Cleaning Cast Iron: Removing Food Without Soap

Cast iron pans are a great investment for any kitchen, but they can be a little tricky to clean. While they are naturally non-stick when properly cared for, food can sometimes get stuck to the surface. So, what's the best way to get food off a cast iron pan without ruining the seasoning? Firstly, it's important to clean the pan promptly after use, as stuck-on food can harden as it cools. Avoid using soap, as this can strip the seasoning from the pan. Instead, try using coarse sea salt or cornmeal as an abrasive agent, scrubbing with a paper towel or dish rag, and then wiping out any remaining food pieces. For stuck-on food, you can try adding a little water to the pan and heating it up before scraping the food off. You can also try using a small amount of baking soda, which has mild abrasive properties and can help neutralise odours and flavours. Just be sure to thoroughly dry the pan after cleaning to prevent rusting.

Use a scraper to gently remove stuck-on food

Removing stuck-on food from a cast iron pan can be challenging, but it's important to do it right to maintain the pan's seasoning and protect its non-stick coating. Here's a detailed guide on how to use a scraper to gently remove stuck-on food:

Before reaching for the scraper, it's important to let the pan cool down. Never place a hot cast iron pan under cold water, as the drastic temperature change can cause the pan to warp or crack. Once the pan has cooled, use a pan scraper, often supplied by the manufacturer, to gently remove stuck-on food. Lodge Cast Iron recommends this method, which is gentle on the pan's surface. Gently scrape the food remnants off, being careful not to scratch the surface of the pan.

If the stuck-on food is being stubborn, there's another approach you can try. Add a small amount of water to the pan and place it on the stovetop. Turn on the heat and let the water simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. Then, turn off the heat and let the pan cool down. Once it's cool, try using the scraper again. The simmering water will help loosen the stuck-on food, making it easier to remove.

It's important to note that you should not use a metal scraper or steel wool on your cast iron pan, as these can be too abrasive and damage the pan's seasoning and finish. Instead, opt for a pan scraper specifically designed for cast iron cookware, like the Lodge pan scraper. These scrapers are effective at removing stuck-on food without causing damage.

After using the scraper, remember to dry your cast iron pan promptly and thoroughly. Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to absorb any moisture. Finally, to maintain the seasoning and protect your pan, rub a light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray onto the surface. Use a paper towel to distribute the oil evenly and wipe away any excess residue.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove stuck-on food from your cast iron pan while preserving its seasoning and non-stick properties.

Simmer water in the pan to loosen stuck-on food

If you have food stuck to your cast-iron pan, one effective method to remove it is to simmer water in the pan. This will loosen the stuck-on food, making it easier to scrape away. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

• Start by adding a small amount of water to your cast-iron pan. You don't need to fill the pan; just add enough water to cover the bottom.
• Place the pan on the stovetop and turn the heat to a simmer. You can also boil the water if you prefer, but simmering should be sufficient.
• Allow the water to simmer for a few minutes. This will help to soften the stuck-on food. Depending on how much food is stuck, you may need to simmer for 3 to 5 minutes or until the food starts to loosen.
• After simmering, turn off the heat and let the pan cool down. It's important to let the pan cool completely before proceeding to the next step.
• Once the pan is cool, use a pan scraper or a nylon scrubbing brush to remove the loosened food. Gently scrape away the food residue until it is all removed.
• After scraping, rinse the pan under warm water to remove any remaining food particles or residue.
• Dry the pan promptly and thoroughly. Use a lint-free cloth or a paper towel to dry the pan completely. Make sure there is no moisture left on the pan, as cast iron can rust if not dried properly.
• Finally, apply a light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray to the surface of the pan. Use a paper towel to wipe the surface until no oil residue remains. This step will help protect the pan and maintain its seasoning.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove stuck-on food from your cast-iron pan without damaging its seasoning or finish.

Use baking soda and water to scrub the pan

If you have burnt food in your cast iron pan, you can use baking soda and water to get the job done. Firstly, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. The paste should be thick enough to fully coat the burnt portion of the pan. For a full pot bottom, you can try using 1 cup of baking soda and 1/3 cup of water.

Now, liberally apply the paste to the burnt pan. Alternatively, you can cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water and then add enough baking soda to create a paste. Let the mixture sit for a few hours or overnight. If you don't want to wait, add another 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to thin the paste and then put the pan on the stove. Let it come to a boil, then remove it from the heat. Allow the pan to cool and then wipe or scrub to remove the burnt bits.

If there are still burnt bits remaining, scrub the pan again with a nylon brush or scouring sponge, adding more baking soda if necessary. Wash and dry the pan as normal once all the burnt bits have been removed. Finally, after using this cast-iron-safe method to remove the burnt food, coat the pan with oil to help re-season and restore its non-stick surface.

Use coarse salt to scrub the pan

If you have some stubborn, burnt-on food that won't scrape off your cast iron pan, try sprinkling a little coarse salt into the pan and scrubbing it. The salt breaks up bits of stuck-on food and residue. You can use a clean kitchen rag, a folded paper towel, or a dish rag to scrub the salt into the pan. If you don't want the grime on your hands, you can fold the kitchen towel and grip it with tongs.

Once you're done scrubbing, toss the dirty salt in the trash, rinse the pan with warm or hot water, and dry it with a clean towel or paper towel. You can also place the pan on the stovetop and use medium heat to dry it. To further protect your cast iron pan, rub a few drops of vegetable oil or cooking oil over the entire cooking surface.

Dry the pan with a lint-free cloth or paper towel

Drying your cast iron pan is an important step in the cleaning process, as leaving it to air dry can lead to rust. To dry your pan, use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to thoroughly wipe down the surface. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies to ensure that the pan is completely dry. If you notice any black residue on your towel, don't worry—this is just seasoning and is perfectly normal.

It is crucial to dry your cast iron pan promptly after washing to prevent rust. Rust can form when cast iron is exposed to moisture for extended periods, so it is best to dry your pan as soon as possible after cleaning. If you accidentally leave your cast iron pan in water too long and it develops rust, don't panic! With a little extra care, you can remove the rust and continue using your cookware.

To ensure your pan is completely dry, place it on the stove and gently heat it until all the water evaporates. This step is especially important if you washed your pan with water, as cast iron should be dried as soon as possible to prevent rusting. You can also use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to wipe down the pan's surface, making sure to reach all the crevices.

Once your pan is thoroughly dried, you can rub a light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray onto its surface. Use a paper towel to wipe the surface until no oil residue remains. This step will help keep your cast iron pan seasoned and protected.

Frequently asked questions