Cleaning Burned Food From Cast Iron: Effective Techniques

Burnt food on a cast-iron pan can be a real headache to clean, but it's not impossible. Here are some methods to get your pan looking good as new:

- Using hot water and a stiff brush or chainmail scrubber, scrub away the burnt areas.

- Spread baking soda or coarse salt over the base and scrub away the stuck-on stains.

- Boil water in the pan and scrub to lift stubborn stains.

- For extremely stubborn stains, sprinkle baking soda on the pan and scrub gently with a non-metallic scraper.

- For enameled cast iron, use dish soap or baking soda, warm water, and a soft cloth or plastic scraper.

- To remove rust, use a metal scouring pad, water, and soap.

- For a deep clean, cover the pan with baking soda and water, let it sit, and then scrub with a nylon brush.

- For heavy-duty cleaning, add white vinegar to the baking soda to break down burnt food.

Use hot water and a stiff brush to scrub away lightly burnt areas

If you're dealing with lightly burnt areas on your cast iron pan, you can scrub them away with hot water and a stiff brush. Here's a detailed guide:

Step 1: Boil Water

Start by boiling some water, either in the microwave or on the stove. You want enough water to be able to pour it into your cast iron pan and fully cover the burnt areas.

Step 2: Scrub with Hot Water and a Stiff Brush

Once you have your boiled water, carefully pour it into the pan. Then, using a stiff brush, firmly scrub the burnt areas. You can use a chainmail cast-iron scrubber or a stiff brush for this step. Continue scrubbing until the stain is gone. If necessary, you can repeat this process until the stain is completely removed.

Optional: Add Dish Soap

While this is optional, you can add a drop or two of dish soap as you scrub. In the past, it was believed that dish soap would strip away the cast iron. However, modern dish soap is gentler, and the seasoning on the cast iron will keep the metal safe.

Tips:

• If you're dealing with more stubborn burnt-on food or rust, you can try using baking soda or coarse salt to scrub away the stuck-on stains.
• Always make sure to dry your cast iron pan completely after cleaning and apply a thin coat of oil to re-season it.

Spread baking soda or coarse salt over the base and scrub stuck-on stains

To clean a burnt cast iron pan, you can use baking soda or coarse salt to scrub away stuck-on burnt food. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Spread Baking Soda or Coarse Salt

Firstly, make sure you have kosher salt, coarse sea salt, or baking soda on hand. Spread a layer of your chosen ingredient over the base of the skillet. The amount you use will depend on the size of your pan. For a smaller pan, one tablespoon of salt should be enough, while for a larger pan, you may need up to three tablespoons. The important thing is to use a coarse-grained salt or baking soda, as this will provide the traction needed to remove food particles effectively.

Step 2: Scrub the Pan

Using a clean kitchen rag or a folded paper towel, gently scrub the salt or baking soda into the pan's surface. Work it around the pan, scouring away any unwanted food or residue. Continue scrubbing until you've removed all the stuck-on food.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry the Pan

Once you're happy with the results, discard the salt or baking soda by rinsing the pan with warm water. Then, dry the pan thoroughly with a clean rag or paper towel.

Step 4: Re-Season the Pan

Place the pan on the stovetop and heat it over medium-low heat for about five minutes. You'll know it's ready when you see the first wisp of smoke coming off the surface. Let the pan cool down until it's safe to handle, then wipe it down with a thin layer of oil. This step helps to re-season the pan and restore its non-stick properties. Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil.

Tips:

• If you have a chain mail scrubber, you can use it instead of a kitchen rag or paper towel for more effective cleaning. Chain mail creates a textured surface that new seasoning can grab onto, making it easier to develop a strong and durable non-stick coating.
• Be sure to dry the pan completely before applying oil. Any water left on the skillet when you put it away may cause rust.
• Store your pan in a dry place, hanging it up or stacking it inside other pans with paper towels in between to prevent scratching.

Boil water in the pan and scrub the area to lift stubborn burnt stains

Boiling water in a cast iron pan is an effective way to remove burnt-on food. It is a good idea to heat the pan first, and then add hot water. This will create steam, which will help to loosen the burnt-on food. You can then scrub the pan to remove the remaining residue.

If the burnt-on food is particularly stubborn, you can add a few tablespoons of vinegar to the water before boiling. The combination of vinegar and water will create a fizzing reaction that will help to loosen the burnt-on food. You can also use baking soda, which has mild abrasive properties and can help neutralise acidic burnt foods. Simply cover the bottom of the pan with baking soda, add a little water, and scrub the pan with a stiff brush.

If your cast iron pan has a lot of build-up due to burnt-on food, another option is to put the pan in a fireplace or a campfire and let it burn. You can then use steel wool to scrub off the remaining residue.

Use plastic or wooden tools to avoid scratching the surface

When cleaning a cast-iron pan, it is important to use plastic or wooden tools to avoid scratching the surface. Metal utensils can gouge and scratch the cast iron, damaging the pan and requiring you to re-season it. Plastic or wooden tools, such as a wooden spoon or spatula, are ideal for stirring and scraping food from the pan without causing damage.

When cleaning a burnt cast-iron pan, the same rule applies. Use a wooden or plastic scraper to remove burnt-on food. If the burnt-on food is particularly stubborn, you can try boiling water in the pan and then using a wooden or plastic utensil to gently nudge the burnt-on spots. You can also try sprinkling baking soda on the pan and scrubbing gently with a wooden or plastic scraper.

It is worth noting that some sources suggest using metal utensils, such as chainmail or steel wool, to clean cast iron. While these tools can be effective, they may scratch the surface of the pan and require you to re-season it. If you are concerned about scratching the surface of your cast iron pan, it is best to stick to plastic or wooden tools.

Additionally, when cleaning a cast-iron pan, it is important to avoid using dish soap as it can remove the seasoning. Instead, use hot water and a stiff brush to scrub away lightly burnt areas. You can also use baking soda, coarse salt, or vinegar to help remove stuck-on food. After cleaning, be sure to dry the pan completely and apply a thin coat of oil to prevent rusting.

Dry the pan completely and apply a thin coat of oil

Once you've removed the burnt food from your cast iron pan, it's important to dry the pan completely. Leaving water in the pan can cause rust, so it's crucial to ensure that the pan is thoroughly dried. One way to do this is to place the pan in the oven at a low temperature (around 300 °F or 149 °C) for about an hour until all the moisture has evaporated. Alternatively, you can dry the pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat for around 10 minutes.

Once the pan is completely dry, it's time to apply a thin coat of oil. Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil. Pour a small amount of oil into the pan, approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons, and use a paper towel to spread it evenly over the surface, including the sides and handle. This step helps to re-season the pan and restore its non-stick surface.

After oiling, you can place the pan back in the oven at a higher temperature, around 400 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, for about an hour. This process, known as polymerization, forms a solid layer on the pan's surface, creating a non-stick coating and protecting the cast iron from rust. You can also achieve a similar result by heating the oiled pan on the stovetop until the oil begins to smoke.

Remember, it's essential to dry the pan completely before applying the oil to prevent rusting. Properly drying and re-seasoning your cast iron pan will ensure it remains in good condition for years to come.

Frequently asked questions