Keep Cast Iron Pans Rust-Free

Cast iron pans are a great, long-lasting option for any kitchen, but they do need to be stored properly to keep them in good condition. The most important thing to remember when storing cast iron is that the area you choose must be dry. Cast iron is prone to rusting, so it's vital to keep it away from moisture. You should also ensure that your cast iron is clean and completely dry before storing it away. You can store cast iron in a cabinet or cupboard, on the stovetop, or in the oven, as long as the area is dry. If you're stacking your cast iron, place a piece of paper towel between the pans to prevent scratches and rust.

Keep cast iron in a cool, dry place

Keeping cast iron cookware in a cool, dry place is the best way to store it. Cast iron is highly susceptible to rust, so it's important to keep it in a moisture-free environment. Avoid storing it under the sink, for example, in case of leaky pipes. The best places to store cast iron are in a dry cabinet, on the stovetop, in the oven, or hanging on the wall. If you're storing multiple cast-iron pans, place a sheet of paper towel between them to prevent scratching and rusting.

If you're storing cast iron for a long period, it's a good idea to give it a thorough clean and dry it thoroughly before putting it away. Wrapping cast iron in paper towels will also help to keep it dry and protect it from scratches.

Wrap cast iron in paper towels

Wrapping cast iron in paper towels is an excellent way to protect the surface of the cookware from scratches. This is especially useful if you are storing several cast iron pieces on top of one another. Paper towels are also useful for cleaning out any leftover grease, drying the cast iron, and adding a thin layer of oil before storing. However, paper towels can be costly and create a lot of waste. They may also leave bits of lint or paper on the pan.

If you are looking for an alternative to paper towels, you can use a lint-free cloth, an old t-shirt, or newspaper. Cotton will work as long as it is tightly woven. You can also use brown paper bags, which are good for draining bacon grease and scrubbing. Microfiber cloths are another option, but they may get caught on the surface of the cast iron.

If you do use paper towels, a lighter touch will leave fewer paper bits. It is also recommended to use a small amount of water to prevent the paper towel from sticking to the pan.

Store cast iron in the oven

Storing cast iron in the oven is a great option if you're running out of space elsewhere. It's one of the driest places in your kitchen, which is important because cast iron must be stored in a dry place to prevent rusting. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when storing cast iron in the oven:

• Make sure your cast iron is clean and completely dry before placing it in the oven. Cast iron is prone to rusting, so it's important to ensure it's dry before storing.
• Remove any wooden parts from your cast iron cookware before placing it in the oven, as this could pose a fire hazard.
• Always use oven mitts when removing cast iron cookware from the oven, as it will get very hot inside.
• Remember to carefully remove the cast iron skillet from the oven before heating it up.
• If you're stacking multiple pieces of cast iron cookware, place paper towels between them to prevent scratches and rusting.
• If you're storing cast iron in the oven for a long period, wrap it in paper towels to keep it dry and protected.
• Don't store food in your cast iron pans in the oven, as this can attract moisture and lead to rusting.

Store cast iron in a cabinet or cupboard

Storing cast iron in a cabinet or cupboard is a great option if you're running out of space elsewhere. Here are some tips for storing cast iron in a cabinet or cupboard:

• Choose a dry area: The most important thing to remember when storing cast iron is that the area must be dry. Moisture causes cast iron to rust, so keep it away from areas with high moisture, such as under the sink.
• Stack with paper towels: If you're stacking multiple pieces of cast iron, place a piece of paper towel between them to prevent scratches and other damage.
• Proper ventilation: Leave the lids off when storing cast iron to ensure proper ventilation and prevent rust.
• Clean and dry: Before storing, make sure your cast iron is clean and completely dry. Wash it with hot water, without using soap, and dry it thoroughly with a towel.
• Seasoning: Seasoning helps keep your cast iron in good condition. Coat the pan with oil, lard, or grease, and heat it in the oven or on the stovetop. Wipe off any excess oil after heating.
• Avoid food storage: Don't store food in your cast iron pans. Leftover food can attract moisture and cause rust. Instead, transfer leftovers to a separate container.

Hang cast iron on the wall

Hanging cast iron on the wall is a great way to store your cookware, keeping it within easy reach and displaying it as functional decor. Here are some tips for hanging cast iron on your wall:

• Ensure that the hooks or rack you use are sturdy and securely mounted to wall studs. Cast iron cookware is heavy, so it is important to use the appropriate hardware to support the weight.
• Keep the hooks or rack away from the sink or splash zone to prevent moisture from reaching the cast iron, which can cause rust.
• Consider using a commercial grid wall or a custom-built rack made of wood and pipe or wood and iron piping to hang multiple pieces of cast iron. This can add a decorative touch to your kitchen while also providing functional storage.
• If you are concerned about oil stains on the wall, consider using a wall covering or high-gloss paint behind the hooks or rack.
• When hanging cast iron on the wall, ensure that the handles of the cookware rest on the hooks or rack, not directly on the wall, to avoid marring the wall surface.
• If you have limited cabinet space or frequently use your cast iron, storing it on the wall can provide easy access and free up space on countertops or stovetops.

Frequently asked questions