Cast Iron Care: Understanding The Wash Routine

Cast iron pans are a versatile and affordable kitchen essential, perfect for everything from searing steaks to baking cakes. However, one common concern is how often they should be washed and cleaned. While some people believe that cast iron pans are high-maintenance and need to be treated delicately, this is not entirely true. With proper care and maintenance, your cast iron pan can last a lifetime. Here's what you need to know about washing your cast iron pan.

How to wash a cast iron pan

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

As tempting as it might be to let the pan sit while you enjoy your freshly prepared meal, taking a few minutes to care for your cast iron immediately after you use it will save you a lot of time later. That’s because stuck-on food hardens as it cools.

Step 2: Clean with hot water and no soap

Hot water will help loosen food that's stuck to the pan. Scrub the pan firmly with a cast-iron scrubber. While some sources say that a small amount of mild dish soap is fine, others say that soap should be avoided as it strips the pan's seasoning.

Step 3: Remove stuck-on food

For stuck-on food, scrub the pan with a paste of coarse kosher salt and water, then rinse or wipe with a paper towel. The abrasion of the salt helps lift the food away. If the food still won’t come off, try boiling a little water in the pan first.

Step 4: Dry the pan

Dry your pan thoroughly with paper towels or a lint-free cloth, otherwise, it will rust. To make sure it's really dry, place it on the stove and gently heat until all the water evaporates.

Step 5: Oil the pan

Using a cloth or paper towel, apply a light coat of vegetable oil or another neutral oil to the inside of the skillet. Some people also like to oil the outside of the skillet. Buff to remove any excess.

Step 6: Put it away

Store the skillet in a dry place. Hang it up, ensuring the hook is strong enough, or stack it with paper towels in between the pans to protect their finish.

Removing Rust from a Cast Iron Pan

To remove rust, scrub your pan with a steel wool scouring pad and a little warm water. You can also use coarse salt if you don't have steel wool, or even half a raw potato and a sprinkle of baking soda.

How to dry a cast iron pan

How to Dry a Cast-Iron Pan

Cast-iron pans are a versatile workhorse in the kitchen, perfect for everything from searing steaks to baking cornbread. However, they do require some special care to keep them in top condition. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to dry your cast-iron pan to ensure it stays rust-free and well-seasoned for years to come.

Step 1: Towel Dry

Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to thoroughly dry your cast-iron pan after washing. It's important to get it as dry as possible with the towel. If you notice any black residue on the towel, don't worry—this is just seasoning and is perfectly normal.

Step 2: Heat Dry

To ensure your pan is completely dry, place it on the stove over low heat or in an oven preheated to 200-300 degrees Fahrenheit. This gentle heat will help evaporate any remaining moisture. It is crucial to get your pan bone dry before moving on to the next step and, eventually, storing it.

Step 3: Oil

After your pan is completely dry, it's time to add a light coat of oil. Using a cloth or paper towel, apply a thin layer of vegetable oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, or any other neutral oil to the inside of the skillet. You can also oil the outside of the pan if you like. Buff the pan with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove any excess oil.

Step 4: Store

Once your pan is thoroughly dry and oiled, it's ready to be stored. Hang it on a strong hook or stack it with paper towels between the pans to protect the finish.

Tips:

• Don't soak your cast-iron pan or leave it in the sink, as this can lead to rust.
• Always dry your cast-iron pan promptly and thoroughly after washing to prevent rust.
• A little bit of soap can be used to wash your cast-iron pan, but be sure to rinse and dry it well afterward.
• Re-season your pan occasionally to keep it in good condition.

How to remove rust from a cast iron pan

Cast iron pans are a versatile workhorse and can last a lifetime. However, they are susceptible to rust if not maintained properly. The protective layer of carbonized oil, known as seasoning, can wear off over time, leaving the pan vulnerable to moisture and rust. But don't worry, removing rust from a cast iron pan is a simple process:

Step 1: Scrub and Wash

Start by scouring the rusty sections with steel wool or a scouring pad. For minor surface rust, you can use a kitchen towel to rub about 1/3 cup of kosher salt into the pan until the rust spots disappear. For more severe cases, you may need to soak the pan in a mixture of equal parts water and distilled white vinegar for up to several hours until the rust softens. After soaking, scrub the pan with a mildly abrasive sponge and warm, soapy water to remove any remaining rust.

Step 2: Dry Thoroughly

After washing, it is crucial to dry the pan completely. Use a paper towel or a lint-free cloth to absorb any remaining moisture. You can also place the pan on the stovetop on low heat for a few minutes to ensure it is entirely dry.

