Ella Walter
Cast iron pans are a versatile kitchen essential, but they do require some extra care when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. While it's important to keep your cast iron pan well-seasoned, it's also crucial to avoid using too much oil, as this can lead to a sticky residue. To clean a sticky cast iron pan, start by avoiding the dishwasher and any harsh scrubbers or steel wool, as these can damage the seasoning. Instead, use a small amount of mild dish soap, hot water, and a non-abrasive sponge or scrub brush to gently scrub the pan. If there are stubborn bits of food stuck on, you can try adding some kosher salt and scrubbing with a damp sponge, or boiling some water in the pan and using a wooden spatula to loosen the residue. Once the pan is clean, dry it thoroughly and apply a thin layer of cooking oil to prevent rust and maintain the seasoning.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to use | Clean dishtowel or paper towel, soft sponge, coarse salt, vegetable oil, mild dish soap, scouring pad, cast iron pan cleaning brush, spatula, boiling water |
| What not to use | Dishwashers, metal scouring pads, steel wool, metal scrubbers, chainmail scrubbers |
| How to clean | Use a sponge to scrub with water. Add kosher salt and scrub with a damp sponge. Bring water to a boil in the pan and scrub again. Rinse, dry on the stove over medium heat for a few minutes, and coat lightly with vegetable oil. |
What You'll Learn
Use a pan scraper or wooden spatula to remove stuck-on food
To clean a sticky cast iron pan, you can use a pan scraper or a wooden spatula to remove stuck-on food. This is an effective way to clean your cast iron pan without damaging its seasoning.
Firstly, if there are stubborn bits clinging to the pan, you can try bringing a small amount of water to a boil in the skillet. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the water evaporates, then wipe out or scrub the pan again.
After the pan has cooled, use a pan scraper or wooden spatula to gently remove any stuck-on food. For particularly difficult spots, you can use a wooden spatula to scrape them up. You can also use a nylon brush or a nonscratch pad to scrub the pan.
Once you have removed the stuck-on food, be sure to dry the pan thoroughly. You can place the pan on the stovetop over medium heat for a few minutes to ensure it is completely dry.
Finally, apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the pan. Use a paper towel or cloth to rub the oil onto the pan until it is evenly distributed. This will help to maintain the non-stick coating and prevent rusting.
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Simmer water in the pan for 3-5 minutes, then scrape
If your cast iron pan has stubborn, stuck-on food, simmering a little water for 3-5 minutes can help loosen the residue. Here's a step-by-step guide:
First, add just enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. Turn on the stove and let the water simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. The steam and hot water will help soften and loosen any stubborn, stuck-on food. After a few minutes, you should see the residue starting to lift and come off more easily.
Once the time is up, turn off the heat and let the pan cool down. It's important to let the pan cool sufficiently before proceeding to the next step. This usually takes around 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of your pan.
Once the pan is cool, use a pan scraper to gently remove the stuck-on food. The simmering water would have loosened the residue, making it easier to scrape off. If needed, you can also use a nylon scrubbing brush or a Lodge Chainmail Scrubber to assist in removing any remaining residue.
After scraping, rinse the pan under warm water to ensure all the residue is gone. Be sure to thoroughly dry your pan after rinsing. A lint-free cloth or paper towel works well for this step.
Finally, to maintain and protect your cast iron pan, apply a light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray to the surface. Use a paper towel to wipe the surface until no oil residue remains. This step will help prevent rust and maintain the non-stick properties of your cast iron pan.
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Dry the pan thoroughly
Drying your cast iron pan thoroughly is a crucial step in the cleaning process. Leaving your cast iron pan to air dry can lead to rust, so it's important to take the time to dry it properly. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your pan is thoroughly dried:
Firstly, after rinsing your pan, place it on the stove over medium heat for a few minutes to ensure all the moisture evaporates. You can also put it in the oven at a low temperature, around 200 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, to ensure complete drying. It is essential to get your pan bone dry before storing it to prevent rust.
Secondly, once your pan is completely dry, you can proceed to the next step of the cleaning process, which is seasoning the pan. Seasoning helps to maintain the non-stick coating and prevents rust. To season your pan, rub a very light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray onto the surface. Use a paper towel or clean cloth to distribute the oil evenly, making sure to cover the entire pan, including the handle.
Thirdly, after applying the oil, use a paper towel or clean cloth to wipe the surface of the pan until no oil residue remains. Your pan should look dark and smooth when properly seasoned.
Finally, allow the pan to cool completely before storing it. By following these steps, you will ensure your cast iron pan is thoroughly dried and ready for its next use.
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Apply a thin layer of cooking oil
Once your cast iron pan is clean and dry, it's time to apply a thin layer of cooking oil to 'season' the pan. This process helps to create a rust-resistant, non-stick surface.
Firstly, heat your clean cast iron pan on the stove until it's very hot. Then, take a paper towel and pour a small amount of cooking oil—such as canola, vegetable, or flaxseed oil—onto it. Rub the oiled paper towel all over the inside and outside of the pan, including the handle. Make sure to use a thin, even layer of oil and avoid applying too much, as this can result in a sticky, gummy mess.
After you've coated the pan, use a clean paper towel to wipe away any excess oil. The pan should look nearly dry when you've finished. Leave the pan to cool completely before storing it.
If you've stripped your pan with steel wool or are seasoning it for the first time, repeat the oiling process several times until the pan develops a shiny, smooth surface. However, for routine maintenance, one round of seasoning is usually sufficient.
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Bake the pan in the oven to remove odours
If your cast iron pan is smelling foul, it could be due to a previous meal, a breakdown of seasoning, or poor seasoning. This is especially unpleasant if you want to bake cakes or bread in your cast iron pan.
To remove odours from your cast iron pan, you can bake it in the oven. This method will not only evaporate and remove the odours but also reinforce the pan's seasoning. Here's how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- While the oven is heating up, gently wash your pan with warm, soapy water and rinse it thoroughly.
- Dry the pan with paper towels or a lint-free cloth.
- Place the pan in the oven and let it bake for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Allow the pan to cool before removing it from the oven.
You can also try an alternative method by heating your cast iron pan on the stovetop for about 15 minutes. However, if the odour persists, you may need to scrub the pan, strip the seasoned layer, and re-season it.
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Frequently asked questions
To clean a cast iron pan without damaging it, use a small amount of mild dish soap and a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth. Rinse the pan and dry it thoroughly. You can place it on a low heat on the stove or in an oven at a low temperature to ensure all the moisture evaporates.
If there is stuck-on food in your cast iron pan, you can add some kosher salt and a few drops of warm water. Use a non-abrasive sponge to gently scrub the pan. You can also try simmering a little water in the pan for 3-5 minutes and then using a pan scraper after it has cooled.
To remove rust from a cast iron pan, use the rough side of a dry scouring pad to gently rub it off. You can add a little water and a drop of mild dish soap if necessary. Rinse the pan and dry it thoroughly.
