Cleaning Cast Iron Pan Supports: Gas Hob Maintenance

Keeping your cast iron pan supports clean is important for hygiene and safety reasons. Food and grease can easily build up on pan supports, which is unsightly and can even present a fire hazard near gas burners. The good news is that cleaning cast iron pan supports is a simple process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get those supports back to their original, germ-free, shiny state.

How to Clean Cast Iron Pan Supports on a Gas Hob

Soak in hot water

Soaking cast iron pan supports in hot water is an effective way to clean them. This method is recommended by cleaning experts as the best way to clean cast iron pan supports.

First, remove the pan supports from the stove and place them in a sink full of very hot water. If your sink is too small, you can use a bathtub instead. Be sure to place a rubber non-slip mat in the tub first to prevent scratches.

For an extra cleaning boost, add some washing powder to the water, focusing on any particularly stubborn-looking spots. Let the pan supports soak for about 15 minutes to loosen any food debris and grease.

After soaking, scrub the pan supports with a nylon scrubber, washing-up brush, or steel wool. If using steel wool, add some washing-up liquid to the water and ensure the pan supports are thoroughly wet while scrubbing.

Finally, be sure to dry the pan supports completely before putting them back on the stove to prevent rusting.

Use washing powder

Cleaning cast iron pan supports on a gas hob requires a different approach from cleaning cast iron cookware. The best method to effectively clean cast iron pan supports is to use the simplest method. Here's how to use washing powder to clean your cast iron pan supports:

Soaking the Pan Supports

Firstly, remove the pan supports from the stove and place them in a sink full of very hot water. For an extra boost of cleaning power, add some washing powder, targeting any stubborn-looking spots on the supports. Allow the pan supports to soak for approximately 15 minutes. This process helps to loosen any food debris and grease buildup, making it easier to scrub away the accumulated grime. If your pan supports are too large for the kitchen sink, you can try soaking them in the bathtub instead. Just make sure to use a rubber non-slip mat to protect the tub's surface.

Scrubbing the Pan Supports

After soaking, saturate a nylon scrubber or a dishwashing brush with dish soap and scrub the pan supports thoroughly. Ensure you get into all the nooks and crannies to remove any remaining food particles and grease. If you prefer, you can use steel wool for this step. Simply add the dish soap to the water in the sink and thoroughly wet the pan supports while scrubbing them with the steel wool.

Drying the Pan Supports

Once you've finished scrubbing the pan supports, it's important to dry them properly before putting them back on the stove. Cast iron can rust if left damp, so take the time to dry them thoroughly.

Additional Tips:

• Avoid putting cast iron pan supports in the dishwasher as they may tarnish.
• Do not use bleach, chlorine, or lemon juice on the pan supports as these liquids can damage the cast iron.
• If you notice any cracks or chips in the finish of your pan supports, replace them as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
• To make cleaning easier in the future, add cleaning your cast iron pan supports to your weekly household chores. Regular cleaning will prevent food and grease from building up, making the task quicker and simpler.

Scrub with a brush

Once you have soaked your pan supports, it's time to scrub them with a brush. If you are using a nylon scrubber, wet it under hot water and squeeze dish soap over it. You can also add the dish soap to the water in the sink if you are using steel wool. Be sure to scrub all over, getting into all the nooks and crannies of the supports and the frame. For tough stains, you can use a powdered cleanser. Shake it directly onto the stained portions and rub it over the stain with the nylon scrubber.

Rinse the pan supports thoroughly after scrubbing, and ensure they are completely dry before returning them to the hob.

Dry thoroughly

After scrubbing your cast iron pan supports, it is important to dry them thoroughly. Leaving them wet can cause rusting, so it's important to ensure they are completely dry before putting them back on the hob.

There are a few ways to dry your pan supports. Firstly, you can simply leave them to air dry. This is the easiest method, but it may take a while for them to dry completely, especially if they are stacked or if you live in a humid environment. If you are in a hurry, you can use a cloth or towel to dry them. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies, and be sure to use a cloth or towel that you don't mind getting dirty, as some residue from the cleaning process may be left behind.

Another option is to use a hairdryer or fan to speed up the drying process. This can be especially useful if you need to dry the pan supports quickly and don't want to risk getting a cloth dirty. Be sure to use the lowest heat setting on your hairdryer to avoid damaging the finish on the pan supports.

Finally, if you have access to an outdoor space, you can place the pan supports in direct sunlight to dry. The UV rays from the sun will help to break down any remaining grease or food debris, and the heat will speed up the drying process.

Whichever method you choose, be sure to inspect each pan support before putting it back on the hob to ensure it is completely dry. This will help to keep your pan supports looking their best and prevent rusting.

Avoid the dishwasher

Cast iron pan supports require special care when cleaning to avoid damaging the finish. While it may be tempting to put them in the dishwasher, this should be avoided.

Cast iron pan supports are not dishwasher-safe. The finish on cast iron pan supports is different from cast-iron cookware, and the dishwasher may tarnish them. In addition, the dishwasher may not be able to remove stubborn grease and food stains, and you may need to scrub them by hand after washing, which could damage the finish.

Instead, fill your sink with very hot water and add washing powder or dish soap. Soak the pan supports in this water for about 15 minutes to loosen any food debris and grease. If there are stubborn spots, add some washing powder to the spots before soaking.

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

Finally, dry the pan supports thoroughly before putting them back on the stove to prevent rusting.

Frequently asked questions