Cleaning Black Cast Iron: Easy Pan Support Maintenance

Keeping your cast iron pan supports clean can be a challenge, but it's important to do so to keep them germ-free and in good condition. Food and grease can easily build up on your pan supports with everyday use, so it's a good idea to add cleaning them to your weekly list of household chores. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to help you get those pan supports back to their original, shiny state.

Soak in hot water with washing powder

To clean black cast iron pan supports, one effective method is to soak them in hot water with washing powder. This method is ideal for removing stubborn grease and food residue.

Firstly, fill your sink with very hot water, adding washing powder to boost the cleaning power. Place the pan supports in the sink, ensuring they are fully submerged. Leave them to soak for around 15-20 minutes. The hot water and washing powder will help to loosen any food debris and melt away grease.

After soaking, you can then scrub the pan supports with a nylon scrubber, dishwashing brush, or steel wool. If using steel wool, add some dish soap to the water and ensure the pan supports are thoroughly wet as you scrub.

Remember to dry the pan supports thoroughly after cleaning to prevent rusting.

Scrub with a nylon brush and dish soap

To clean black cast iron pan supports, you can scrub them with a nylon brush and dish soap. Here is a detailed guide:

• Remove the pan supports from the stove.
• Place them in a sink full of very hot water. For an extra cleaning boost, add some washing powder to the water, focusing on any stubborn-looking spots.
• Let the pan supports soak for about 15 minutes. This will help loosen any food debris and grease that has built up.
• Saturate a nylon scrubber or a dishwashing brush with dish soap.
• Scrub the pan supports thoroughly with the brush, ensuring you reach all the nooks and crannies.
• After scrubbing, dry the pan supports properly before putting them back. This step is crucial to prevent rusting.

While this method is effective, it is worth noting that frequent scrubbing may also be sufficient to keep your pan supports clean. Additionally, you can use products like Cif or Fairy Power Spray for cleaning. Just make sure to dry the supports thoroughly after using these products.

Dry thoroughly to prevent rusting

Drying your cast iron pan supports thoroughly is essential to prevent rusting. Rusting occurs when iron, water, and air come into contact. Leaving any wet spots on the pan supports can attract more rust quickly, so it is crucial to ensure that they are completely dry before putting them back on the stove.

One way to ensure that your cast iron pan supports are thoroughly dried is to place them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes. This will help to evaporate any remaining moisture and prevent rust from forming. Another option is to use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to dry the pan supports. Make sure to dry all surfaces of the pan supports, including the areas that come into direct contact with the flame or heating element.

Additionally, it is recommended to season your cast iron pan supports after cleaning and drying them. Seasoning helps to create a protective barrier that can inhibit rust formation. To season your pan supports, rub a thin layer of vegetable oil or cooking oil onto the surface and place them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about an hour. This process will help to maintain the condition of your cast iron and make it easier to clean in the future.

Soak in caustic soda and water

To clean black cast iron pan supports, you can use caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) and water. This method is suggested by a user on the MoneySavingExpert forum. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Purchase a caustic soda-based oven cleaning kit from a homeware or hardware store. Ensure the kit includes a plastic bag and a bottle of caustic soda.
• Place the cast iron pan supports in the plastic bag.
• Pour the entire bottle of caustic soda into the bag.
• Leave the pan supports to soak in the caustic soda solution overnight. This will loosen any stuck-on grease or grime.
• In the morning, remove the pan supports from the bag and rinse them thoroughly with clean water. Ensure all the caustic soda residue is removed.
• Dry the pan supports completely with a clean towel or paper towels.
• Reattach the pan supports to your stove or cooktop.

Some important safety precautions to note when using caustic soda:

• Always wear protective gloves when handling caustic soda to protect your skin.
• Ensure the process is done outdoors or in a well-ventilated area as the bag may leak, and the fumes can be strong.
• Keep children and pets away from the area during the cleaning process.
• Dispose of the caustic soda solution responsibly, following local guidelines for hazardous waste disposal.

Use steel wool

Steel wool can be used to clean black cast iron pan supports, but it should be used with caution as it can damage and remove the seasoning from your pan. If you do choose to use steel wool, it is recommended to only do so when removing rust before reseasoning.

To clean your cast iron pan supports using steel wool, first, heat up your cast iron and use hot water. Then, gently scrub the surface with the steel wool. Be very careful and light-handed to avoid damaging the seasoning. If you notice that the steel wool is removing the seasoning, stop using it and switch to a different cleaning method.

It is important to note that there are alternative cleaning methods that are less likely to damage the seasoning on your cast iron. These include using a pan scraper, a nylon scrubbing brush, a stainless steel chainmail scrubber, or a wooden spatula. Additionally, you can use coarse Kosher salt as an abrasive to help remove food remnants.

Frequently asked questions