Cleaning Cast Iron: How To Know It's Clean?

Cast iron pans are a great addition to your kitchen, but they do require some special care. They can handle heavy-duty cooking, but this often means there's a lot of mess to clean up afterward. The good news is that no matter how you prefer to clean your pan, it can take it. Here's what you need to know to get your cast iron pan clean and ready for your next culinary adventure.

How do I know my cast iron pan is clean?

Use a small amount of soap to clean your cast iron pan

While some people advise against using soap on cast iron pans, others claim that a small amount of soap can be used to clean cast iron cookware. Large amounts of soap can strip the seasoning off your pan, but you can easily reseason it. Mild dish soap and hot water can be used to wash your cast iron pan, followed by drying it thoroughly with a dish towel. You can also put it in the oven or on the stovetop over low heat to ensure that all the moisture evaporates. It is important to get your pan completely dry before storing it, as any remaining moisture can cause rusting. After drying, coat the pan with a thin layer of neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable oil, and rub it all over the inside and outside of the pan with a paper towel or clean rag.

If your pan has stuck-on food, you can try using kosher salt, water, and a scrub brush to remove it. Add 1/4 cup of kosher salt and a few drops of warm water to the pan while it is warm, not hot. Then, use a non-abrasive sponge or scrub brush to gently scrub and remove the stuck-on food. The salt will dissolve as you scrub and will not damage the seasoning. Wash, dry, and wipe the pan with oil as usual.

For very stubborn stuck-on food, you can try the boiling water method. Add 1 to 2 cups of water to the pan and bring it to a boil. If the food does not come off on its own, use a wooden spatula to safely scrape it up. Afterward, wash, dry, and wipe the pan with oil.

Don't soak your cast iron pan in water

Leaving your cast iron pan to soak in the sink is a surefire way to ruin it. Cast iron is porous, meaning that long exposure to water will cause it to soak up the moisture and eventually rust. While a short soak won't do much harm, it's best avoided for fear of forgetting about it and ruining the cure you've worked so hard to develop.

If you have stuck-on food residue, it's better to bring the pan to a boil with a few cups of water in it and scrape off the mess with the help of warm water. Dump the warm water and gunk, then clean, dry, oil, and store the skillet as usual.

If you do accidentally leave your pan in water for too long and it develops rust, don't panic! With a little extra care, you can remove the rust and continue using your cast iron cookware. Scour the rusty pan with warm, soapy water and steel wool. Rinse and hand dry thoroughly, then apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the cookware (inside and out). Place the cookware in the oven upside down on the top rack, with a baking sheet or aluminium foil on the bottom rack to catch any excess oil. Bake at 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour, then allow to cool.

Clean your cast iron pan with hot water

Cleaning a cast-iron pan is easy, but it requires a bit of care. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning your cast-iron pan with hot water:

Step 1: Clean the pan while it's still hot

The first step is to clean your cast-iron pan while it is still hot, as this will save you a lot of time later. Stuck-on food hardens as it cools, so cleaning it while the pan is still hot will make it easier to remove.

Step 2: Clean the pan with hot water

Now, fill your cast-iron pan with hot water. You can also add a couple of pinches of coarse kosher salt to the pan to help scrub off any stuck-on food. Then, using a stiff-bristled brush made of natural fibres or plastic, scrub the inside of the pan. Avoid using a wire brush or steel wool, as these can be too abrasive and damage the pan's surface.

If there is still food stuck to the pan, try boiling some water in the pan for a few minutes to help loosen it. You can also use a wide spatula to gently dislodge any remaining food scraps while the water is still boiling.

Step 3: Rinse and dry the pan

After scrubbing the pan, rinse it with more hot water and then dry it thoroughly. You can use paper towels or a lint-free cloth to dry the pan. Make sure that no moisture remains on the pan, as this can lead to rust.

Step 4: Oil the pan

Once the pan is dry, apply a light coat of vegetable oil, canola oil, or flaxseed oil to the inside of the skillet. You can use a cloth or paper towel to rub the oil into the surface. This will help the pan retain its seasoning and prevent rust.

Step 5: Store the pan

Finally, store your cast-iron pan in a dry place. If your pan has a lid, leave the lid slightly ajar to improve air circulation and prevent humidity from building up inside the pan.

By following these steps, you can keep your cast-iron pan clean, well-seasoned, and rust-free for years to come.

Use salt and a dry towel to remove stuck-on food

If you're struggling with stuck-on food in your cast iron pan, kosher salt and a dry towel can be a great solution. This method is perfect for pans with food that is lightly stuck on or for when you've cooked something smelly like fish.

Start by sprinkling coarse salt into your skillet. You can also use cornmeal or another abrasive agent. Then, take a dry towel and scrub the pan. The abrasion of the salt helps to lift the food away, and using a dry towel amplifies your scrubbing power. If the food still won't budge, try adding a few drops of warm water to the pan and scrub again.

Once the stuck-on food is removed, be sure to dry your pan thoroughly. Cast iron is susceptible to rust, so it's important to ensure your pan is completely dry before storing it. You can use a paper towel or dish towel, but make sure it's one that you don't mind getting stained, as the black residue from your pan may come off on the towel.

To finish up, rub your pan down with a light layer of oil. This will help to restore the non-stick properties of your cast iron and prepare it for your next cooking adventure.

Dry your cast iron pan thoroughly to prevent rusting

Drying your cast iron pan is an important step in the cleaning process to prevent rusting. Here are some detailed instructions on how to ensure your cast iron pan is thoroughly dried:

Firstly, it is important to note that cast iron pans should not be soaked in water or left to air dry, as this can lead to rusting. Instead, use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to dry the pan promptly and thoroughly after washing. If you notice any black residue on your towel, don't worry, as this is just seasoning and is perfectly normal.

Secondly, to ensure that all moisture is removed, place the pan on the stove and gently heat it until all the water evaporates. This step is crucial, as cast iron is very susceptible to moisture retention, which can lead to rusting if not properly addressed.

Finally, once the pan is dry, it is essential to rub a light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray onto its surface. Use a paper towel to wipe the surface until no oil residue remains. This step helps to create a protective barrier against moisture and rust.

By following these simple steps, you can effectively dry your cast iron pan and prevent rusting, ensuring the longevity and quality of your cookware.

Frequently asked questions