.

Step 3: Dry the Pan

Thoroughly dry the pan with a clean cloth or paper towel. Alternatively, you can place the pan on the stove over low heat to ensure all the moisture evaporates. It is important to get the pan completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Oil the Pan

Using a cloth or paper towel, apply a light coat of vegetable oil or canola oil to the inside of the pan. You can also oil the outside if you like. Buff the pan to remove any excess oil, ensuring there is no thick slick of oil remaining.

Step 5: Put it Away

Once the pan is completely dry and cooled, store it in a dry place.

And that's it! Your cast-iron pan is now clean, rust-free, and well-seasoned. With proper care, your cast-iron pan will last for years and may even become a family heirloom.

How to dry a cast iron pan

Drying a cast-iron pan is crucial to prevent rusting and maintain its seasoning. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to dry a cast-iron pan properly:

• After cleaning the pan, remove any remaining water by thoroughly drying it with a clean, lint-free cloth or paper towel. It is normal to see some black residue on your towel, as it is just the seasoning coming off.
• If possible, dry the pan on the stove over low heat. This ensures that all the water evaporates. Place the pan on the stove and gently heat it until you see steam or smoke coming off. This indicates that the water is evaporating.
• Once the pan is dry, you can apply a light coat of oil to the inside of the pan using a cloth or paper towel. This helps maintain the seasoning and prevents rust. Neutral oils with high smoke points, such as vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil, are ideal for this purpose.
• Buff the pan to remove any excess oil. You do not want a thick layer of oil, as it can lead to a sticky or gummy residue.
• Allow the pan to cool completely before storing it in a dry place.

By following these steps, you can effectively dry your cast-iron pan and ensure that it remains in good condition for years to come.

How to season a cast iron pan

Seasoning a cast-iron pan is a simple process that will ensure your cookware lasts for generations. Seasoning is a protective layer of oil baked into the cookware's surface to make the equipment durable, produce heat, and prevent rust. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season your cast-iron pan:

Step 1: Wash and Dry Your Pan

Start by giving your pan a good scrub with warm, soapy water. This is especially important if your pan is new, as you want to ensure any residue or impurities from the manufacturing process or transportation are removed. Dry the pan thoroughly with a towel or cloth. You can also place the pan on a stovetop flame for a minute or two to drive off any lingering water.

Step 2: Apply a Thin Layer of Oil

Using a paper towel, cloth, or brush, apply a thin layer of oil to the entire pan, including the bottom, handle, and outside. You can use a variety of oils, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, corn oil, or flaxseed oil. It is important to ensure that the layer of oil is as thin as possible and that all excess oil is wiped away. The pan should feel practically dry to the touch. Using too much oil will result in a sticky pan.

Step 3: Bake the Pan

Place the oiled pan upside down in the oven. It is recommended to line the rack below with foil or a baking sheet to catch any oil drips. Preheat the oven to between 350-500 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the pan for about an hour. This process will polymerize the oil, creating a hard, plastic-like coating. Baking the pan at a high temperature will also ensure that the seasoning is even and thorough.

Step 4: Cool the Pan

After baking, turn off the oven and allow the pan to cool down completely inside the oven. Do not be tempted to remove the pan until it has cooled, as this can affect the seasoning process.

Step 5: Repeat the Process

If your pan did not come pre-seasoned, or if the seasoning is worn, you may need to repeat the above steps multiple times to build up a good layer of seasoning. It is recommended to season a new pan three to four times before use. Additionally, you should re-season your pan whenever the seasoning is removed or weakened, which can happen when cooking acidic foods or at very high temperatures.

How to remove rust from a cast iron pan

Cast iron pans are a great addition to your kitchen, but they do require some special care. If your cast iron pan has developed rust, don't panic! You can easily restore it to its former glory by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Remove Rust

First, you'll want to get rid of the rust. For minor surface rust, you can use a scouring pad or kitchen towel to rub about 1/3 cup of kosher salt into the surface of the pan. For more serious cases, try one of these methods:

• Soak the pan in a mixture of equal parts water and distilled white vinegar. Keep checking the pan every 15 minutes and remove it once the rust easily flakes away.
• Use a scrubby sponge or steel wool to remove the rust. This will also remove the seasoning, but that's okay because you'll be re-seasoning the pan later.
• For small amounts of rust, you can use a scrubby sponge or scrub brush instead of steel wool. Let the pan soak in a mixture of half vinegar and half water for longer before removing the rust.

Step 2: Scrub and Wash

Once you've removed the rust, it's time to give your pan a good scrub. Wash it with warm, soapy water and a mildly abrasive sponge. This will help remove any lingering rust and residue. You can also use a small amount of mild dish soap. Just be sure to rinse the pan thoroughly afterward.

Step 3: Dry Thoroughly

After washing, dry the pan immediately and thoroughly with a kitchen or paper towel. You can also place it on the stovetop over low heat for a few minutes to ensure it's completely dry. This step is important because any moisture left on the pan can lead to rust.

Step 4: Re-season the Pan

To restore the protective layer on your cast iron, you'll need to re-season it. Here's how:

• Preheat your oven to between 450-500°F (230-260°C).
• Using a cloth or paper towel, apply a very thin, even layer of cooking oil to the entire surface of the pan, inside and out. Go easy on the oil—you just want a thin layer.
• Place aluminum foil or a baking sheet on the bottom rack of the oven to catch any excess oil.
• Put your pan upside down on the center rack of the oven and bake for about an hour.
• Turn off the heat and allow the pan to cool in the oven. This helps the seasoning cure and adhere to the iron.

And that's it! Your cast iron pan should now be rust-free and ready to use. Just be sure to properly clean, dry, and season your pan regularly to prevent rust from coming back.

How to store a cast iron pan

To store a cast-iron pan, first ensure it is clean and dry. You can clean a cast-iron pan by washing it in hot water by hand (cast-iron pans should not be put in the dishwasher). You can use a small amount of mild dish soap, but this is not necessary, and some sources recommend against it. If there is stuck-on food, you can use a wooden spoon or soft-bristled brush to remove it, or you can use a pan scraper or nylon scrubbing brush. For stubborn, stuck-on food, you can simmer a little water for 3-5 minutes and then use the scraper after the pan has cooled. You can also try using a paste of coarse kosher salt and water to scrub off stuck-on bits. Once the pan is clean, dry it thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel, or by placing it on the stove over low heat.

Once the pan is clean and dry, you can store it in a dry place. You can hang it, or stack it with paper towels in between pans to protect the finish.

Frequently asked questions