Step 3: Add a Thin Layer of Cooking Oil

Once the pan is dry, add a very thin layer of cooking oil to the entire surface. Use a cloth or lint-free paper towel to apply the oil, ensuring that it is evenly distributed. Be careful not to use too much oil, as this can lead to stickiness.

Step 4: Preheat Oven and Bake

Preheat your oven to between 450-500°F. Place a sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom rack to catch any excess oil. Place the cookware upside down on the center rack to prevent oil from pooling on the cooking surface. Bake for about an hour.

Step 5: Allow to Cool

After baking, turn off the heat and let the cast iron skillet cool down in the oven. This step helps the seasoning cure and adhere to the iron.

Step 6: Reseason the Pan

To maintain your cast iron pan and prevent future rust, it is essential to reseason it regularly. Every time you use the pan, wipe it clean, scrub it gently with warm soapy water, dry it thoroughly, and coat it lightly with another layer of oil. These mini-seasoning sessions will build up protective layers, enhancing the cooking surface and guarding against rust. Repeat the complete seasoning process once or twice a year for regular upkeep.

How to remove stuck-on food from a cast iron pan

Removing stuck-on food from a cast-iron pan can be tricky, but it is possible without damaging the pan's seasoning. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Scrape Off the Food

Use a pan scraper, preferably one supplied by the manufacturer, to gently scrape off as much of the stuck-on food as possible. Avoid using metal utensils or abrasive sponges, as these can scratch your cast iron and ruin its seasoning and finish. If the food is too stubborn, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Simmer Water in the Pan

Pour a small amount of water into the pan and place it on the stovetop. Turn on the heat and simmer the water for 3-5 minutes. This will help loosen the stuck-on food. After simmering, turn off the heat and let the pan cool down before attempting to scrape again.

Step 3: Use a Small Amount of Soap (Optional)

If there is still food stuck to the pan, you can add a very small amount of dish soap to help with the cleaning process. While it was once believed that soap would damage the seasoning, modern dish soap is gentle enough to use in small quantities. Avoid using large amounts of soap, as this can strip the seasoning over time.

Step 4: Scrub with a Soft Brush or Non-Scratch Pad

Use a nylon brush, nonscratch pad, or soft-bristled brush to scrub away any remaining food particles. You can also use a nylon scrubbing pad or a Lodge Chainmail Scrubber, specifically designed for cast iron. Avoid steel wool or metal scrubbers, as these can damage the pan.

Step 5: Rinse, Dry, and Re-Season

Once the pan is clean, rinse it under warm water and dry it promptly and thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. If you notice any black residue on the towel, don't worry—this is just seasoning and is perfectly normal. Finally, rub a light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray onto the surface of the pan. Use a paper towel to wipe the surface until no oil residue remains.

Additional Tips:

• Avoid soaking your cast-iron pan in water, as this can lead to rust.
• If your pan does develop rust, it can be removed by scouring it with warm, soapy water and steel wool. Then, re-season the pan by applying a thin layer of cooking oil and baking it in the oven at 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit for about an hour.
• To prevent food from sticking, add a teaspoon of oil to your pan and heat it gradually before cooking.

How to store a cast iron pan

How to Store a Cast-Iron Pan

Cast-iron pans are a must-have for any home cook. They're versatile, affordable, and boast superior heat retention. But with this versatility comes maintenance. With proper care, your cast-iron cookware can last a lifetime or more. Here are some tips on how to store your cast-iron pan to ensure its longevity:

• Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning your cast-iron pan, it is crucial to ensure it is thoroughly dried before storing. Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to dry the pan, and if you notice any black residue, don't worry, as this is just seasoning. You can also place the pan on the stove and gently heat it until all the water evaporates.
• Oil Lightly: Once the pan is dry, apply a light coat of vegetable oil or shortening to the inside of the skillet. You can use a cloth or paper towel for this step. Buff the pan to remove any excess oil, ensuring there is no oily residue left.
• Store in a Dry Place: After oiling, put the skillet away in a dry place. Avoid storing it in a damp environment to prevent rust from forming.
• Hang or Stack: You can store your cast-iron pan by hanging it on a strong hook. If you prefer to stack your pans, place paper towels in between them to protect the finish and prevent scraping.
• Re-season if Necessary: If your cast-iron pan is well-seasoned, a small amount of mild soap may be used for cleaning without causing much damage. However, if you notice that the seasoning has worn down, you may need to re-season the pan.

By following these simple steps, you can effectively store your cast-iron pan, ensuring that it remains rust-free and well-maintained for years to come.

Frequently asked questions