The Secret To Removing Burns From Cast Iron Pans

Burnt-on food in a cast-iron pan can be a nightmare to clean, but there are several methods to tackle this problem. Firstly, it is important to note that you should avoid using water, soap, or acidic items such as vinegar or lemon juice, as these can create rust and destroy the pan's seasoning. Instead, use a non-metallic scraper or stiff-bristled nylon brush to remove as much burnt food and debris as possible. You can also sprinkle baking soda, coarse salt, or a mixture of the two onto the pan and scrub with a paper towel or soft brush. For more stubborn stains, you can try boiling water in the pan and scrubbing, or creating a paste with baking soda and water and applying it to the burnt areas. For extremely tough stains, you may need to use oven cleaner or sandblasting, but these methods should be treated as a last resort as they can be dangerous and may require you to re-season the pan. Remember to always dry your cast iron pan thoroughly after cleaning and apply a thin coat of oil to prevent rust and maintain its non-stick surface.

Use hot water and a brush

To get burnt food off a cast iron pan, you can use hot water and a brush. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Remove Food and Debris

First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.

Step 2: Boil Water

Next, boil some water in the microwave or on the stove. You can also boil water directly in the skillet if you don't mind using it on a stove.

Step 3: Pour Water into the Pan

Once the water is boiled, carefully pour it into the pan.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

Using a stiff-bristle brush or a non-metallic scrubber, scrub the burnt areas of the pan firmly. Repeat this process until the stain is gone. If the burnt-on food still doesn't come off, you can try sprinkling some coarse salt or baking soda over the base of the pan before scrubbing.

Step 5: Dry the Pan

After removing the burnt food, dry the pan completely with a clean towel. You can also heat the pan on the stove to remove any extra moisture.

Step 6: Apply Oil (Optional)

If desired, apply a thin coat of vegetable oil or another neutral oil to the pan using a paper towel. This step helps to re-season the pan and restore its non-stick surface.

Try salt or baking soda

If you have burnt food stuck to your cast iron pan, you can use baking soda or salt to scrub it away. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Using Baking Soda

Firstly, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, make a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water. The paste should be thick enough to fully coat the burnt areas of the pan. Liberally apply the paste to the burnt areas. You can also try covering the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water and then adding enough baking soda to create a paste. Let the mixture sit for a few hours or overnight, and then scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge. If you don't want to wait, add a little more water to thin the paste, put the pan on the stove, and heat until it boils. Remove from the heat and let the pan cool before wiping or scrubbing to remove the burnt residue.

Using Salt

To use salt to clean your cast iron pan, scatter kosher salt, coarse sea salt, or another type of salt over the base of the pan. Use a paper towel or soft scrub brush to scrub out any food stuck to the skillet. Then, rinse the skillet with water to remove any leftover salt.

General Tips

• If you are dealing with lightly burnt areas, you may be able to scrub them away using just hot water and a stiff brush.
• If you are cleaning a cast iron skillet, avoid using soap or acidic items such as vinegar or lemon juice, as these can create rust and destroy the pan's seasoning.
• After cleaning, fully dry the cast iron pan and then rub it with vegetable oil applied to a paper towel. Coat the bottom of the pan and the sides.
• Place the pan on a stove burner and heat over medium-low heat for about an hour, or place it in your oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for the same amount of time. The pan may smoke as it seasons, so turn on your vent hood to prevent setting off smoke detectors.

Boil water in the pan

If you have burnt food stuck to your cast-iron pan, one way to remove it is to boil water in the pan. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Fill the Pan with Water

Firstly, fill your cast-iron pan with around 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water. Make sure not to fill it too much, as you don't want to boil off all the water.

Step 2: Place the Pan on High Heat

Place the pan on your stove over high heat. Turn the heat up so that the water begins to boil.

Step 3: Boil the Water

Let the water boil for around 10 minutes. The boiling water will help to loosen and lift the burnt-on food from the pan.

Step 4: Use a Wooden or Plastic Utensil

While the water is boiling, you can use a wooden or plastic utensil, such as a wooden spatula, to gently nudge and scrape away at any stubborn burnt-on spots. Avoid using metal utensils as these can scratch the surface of your pan and damage the seasoning.

