Scrubbing Cast Iron: A Step-By-Step Guide To Cleaning Your Pan

Keeping your cast-iron pan in good condition is simple. It's important to clean cast-iron skillets after every use, and this can be done in three steps. First, use a small amount of soap and a non-abrasive brush or scrubber to remove any food residue. Then, dry the pan thoroughly with a cloth or paper towel. Finally, rub a light layer of cooking oil onto the surface of the pan and wipe away any excess with a paper towel.

Use a small amount of soap and a non-abrasive scrubber

When cleaning a cast iron pan, it is important to use a small amount of soap. Large amounts of soap can strip the seasoning off your pan, but a small amount will not cause any harm. You can use mild dish soap to clean your cast iron pan.

After using the pan, scrub it with a small amount of soap and a non-abrasive scrubber. Make sure to scrub the pan while it is still warm, as this will prevent food from hardening and sticking to the pan. Use hot water to help loosen any food that is stuck on.

If there is stuck-on food, you can use a pan scraper or a nylon scrubbing brush to remove it. You can also try simmering a little water in the pan for 3-5 minutes and then using the scraper after the pan has cooled. Be sure to thoroughly dry your pan after washing to prevent rusting.

Dry the pan thoroughly

Drying your cast iron pan thoroughly is an important step in the cleaning process. Leaving your pan to air-dry in a rack can cause rusting, so it's best to wipe it down with a clean rag or paper towel as soon as you're done rinsing it. You can also dry it in the oven or on the stove. If you're using the stove, simply place the pan on a burner and turn the heat to low until the pan is completely dry, which should take a few minutes at most. If you're using the oven, place the pan inside and heat it over medium-low heat until all traces of moisture have evaporated.

It's important to note that cast iron is prone to rusting, so you want to make sure that your pan is completely dry before putting it away. If you notice any black residue on your towel, don't worry—this is just seasoning and is perfectly normal.

Apply a light layer of oil

To apply a light layer of oil to your cast iron pan, you can use a paper towel or cloth to rub the oil all over the surface of the pan. You can use cooking oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, flaxseed oil, or any other type of oil you prefer. Make sure to use just a thin layer of oil, as using too much can result in a sticky residue. You want to avoid a thick slick of oil on your pan, which will result in a sticky, gummy mess.

After applying the oil, use a paper towel to wipe the surface of the pan until no oil residue remains. This step is important to ensure that your pan is seasoned properly and does not become sticky. You can also heat the pan on the stove or in the oven to help the oil bond to the iron and create a non-stick surface.

• Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to apply the oil, as a regular cloth may leave residue behind.
• Avoid using too much oil, as this can make your pan sticky.
• Wipe away any excess oil with a paper towel before storing the pan.
• Reapply oil after each use to maintain the seasoning and prevent rust.
• If your pan becomes sticky or gummy, wash it with soap and hot water, then reseason it using a thin layer of oil.
• You can also season your pan in the oven by placing it upside down on a baking sheet and baking at 350-500 degrees Fahrenheit for one hour.

Avoid using the dishwasher

Cast iron pans should not be put in the dishwasher. The dishwasher will remove the seasoning and likely cause rust. If you're looking for dishwasher-safe cookware, consider heat-treated serveware.

Cast iron pans are not dishwasher-safe because they require special care to maintain their seasoning. The dishwasher can ruin the pan's coating, which is essential for keeping the pan non-stick.

If you do accidentally put your cast iron pan in the dishwasher, don't panic. You can always re-season it. First, scrub the pan with warm, soapy water and steel wool. Rinse and dry the pan thoroughly. Then, apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the pan, inside and out. Place the pan in the oven upside down on the top rack, with a baking sheet or aluminium foil on the rack below to catch any oil drips. Bake at a high temperature (around 450-500°F) for about an hour. Allow the pan to cool, and repeat the process as necessary until the pan has a dark, smooth finish.

To avoid having to re-season your cast iron pan, always wash it by hand.

Remove stubborn food with hot water and a spatula

Removing stubborn food residue from a cast-iron pan can be challenging, but it's not impossible. Here are some detailed tips to help you get rid of those stubborn bits:

Start by filling your cast-iron pan with hot water. You can do this by pouring hot water from the kettle into the pan, or by heating the pan with water in it on the stove. The hot water will help to loosen the stuck-on food, making it easier to remove. Bring the water to a simmer for 3-5 minutes, then remove the pan from the heat source and allow it to cool.

Once the pan has cooled down, use a wooden or silicone spatula to gently scrape away the food residue. You can also use a pan scraper, a nylon scrubbing brush, or a long-handled brush to help with this process. If the food is still not coming off, you can try using a small amount of mild dish soap and scrub the pan gently. However, be aware that using too much soap can strip the seasoning from your pan, so use it sparingly and make sure to rinse the pan thoroughly afterward.

If you're having trouble removing burnt-on food, another method is to use a combination of coarse kosher salt and water. The salt acts as a natural abrasive and can help to break down the residue. Simply scrub the mixture onto the affected areas with a cloth or brush and then wipe it away with a paper towel.

Remember, it's important to dry your cast-iron pan thoroughly after washing to prevent rusting. Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to dry the pan completely, and then rub a light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray onto the surface. This will help to protect the pan and maintain its non-stick properties.

Frequently asked questions