Cleaning Cast Iron: Pan Support Maintenance Simplified

Keeping your cast iron pan supports clean can be a challenge, especially with food and grease building up over time as you cook daily. The good news is that there are several effective methods for restoring your pan supports to their original, germ-free, shiny state. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving that sparkling clean look:

How to Clean Cast Iron Pan Supports

Soak in hot water

To clean cast iron pan supports, it is recommended to soak them in hot water. This method is effective in removing food debris and grease that may have built up over time. Here is a step-by-step guide for cleaning cast iron pan supports using the soaking method:

• Remove the pan supports from the stove: Before beginning the cleaning process, ensure that you have removed the pan supports from the stove. This will allow you to access all the surfaces and areas that need to be cleaned.
• Fill the sink with hot water: Fill your sink with very hot water. The temperature of the water is important as it helps to loosen and dissolve the grease and stubborn stains. If your pan supports are too large to fit in your sink, you can use a bathtub instead. Just make sure to place a rubber non-slip mat in the tub to prevent scratches.
• Add washing powder or detergent: For an extra boost of cleaning power, add some washing powder or a mild detergent to the water. You can also apply the washing powder directly to any stubborn spots on the pan supports before soaking them. This will help target those areas that need extra attention.
• Soak the pan supports: Completely submerge the pan supports in the hot water and let them soak for about 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, the hot water and detergent work together to loosen and break down any food debris, grease, or burnt-on residue.
• Scrub the pan supports: After soaking, use a nylon scrubber, a dishwashing brush, or steel wool pad saturated with dish soap to scrub the pan supports. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies for a thorough clean. If using steel wool, add the dish soap directly to the water and ensure the pan supports are fully wet while scrubbing.
• Rinse and dry: Once you have finished scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the pan supports with clean water to remove any remaining detergent. Finally, dry the pan supports completely before putting them back onto the stove. This step is crucial to prevent rusting and maintaining the condition of your cast iron pan supports.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean your cast iron pan supports using the soaking method. Remember to perform this cleaning routine regularly to prevent the buildup of grease and stains, making the process quicker and easier each time.

Use a nylon scrubber

To clean cast iron pan supports, you should first soak them in a sink full of very hot water. You can add some washing powder to this water to give it an extra kick. Leave the pan supports to soak for about 15 minutes to loosen any food debris and grease. If your pan supports are too large to fit in your sink, you can soak them in the bath. Place a rubber non-slip mat at the bottom of the bath to prevent scratches.

Next, it's time to scrub. Saturate a nylon scrubber with washing-up liquid and scrub the pan supports all over, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. If your pan supports are particularly greasy, you may prefer to use steel wool instead. If so, add the washing-up liquid to the water and ensure the pan supports are thoroughly wet while scrubbing them with the steel wool.

Once you have finished scrubbing, dry the pan supports thoroughly before putting them back. This will prevent them from becoming rusty.

Avoid the dishwasher

Cast iron pan supports should not be cleaned in the dishwasher. This is because the dishwasher can tarnish the cast iron. The wash solution used in dishwashers contains salt, which can damage the finish of the cast iron.

If you are looking for a quicker way to clean your cast iron pan supports, it is better to add cleaning them to your weekly list of household chores. This will be a much simpler process if done frequently, as food and grease will not have as much time to build up.

In addition to avoiding the dishwasher, it is also not advisable to use any products containing bleach, chlorine, or lemon juice on cast iron pan supports. These liquids may cause damage to the cast iron.

Dry thoroughly

Drying your cast iron pan supports thoroughly is a crucial step in the cleaning process. Leaving your pan supports damp can lead to rusting, which will damage them. To dry your pan supports, use a clean cloth to wipe them down. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies to ensure that no water is left behind. If your pan supports are small enough to fit in your kitchen sink, you can also dry them there after rinsing. Fill the sink with warm water and washing-up liquid, and then place the pan supports in the water to soak. After they've soaked for a few minutes, rinse them with clear water and dry them off well.

If your pan supports are too large to fit in your kitchen sink, you can try soaking them in the bath. Buy a cheap, rubber non-slip mat to lay them on, so they don't scratch your tub. Cover them with warm water and washing-up liquid, and then rinse them in clear water and dry them thoroughly afterward.

It's important to note that you should avoid using a dishwasher to clean your cast iron pan supports, as it can tarnish them. Additionally, make sure to dry your pan supports before putting them back into use to prevent rusting.

Use a neutral detergent

To clean cast iron pan supports, it is recommended to use a neutral detergent, such as washing-up liquid mixed with warm water. This method is also suitable for cleaning cast iron furniture.

First, fill your sink with warm water and add a small amount of washing-up liquid. Place the pan supports in the sink and let them soak for around 15 minutes. This will help to loosen any food debris and grease that has built up. If your pan supports are too large to fit in your sink, you can try soaking them in the bath instead. Just make sure to place a rubber non-slip mat in the bath first to protect the surface.

After soaking, scrub the pan supports with a nylon brush or sponge. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies to remove any stubborn, dried-on food particles. For particularly tough grease and grime, you can use a brass bristle BBQ brush or even steel wool.

Once you have finished scrubbing, be sure to rinse the pan supports thoroughly with clear water to remove any detergent residue. Finally, dry the pan supports completely with a clean cloth or paper towel before putting them back to avoid rusting.

Frequently asked questions