The Best Way To Clean And Care For Your Cast Iron Pan

Cast iron pans are durable and can last a long time if maintained properly. While some people believe that cast iron pans should not be washed with soap, this is not true. You can use a small amount of mild dish soap to clean your cast iron pan. However, it is important to thoroughly dry the pan after washing to prevent rust. In addition to soap, you can use a cast iron scrubber, nylon scrubbing brush, or steel wool to remove stuck-on food. After washing and drying, season the pan by rubbing a light layer of cooking oil on its surface.

Use hot water and a scrubbing brush, steel wool or a copper cleaning cloth

To clean a cast-iron pan, you can use hot water and a scrubbing brush, steel wool, or a copper cleaning cloth. This method is effective for removing cooked-on food residue, dried sauces, and gravies. It is important to note that you should not use soap when cleaning cast iron, as it can strip away the seasoning. If you do use soap, make sure to rinse the pan thoroughly and re-season it afterward.

To clean your cast-iron pan using this method, start by scrubbing away any food residue with hot water and a scrubbing brush, steel wool, or a copper cleaning cloth. You can also use kosher salt, a scrubber, and neutral oil to help scrub away stubborn residue. If there are super stubborn bits, you can leave the pan to soak in water overnight, although this may cause slight rusting. Alternatively, you can add boiling water to the pan to help loosen the residue.

Once you have removed all the residue, rinse the pan well and pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Make sure to dry the pan thoroughly, as water droplets can cause rusting. After drying, rub the pan with a food-safe cooking oil, such as olive oil or vegetable oil, to keep it looking like new. Wipe away any excess oil with a kitchen towel or paper towel.

Avoid using soap

Why You Should Avoid Using Soap on Cast Iron Pans

Cast iron pans are a versatile and durable piece of cookware that can last a lifetime if properly cared for. One of the most common misconceptions about cast iron pans is that you should never wash them with soap. This belief stems from the idea that soap will damage the seasoning—the thin layer of polymerized oil that gives the pan its non-stick properties.

While it is true that soap is designed to remove oil, in a properly seasoned cast iron pan, the oil has already broken down and bonded to the surface of the metal. As a result, the surfactants in dish soap should not affect the seasoning. However, it is still recommended to avoid using large amounts of soap as it can be difficult to thoroughly remove all traces of soap from the pan, which could impact the taste of your next meal.

Instead of soap, you can use a small amount of coarse salt, a scrubber, and neutral oil to scrub away any mess. This method is not only effective but also ensures that your pan remains seasoned and ready for your next culinary creation.

Additionally, it is important to note that if you do use soap, it is not the end of the world. Simply rinse the pan well and then re-season it with a thin layer of oil. This process will restore the non-stick properties and have your pan looking and performing like new.

Dry the pan on the stove

Drying your cast iron pan on the stove is an effective way to ensure that all moisture has evaporated, preventing rust. Leaving your pan to air dry may not be sufficient in humid climates, so placing it on a low heat is a good way to guarantee that your pan is completely dry.

To dry your pan on the stove, place it on a low heat until all the water evaporates. You can then wipe the inside with an oiled paper towel. Use a neutral oil, such as vegetable, canola, grapeseed or olive oil. Rub the oil into the surface of the pan with a paper towel, ensuring that there is only a thin coating and no oil residue remains.

Drying your pan on the stove is a good way to ensure that your cast iron remains rust-free. However, it is important to note that leaving the pan on the heat for too long can cause damage. If you forget about your pan and it is exposed to high heat for a prolonged period, it may need to be restored.

It is also worth noting that cast iron pans should be dried promptly after washing. This is because, if left to air dry, water droplets may cause rust.

Use a small amount of oil to rub the pan once it's dry

Once your cast iron pan is dry, it's time to rub a very light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray onto its surface. You can use a paper towel to wipe the surface until no oil residue remains. This step is important as it helps to create a rust-resistant, non-stick surface on your pan. It is recommended to use neutral oils like vegetable, canola, grapeseed, or flaxseed oil.

When applying the oil, make sure you only use a small amount and rub it in thoroughly. You don't want a thick slick of oil on your pan, as this will result in a sticky, gummy mess. A super-thin coating is ideal. Buff the oil out until the pan looks dry. You don't need to worry about using too little oil, as there will still be enough to do its job.

If you've stripped your pan down with steel wool and are seasoning it from scratch, you may need to repeat the oiling process a few times. However, if you're just doing routine maintenance, one round of seasoning should be enough.

After oiling, place the pan in the oven, upside down, and bake at a high temperature for about an hour. This will help to create a smooth, hard finish. Once the pan is done, turn off the oven and let the pan cool down slowly inside.

By following these steps, you'll be able to maintain a well-seasoned cast iron pan that will keep getting better with age.

Store with a paper towel covering the cooking surface

To keep your cast iron pan in good condition, it's important to clean and store it properly. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your cast iron pan with a paper towel covering the cooking surface:

• Clean your cast iron pan promptly after each use. This is important to prevent stuck-on food from hardening and becoming more difficult to remove. Use hot water and a cast-iron scrubber or a stiff brush to scrub away any food residue. Avoid using soap, as it can strip the seasoning from your pan. For stubborn, stuck-on food, you can simmer a small amount of water in the pan for 3-5 minutes, then use a pan scraper after it has cooled. Alternatively, you can use coarse salt and a dry towel to create an abrasive cleaning mixture. You can also try adding boiling water to the pan to loosen stubborn residue.
• Dry your cast iron pan thoroughly. Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to wipe down the pan until it is completely dry. It is crucial to remove all moisture to prevent rusting. You can place the pan on the stove and heat it gently to ensure all water evaporates.
• Apply a light coating of cooking oil. Once the pan is clean and dry, add a thin layer of vegetable oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, or any other neutral cooking oil to the surface. You can also use a seasoning spray for this step. Use a paper towel to wipe the surface until no oil residue remains. This step helps to maintain the seasoning of your cast iron pan and prevents rusting.
• Store your cast iron pan with a paper towel covering the cooking surface. Choose a paper towel that is durable and lint-free to avoid leaving residue on the pan. Place the paper towel directly on the cooking surface of the pan to protect it from dust and other contaminants. Make sure your pan is completely dry before storing it to prevent rusting. You can also hang your pan or stack it with paper towels in between to protect the finish.

By following these steps, you will help maintain the quality and longevity of your cast iron pan. Proper cleaning and storage are essential to ensure your pan remains in good condition and performs well for many years.

Frequently asked questions