Cody Casey
Soot is a common problem for cast iron pans, especially when cooking over a campfire. While it can be a challenge to remove, there are several methods that can be effective. One popular method is to use a combination of soap and water, with a bristle brush or sponge to scrub the pan. While some people believe that soap should not be used on cast iron, modern dish soaps are mild enough that they will not damage the pan's seasoning. For more stubborn soot, a small amount of soap can be used in combination with coarse salt and water, using a scrub brush to remove the residue. For very tough soot, steel wool can be used with soap and water, but this should be reserved for only the most difficult cases as it can damage the pan's seasoning.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scrubbing tools | Kosher salt, lemon, paper towel, sponge, pan scraper, nylon scrubbing brush, lint-free cloth, vegetable oil, steel wool, metal scrubber, scrubber pad, scouring pad, towel, rubber gloves, stainless steel scrubber, scrubber sponge, wooden spatula, chainmail scrubber, non-abrasive sponge, abrasive scrubbing pads, oven cleaner, bleach |
| Soaps | Dish soap, hand soap, dawn dish soap, Seventh Generation Dish Liquid, Camp Chef Cast-Iron Cleaner, Caron & Doucet Cast Iron Soap |
| Other liquids | Water, vinegar, baking soda, vegetable oil, olive oil, canola oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, linseed oil, flax oil, grapeseed oil, refined coconut oil, vegetable oil blends, vegetable shortening, extra virgin olive oil, neutral oil |
| Other items | Oven, stove, aluminum foil, baking sheet, trash bag, respirator mask, rubber gloves, paper towels, rag, towel, glass, table |
What You'll Learn
Use vegetable oil to cut through the soot
To clean soot off a cast iron pan, you can use vegetable oil to cut through the soot. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Firstly, wash the pan with mild dish soap and a non-abrasive sponge or scrub brush. This will remove any large dirt particles and excessive soot from the outside of the pan. It is important to avoid using too much soap, especially on the inside of the pan, as it can strip the seasoning.
Next, dry the pan with a paper towel or lint-free cloth. Make sure the pan is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
Now, it's time to apply the vegetable oil. Generously coat the outside of the pan with vegetable oil, making sure to get into any crevices or hard-to-reach areas. You can use any cheap cooking oil for this step. Use a paper towel to rub the oil all over the pan, cutting through the sticky, oily soot residue.
Finally, wash the pan again with mild dish soap and a sponge to remove the oily residue from the vegetable oil. Rinse the pan well, then dry it thoroughly. I dried mine with a paper towel to make sure all the soot had been removed, and here are the results:
I was pleased to see that the paper towel was completely clean. No traces of soot were left behind, and the outside of my cast iron pan didn’t feel sticky or oily. This time, when I put my skillet away, I was sure that it was actually clean and soot-free.
By following these steps, you will effectively remove campfire soot from your cast iron pan without damaging the seasoning layer.
In addition to using vegetable oil, you can also try other methods to remove stubborn soot. For example, you can use kosher salt and a halved lemon to scrub the pan, or apply dish soap before placing the pan over a campfire to make the soot easier to wash off.
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Wash the pan with mild dish soap
To clean soot off a cast-iron pan, you can wash the pan with mild dish soap. Firstly, it is important to note that you should only use a small amount of soap to clean cast iron cookware. Large amounts of soap can strip the seasoning off your pan, but you can easily re-season your pan if needed.
When washing the pan, use hot water and a non-abrasive sponge or scrub brush. You can also use a pan scraper for stuck-on food. If there is stubborn, stuck-on food, simmer a little water for 3-5 minutes and then use the scraper after the pan has cooled. Be sure to thoroughly dry your pan after washing, as cast iron cannot stay in a sinkful of water overnight or it will rust.
If you are worried about using soap on the inside of your pan, it is perfectly safe to do so as long as your pan is well-seasoned. However, if you wish to avoid using soap on the inside cooking surface, that is completely fine.
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Dry the pan with a paper towel
After washing your cast iron pan, it's important to dry it thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. If you notice a little black residue on your towel, don't worry—it's just the seasoning and is perfectly normal. Leaving your cast iron to air dry is not recommended, as it may lead to rust.
