Caring For Cast Iron: A Guide To Restoring And Maintaining Vintage Pans

Cast iron pans are not as delicate as you may think, and contrary to popular belief, they can be washed with soap and water. In fact, cast iron is virtually indestructible. The key to maintaining your cast iron pans is to keep them dry and lightly oiled. Cast iron has only one known weakness: moisture. Therefore, it is important to ensure your pan is completely dry by placing it on a warm burner or in the oven after washing. Always oil the pan after drying to prevent rust and create a non-stick surface.

How to Care for Old Cast Iron Pans

Cleaning cast iron pans with soap and water

Cast iron pans are known for being durable and long-lasting, and they can be washed with soap and water without causing damage. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning your cast iron pan with soap and water:

Step 1: Wash with Soap and Water

Use a small amount of mild dish soap and a sponge or stiff brush to wash your cast iron pan. You can fill the pan with hot water and add a bit of soap, or apply the soap directly to the brush. Scrub away any stuck-on food particles. Avoid using steel wool or metal scrubbers as they can damage the pan's seasoning. If you have stubborn, stuck-on food, simmer a small amount of water in the pan for 3-5 minutes, then use a wooden spatula, a pan scraper, or a nylon scrubbing brush to remove the residue once the pan has cooled.

Step 2: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue. Dry the pan promptly and thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. Make sure to dry both the inside and outside of the pan completely to prevent rust. You can also place the pan on a warm burner or in a warm oven to ensure it is completely dry.

Step 3: Re-Season the Pan

After washing and drying, it is important to re-season your cast iron pan to maintain its natural non-stick quality. This process is simple and only requires a light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray. Rub the oil or spray onto the surface of the pan, inside and out, using a paper towel. Wipe away any excess oil until no residue remains.

Step 4: Store in a Dry Place

Once your pan is clean, dry, and re-seasoned, store it in a dry place until you're ready to use it again.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean and maintain your cast iron pans using soap and water. While cast iron pans are known for their durability, it is important to treat them with care and avoid harsh cleaning methods like steel wool or metal scrubbers.

Drying cast iron pans

You can also place the pan on a warm burner or in the oven to ensure it is completely dry. This is a good way to remove any last traces of moisture and prevent rust. Once you have hand-dried the pan with a towel, place it over a high flame or on a burner set to high heat. The heat will speed up evaporation and guarantee that the pan is totally dry.

If you 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 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 pan in the oven upside down and bake at a high temperature for an hour. Allow the pan to cool and repeat the process as necessary until the classic black patina is achieved.

Oiling cast iron pans

Oiling is an essential part of cast iron pan care. Cast iron "seasoning" is the process of bonding polymerised oil onto the metal pan, creating a rust-resistant and non-stick surface.

To oil your cast iron pan, start by ensuring it is thoroughly dry. Place the pan on a warm burner or in the oven to ensure it is completely dry. Then, pour a little oil—any cooking oil will work—into the pan and wipe it around the surface. Use a paper towel to wipe the surface until no oil residue remains. You want to ensure that the pan appears to not have been oiled at all. If you leave oil residue, it may become sticky and rancid.

You can also place the pan over a burner set to high heat for a couple of minutes until the pan is heated through and lightly smoking. This helps to lay down one bonus layer of protective seasoning.

Repeat the oiling process after each wash to maintain the seasoning and ensure your pan remains non-stick.

Heating cast iron pans

Heating is an important part of caring for cast iron pans. Cast iron pans should be heated during the cleaning process, after they have been washed and dried. This is because water is the enemy of cast iron, so heating the pan on a burner set to high heat will speed up evaporation, driving off any last bit of moisture and guaranteeing that the pan is totally dry.

Heating is also important when it comes to seasoning cast iron pans. Seasoning is a protective coating created by rubbing the pan with oil and then heating it. Heating the pan after it has been oiled will create an extremely thin, plastic-like coating. As those layers build up, the pan becomes increasingly protected against rusting.

It is recommended that you heat your cast iron pan on a burner set to high heat for a couple of minutes, until the pan is heated through and lightly smoking. You can also do this in the oven for more even heating, although this is less convenient as part of a daily ritual.

Storing cast iron pans

Cast iron pans are heavy-duty and can last for decades with the correct maintenance. Here are some tips for storing cast iron pans:

• Keep cast iron pans in a cool and dry place.
• Only store cast iron when it is clean and absolutely dry to prevent rusting.
• Wrap cast iron pans in paper towels to protect their surface from scratches.
• Store cast iron pans in a dedicated storage space, such as a cabinet or cupboard, that is safe, secure, and dry.
• If you are running out of cupboard space or if your pans are too large, store them on the stovetop or in the oven.
• Install hooks on the wall to hang your cast iron pans, keeping them away from the sink to avoid moisture.
• Do not store food in cast iron pans as it can react with the cast iron and attract moisture, leading to rusting.
• If storing cast iron pans for a long time, scrub off the seasoning and any residue, dry thoroughly, wrap in paper towels, and store in a safe and secure cupboard.
• To prevent rusting, avoid soaking cast iron pans in water, dry them thoroughly after use, and layer with vegetable oil or another oil with a high smoke point.

Frequently asked questions