Step 5: Remove from Heat and Cool

Once you have boiled the water for a sufficient amount of time and scraped away as much of the burnt food as possible, remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool down.

Step 6: Scrub the Pan

Once the pan is cool enough to handle, use a non-metallic scrubber, brush, or sponge to scrub away any remaining burnt-on food. If necessary, you can repeat the process until your pan is clean.

Step 7: Dry the Pan

After scrubbing the pan, it is important to dry it thoroughly. Use a clean towel to wipe down the pan, removing any excess water. Make sure the pan is completely dry before putting it away, as any remaining water can cause rusting.

Step 8: Re-Season the Pan (Optional)

If your pan has lost some of its seasoning during the cleaning process, you may want to re-season it. To do this, rub a thin coat of vegetable oil or another oil with a high smoking point onto the surface of the pan, including the handle, walls, and bottom. Then, place the pan in an oven preheated to at least 350°F (180°C) for about an hour. This process, known as polymerization, will create a solid layer on the pan's surface, preventing rust and creating a non-stick coating.

Remember to always clean your cast-iron pan immediately after each use and avoid using dish soap as it can remove the seasoning. With proper care and maintenance, your cast-iron pan can last for generations.

Use a non-abrasive sponge

Using a non-abrasive sponge is a great way to clean your cast iron pan without damaging the seasoning. It is important to remember that cast iron is brittle, so avoid shocking your pan by running it under cold water when it is hot. This could cause it to crack or warp.

First, scrub your pan gently with a non-abrasive sponge, using hot water and a small amount of mild dish soap. Contrary to popular belief, a little mild detergent won't strip the seasoning. You can also use coarse salt as an abrasive cleaner. The salt will dissolve as you scrub and won't damage the seasoning.

If there is still burnt-on food, try adding a little water to the pan and simmering until the water evaporates. You can then scrub the pan again. If the food is really stuck on, you can try the boiling water method. Add 1-2 cups of water to the pan and bring it to a boil. The gunk should loosen, and you can use a wooden or plastic utensil to gently scrape it up. Avoid using metal utensils as these can scratch the surface and strip away the seasoning.

Once you have removed all the burnt-on food, rinse the pan and dry it thoroughly. It is important to ensure the pan is completely dry before storing it, otherwise, it may rust. You can place the pan over low heat on the stove or in the oven at a low temperature to ensure all the moisture evaporates.

Re-season the pan

Re-seasoning a cast iron pan is a simple process that will ensure your cookware lasts for generations. Here is a detailed guide on how to re-season your cast iron pan:

Step 1: Clean the Pan

Before re-seasoning, it is important to clean the pan thoroughly. Use hot water and a stiff brush to scrub away any burnt-on food. You can also use baking soda or coarse salt to help scrub away stuck-on food. Make sure to dry the pan completely after cleaning.

Step 2: Oil the Pan

Once the pan is clean and dry, it's time to oil the pan. Use an oil with a high smoking point, such as canola oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil. Coat the entire pan, including the handle, walls, and bottom, with a thin layer of oil. This will protect the pan from rusting.

Step 3: Remove Excess Oil

After oiling the pan, use a towel to remove any excess oil. Too much oil can make the pan greasy and sticky, so it is important to only leave a thin coating.

Step 4: Bake the Pan

Place the oiled pan in the oven and bake at a minimum of 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) for about an hour. This step, known as polymerization, allows the oil to heat up and form a solid layer on the pan's surface. This layer will prevent rusting and create a non-stick coating.

Step 5: Cool and Repeat

After an hour, turn off the oven and let the pan cool down. You may need to repeat the seasoning process several times to build up multiple layers of seasoning. A well-seasoned pan will have a smooth, dark, and non-stick finish.

Maintenance Tips:

• It is recommended to re-season your cast iron pan a couple of times a year or whenever you notice rusting or a dry surface.
• Avoid using metal utensils as they can scratch the surface and remove the seasoning.
• Avoid cooking acidic foods, such as tomatoes, as they can break down the seasoning.
• After each use, rub a little oil onto the pan to protect the surface.

Frequently asked questions