To dry your pan, use a paper towel to thoroughly wipe down the inside and outside of the pan, including the handle. Make sure to get into any nooks and crannies to ensure that the pan is completely dry. If you're using a cloth, make sure it's lint-free to avoid leaving any fibres on the pan.
Once you've dried the pan, it's a good idea to coat it with a light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray to protect the surface. Use a paper towel to wipe the surface until no oil residue remains. This will help keep your pan in good condition and prevent rusting.
It's important to remember that cast iron should not be soaked in water or left to air dry, as this can lead to rust. Proper drying and seasoning techniques will help ensure the longevity of your cast iron cookware.
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Re-oil the pan and put it in the oven
Once you have cleaned your cast iron pan, it is important to re-oil it and put it in the oven to restore its seasoning. This will prevent rust and restore its non-stick cooking surface.
To do this, start by drying your pan thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. You want to ensure that all moisture has been removed to prevent rust. Next, rub a very light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray onto the surface of your cookware. Use a paper towel to wipe the surface until no oil residue remains. Be sure to oil all surfaces, including the handle, inside, and outside of the pan.
After oiling, place the pan in the oven, upside down on the top rack. Place a large baking sheet or aluminium foil on the bottom rack to catch any excess oil that may drip off. Preheat your oven to between 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for one hour. Allow the pan to cool in the oven, then repeat the process as necessary to achieve the classic black patina.
Your cast iron cookware is now ready to be stored and used for your next cooking adventure!
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Clean the pan with kosher salt
Cleaning a cast-iron pan with kosher salt is an effective way to remove stuck-on food and residue without damaging the pan's seasoning. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare the Salt and the Pan
- Take about a tablespoon of coarse kosher salt and pour it into your cast iron pan. Adjust the amount of salt depending on the size of your pan.
- If there are stuck-on food bits, you can add a few drops of warm water to the pan.
Step 2: Scrub the Pan
- Using a clean paper towel or a kitchen rag, gently scrub the salt around the pan's surface.
- For a more intensive scrub, fold the kitchen towel and grip it with tongs to avoid getting grime on your hands.
- You can also cut a lemon in half, dip the cut end in kosher salt, and use it to scrub the pan.
Step 3: Rinse and Dry the Pan
- Once all the stuck-on food and residue have been removed, discard the salt by rinsing the pan with warm or hot water.
- Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean rag or kitchen towel. You can also place the pan on the stovetop and heat it at a medium-low temperature until it's dry.
Step 4: Re-Season the Pan (Optional)
- After drying, you can re-season the pan by rubbing a thin layer of cooking oil, such as canola or vegetable oil, on its surface.
- Use a paper towel or a clean rag to coat the inside and outside of the pan, including the handle, with the oil.
- This step helps prevent the pan from rusting and maintains its non-stick properties.
Using kosher salt to clean your cast iron pan is a simple and effective method that can help extend the life of your cookware. It's important to avoid using soap or harsh abrasives, as they can remove the seasoning and damage the pan.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use a small amount of mild dish soap to clean your cast iron pan. While it was previously believed that soap would strip the seasoning off the pan, this is no longer the case with modern soaps. However, avoid using large amounts of soap as this can still remove the seasoning.
For stubborn, stuck-on food, simmer a small amount of water in the pan for 3-5 minutes. Then, use a pan scraper or a wooden spatula to gently remove the food once the pan has cooled. You can also try adding a 1/4 cup of kosher salt and a few drops of warm water to the pan and scrubbing with a non-abrasive sponge or scrub brush.
No, do not soak your cast iron pan in water as this can cause rust. If you need to remove sticky or stubborn residue, use a nylon scrubbing brush or a pan scraper and rinse the pan under warm water, ensuring that you dry it thoroughly afterward.
After washing your cast iron pan, dry it promptly and thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. You can also place the pan in a low-temperature oven or on the stovetop over low heat to ensure that all moisture is removed. It is important to get your pan completely dry before storing it to prevent rust.
Campfire soot can be removed from cast iron cookware by first washing the pan with mild dish soap and a non-abrasive sponge. Then, dry the pan and coat the outside with vegetable oil or another cooking oil, using a paper towel to rub it into all dirty surfaces, including handles and crevices. Finally, wash the pan again with soap to remove the oily residue, and dry it thoroughly.
