Eliminate Fish Odor From Your Cast Iron Pan

Cast iron pans are a kitchen staple, offering optimal heating and a non-stick cooking surface when seasoned properly. However, their porous surfaces can trap strong odours, such as fish smells, which can be challenging to remove. While it may seem like a lost cause, there are several effective methods to eliminate the stubborn fishy stench and restore your pan to its former glory.

Boil the pan in water

Boiling your cast iron pan in water is an effective way to remove the smell of fish. This method works because heating the pan will help release the fish odour, which is then absorbed by the water.

There are two ways to go about this process. The first is to take a larger pan or skillet, fill it with water, and place it on the stove. Once the water starts to boil, carefully place your cast iron pan inside and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, remove the pan, discard the water, and repeat the process as needed.

The second method is more straightforward. Simply fill your cast iron pan halfway with water and place it on low heat. Bring the water to a boil and let it boil for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, carefully remove the pan from the stove, discard the water, and refill the pan with fresh water. Repeat this process as many times as necessary until the fish odour is completely gone.

While boiling your cast iron pan in water is an effective method, it may not be ideal for cleaning the outside of the pan. Additionally, it is important to note that the fish smell is rarely eliminated after the first attempt, so repetition is often necessary.

Use baking soda

Baking soda is a great way to remove unwanted odors from cast iron pans. It's a simple process, but it does take some time. First, create a solution of one part baking soda and five parts water in your cast iron pan. Place this solution on an open flame and cook until most of the moisture has evaporated—this should take between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on the size of your pan. As the solution boils, the pan will expand, releasing the fish oil trapped in the porous surface, which the baking soda will then absorb.

Remove the pan from the heat while there is still some solution left in the pan. Leave it to rest overnight at room temperature. The next day, wash the pan thoroughly with water, and, if necessary, a mild soap. Finally, dry the pan and season it before using it again.

If you don't want to scrub the pan, you can also let the baking soda sit in the pan for a couple of days.

Heat the pan in the oven

If your cast-iron pan has developed a strong fishy odour, it's not difficult to combat the smell and deodorise the pan. One way to do this is to heat the pan in the oven.

This method is suitable for cast iron pans that are completely made of iron with no plastic or rubber parts. Heating the pan in the oven at a high temperature not only allows the pan to expand but also dries up any existing fish oil residue.

To do this, set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your cast iron pan upside down in the oven to allow any fish oil residue to slip out and dry up. Leave the pan in the oven for 30 to 45 minutes. After this time, carefully remove the pan and leave it to cool. Check the pan for any remaining smells. If the fishy odour persists, place the pan back in the oven and heat for another 30 minutes.

If you want to get rid of fish smells in your oven, there are a few different methods you can try. One way is to fill a baking dish with an inch of water and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Place the dish in the oven on low heat for about an hour. Check periodically to make sure the water hasn't evaporated. Alternatively, you can try this method with lemon juice or white vinegar instead of vanilla.

Use white vinegar

White vinegar is an excellent agent for absorbing smells. To use it to get rid of the fish smell in your cast-iron pan, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the White Vinegar Solution

Mix one part water with one part white vinegar in your cast iron pan. You can also prepare the solution separately and then pour it into the pan. Ensure that the pan is made entirely of iron, with no plastic or rubber parts.

Step 2: Boil the Solution

Fill the pan with the solution almost halfway and place it on an open flame. Bring the solution to a boil and let it boil for around 20 to 25 minutes. The heating process will help release the fish odour, which will be absorbed by the vinegar solution.

Step 3: Let the Solution Sit

After boiling, do not discard the remaining solution. Instead, let it sit in the pan for about 24 hours. The acidic nature of the vinegar will continue to work on breaking down and absorbing the remaining fish oils and odour-causing residues.

Step 4: Wash and Dry the Pan

Once the solution has sat overnight, discard it and thoroughly wash the pan with cold water. You may use a mild soap if needed to ensure all the vinegar residue is removed. Dry the pan completely before using it again.

Additional Tips:

• If the fish smell still persists, you may need to repeat the process or try a different method, such as using baking soda or lemon juice, as outlined in other sources.
• Re-seasoning your pan with oil and cooking onions or garlic can also help mask the fish smell, but it will not remove the fish oil residue.
• While some people believe that soap should not be used on cast iron, this is a myth. Washing your pan with mild soap and water can help with smell removal and maintaining better seasoning.

Use lemon juice

Lemon juice is an effective way to remove the fishy smell from your cast-iron pan. The citric acid in the lemon juice will help to clear the fish oil and the resulting unpleasant smell.

Depending on the size of your pan, squeeze the juice of 3 to 4 lemons into the pan. Then, add an equal amount of water to the lemon juice to prepare a lemon juice solution. Set the pan aside for about an hour. This will allow the citric acid in the lemon juice to work and absorb most of the residue.

Next, place the pan on a burner or an open flame. Bring the solution to a boil and let it heat for a few minutes. The solution will neutralise any fish residue, providing an in-depth clean.

Finally, remove the pan from the heat. Discard the remaining solution and wash your cast iron pan with cold water before cooking in it again.

Frequently asked questions