Cast Iron Storage: No Rust, No Fuss

Cast iron cookware is heavy and bulky, so it's important to think about where to store it. Proper storage will keep your cast iron in top shape, prevent rusting, and prolong its lifespan. The best places to store cast iron are cool, dry places like kitchen cabinets, the stovetop, the oven, or hanging on the wall. Before storing, make sure your cast iron is clean, dry, and seasoned. You can also place paper towels between stacked pans to prevent scratches and rusting.

Keep cast iron in a cool, dry place

Keeping cast iron in a cool, dry place is crucial to preventing rust and maintaining its longevity. Here are some tips to ensure your cast iron is stored correctly:

• Always store cast iron in a dry, moisture-free environment. Avoid areas near the sink, dishwasher, or other sources of moisture.
• Before storing, ensure your cast iron is thoroughly cleaned and completely dry. Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to dry your cast iron after rinsing or cleaning.
• If hanging your cast iron on wall hooks, ensure the hooks are securely mounted to studs as cast iron items are heavy. Keep the hooks away from the sink to prevent exposure to moisture.
• If storing cast iron in a cabinet or cupboard, check for leaks or dampness. Clean the shelves before storing your cast iron.
• Wrapping your cast iron in paper towels can help protect the surface and prevent scratches, especially when storing multiple pieces together.
• Do not store food in your cast iron pans. Leftovers can attract moisture and cause rusting.
• Regularly use your cast iron to prevent rust. Lack of use and air circulation can contribute to rust formation.
• If storing cast iron for an extended period, clean and dry it thoroughly, wrap it in paper towels, and store it in a safe and secure cupboard.

Wrap cast iron in paper towels

Wrapping cast iron in paper towels is an excellent way to protect the surface of the pots and pans from scratches, especially if you are storing several pieces of cast iron on top of one another. Paper towels can also help to keep your cast iron clean and dry, which is essential to prevent rusting.

However, paper towels can be costly and create a lot of waste. They may also leave bits of lint on your cast iron, so it is important to use good-quality paper towels and not scrub too hard.

If you are looking for an alternative to paper towels, you could try a lint-free cloth, an old t-shirt, or newspaper. These options are more environmentally friendly as they can be washed and reused. Just be sure to wash cloths by hand and avoid using terry cloth, as it is not tightly woven enough.

Store cast iron in an oven

Storing cast iron in an oven is a great storage solution, especially if you're running out of space elsewhere. It can be particularly convenient if you often cook casseroles in the oven with your cast iron skillets. The oven is one of the driest places in your kitchen, which is important as moisture is what causes cast iron to rust.

However, if your cast iron cookware has any wooden parts, you should not store it in an oven as this is a fire hazard. Remember to carefully remove the skillet before heating up the oven. When removing cast iron cookware from the oven, make sure to use oven mitts as the cookware will be very hot.

If you're storing your cast iron in the oven, you can keep it dry by wrapping it in paper towels. This is an excellent tip if you're storing several pieces of cast iron on top of one another, as the paper towels help to protect the surface of the pots and pans from scratches.

Remove the lid before storing

Removing the lid before storing your cast iron cookware is a good idea for several reasons. Firstly, it allows you to clean and dry the lid and the pan thoroughly before storing them away. This is important because cast iron needs to be completely dry before being stored to prevent rusting. By removing the lid, you can ensure that both the pan and the lid are thoroughly dried, either with a towel or by placing them on the stovetop over low heat.

Another reason to remove the lid is to prevent any residual moisture from collecting on the lid and causing rust. Even a small amount of moisture can lead to rusting, so it's crucial to ensure that both the pan and the lid are completely dry before storing. By removing the lid, you can inspect and feel confident that there is no moisture left behind.

Additionally, removing the lid gives you the opportunity to season both the pan and the lid separately. Seasoning cast iron is essential to protect it from rust and create a non-stick surface. By removing the lid, you can apply a thin layer of oil or seasoning to the entire pan, including the handle, ensuring that all surfaces are protected.

Finally, removing the lid allows for better air circulation, which can help prevent rust. Cast iron needs to be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent moisture buildup. By removing the lid, you promote airflow and create an optimal storage environment for your cast iron cookware.

Remember, the key to properly storing cast iron is keeping it dry and rust-free. Removing the lid before storing gives you the opportunity to clean, dry, and season your cast iron cookware thoroughly, ensuring its longevity and performance for years to come.

Clean cast iron before storing

Cast iron cookware is a great, long-lasting option as long as you take good care of it. Before storing your cast iron, make sure to clean it with warm water. Avoid using soap, which can cause your food to stick to your cookware. You'll also want to make sure to fully dry your cast iron to prevent rusting.

How to clean cast iron

• You should clean messes from a cast iron skillet right away, before they become set in.
• Wash your cast iron cookware with hot water.
• Never allow cast iron cookware to soak in the sink, as this can cause rust.
• You can use a sponge or a stiff, non-metal brush to clean a cast iron pan after use.
• If there is a lot of set-on food mess, add a cup of kosher salt to the pan. Take a pair of tongs and wrap a towel around them. Fill the pan with warm water and scrub with the salt until the food comes unstuck. Then, rinse the pan thoroughly.
• If there is something stuck to the pan, you can also put some hot water into the pan and let it boil on the stove. Then dump the water out of the pan and add some salt. Dry out the pan with salt and scrape the pan with a spatula or a rag. You will notice that the salt will start to turn brown, picking up the grime.

How to dry cast iron

• You should never store cast iron cookware that is still wet. This can easily lead to rust.
• Dry the cookware as much as you can with a towel.
• Then, set the pan or pot on the stovetop at low heat. Leave for a few minutes, as long as it takes for the pan or pot to get warm.
• After a few minutes have passed, use a paper towel to rub the pan or pot with a small coating of lard, grease, or oil.
• Heat for 5 to 10 more minutes.
• Allow the pan or pot to cool.
• Wipe away any excess oil. Now, your pan or pot should be safe to store.

Frequently asked questions