Liberating Your Cast Iron: A Guide To Removing Stubborn Stains And Build-Up

Cast iron pans are a great, versatile addition to your kitchen, but they do require some special care. Contrary to popular belief, it is okay to use a small amount of soap to clean cast iron, as long as the pan is well-seasoned. To remove stuck-on food, you can use a nylon brush, pan scraper, or wooden spatula, and for stubborn residue, you can simmer some water in the pan and use the scraper after it has cooled. It is important to thoroughly dry your cast iron cookware after washing, as water can cause rusting. To prevent rust, you can also rub a light layer of cooking oil on the surface of the pan after drying.

Use a small amount of soap to wash your cast iron pan

Contrary to popular belief, you can use a small amount of soap to wash your cast iron pan. However, it is important to note that large amounts of soap can strip the seasoning off your pan, so be sure to use only a few drops. Wash your cast iron pan by hand with some mild dish soap, hot water, and a non-abrasive sponge or scrub brush. Avoid using steel wool or a metal scrubber as these can damage the pan. If you're having trouble removing stuck-on food, try using a pan scraper or chainmail scrubber instead.

After washing your pan, be sure to rinse it clean and dry it completely with a dish towel. You can also place the pan over low heat on the stovetop or in an oven set to a low temperature to ensure that all moisture has evaporated. It is important to get your pan bone dry before storing it, as any remaining moisture can cause rust.

Once your pan is completely dry, coat it with a very thin layer of neutral cooking oil, such as canola or vegetable oil. This will help protect the non-stick surface and prevent rust. Simply rub the oil all over the inside and outside of the pan, including the handle, with a paper towel or clean rag. Finally, wipe away any excess oil with a paper towel or clean rag and your pan is ready to be stored!

Dry your pan thoroughly

Drying your cast iron pan thoroughly is essential to prevent rust and maintain its non-stick surface. After rinsing your pan, use a clean cloth to dry it well. Then, place the pan on the stovetop over low heat to ensure it is completely dry. Allow it to dry for a few minutes, being careful not to overheat the pan, which can cause damage.

Once your pan is dry, use a cloth or paper towel to rub a thin layer of shortening, lard, bacon grease, or a neutral high-heat cooking oil onto the pan. Be sure to coat the entire pan, including the bottom and handle. Return the pan to the stovetop and heat until the fat is just starting to smoke. Turn off the heat and let the pan cool to room temperature.

This process of drying and oiling your cast iron pan will help to preserve the seasoning and protect it from rust. It is important to note that moisture is cast iron's greatest enemy, so always ensure your pan is thoroughly dried and oiled before storing it.

Use a neutral oil to reseason the pan

To reseason a cast iron pan, you'll need to use a neutral oil, like canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil. Oils with a neutral flavour are best if you don't want to transfer the seasoning. You'll also want to avoid oils with a low smoke point, like extra virgin olive oil, as well as oils with sediment, like olive oil.

Once you've chosen your oil, follow these steps:

• Wash your pan with hot, soapy water and scrub it with a nylon brush or fine steel wool to remove any rust.
• Dry the pan thoroughly inside and out.
• Apply a thin layer of oil to the inside, outside, and handle of the pan. Make sure the coating is even, but not too oily or slippery.
• Preheat the oven to 350-500˚F.
• Place the pan upside down on the middle rack of the oven and put a sheet of aluminium foil on the lower rack to catch any drips.
• Bake the pan for one hour.
• Turn off the oven and let the pan cool completely inside.
• Repeat the baking step as needed until you've achieved a smooth, semi-gloss finish.
• After the final round of baking, wipe away any excess oil with a paper towel.
• From now on, wash the pan with hot water only (no soap) and dry it thoroughly after each use.

Buff the pan to remove excess oil

To buff your cast iron pan to remove excess oil, follow these steps:

Start by ensuring your pan is clean and dry. Give the pan a good scrub with warm, soapy water, then dry it thoroughly. Even after towel-drying, some surface moisture may remain, so be sure to place the pan on a stovetop flame for a minute or two to drive off any lingering water.

Next, rub the pan all over, inside and out—including the handle—with cooking oil. You can use a variety of oils for this step, such as vegetable, canola, corn oil, or flaxseed oil. However, it's important to avoid using too much oil, as this can result in a sticky pan. The key is to buff the oil into the pan so thoroughly that it no longer looks greasy. Even a small amount of excess oil can pool during seasoning, forming hardened droplets or becoming sticky if left unused.

Once you've applied the oil, place the pan in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 30 minutes. The oil will polymerize during this time, forming a hard, plastic-like coating. It may get a little smoky, so be sure to keep your kitchen well-ventilated. While it's not essential, you can place the pan upside down and put a baking sheet or foil underneath to catch any excess oil that may run off.

After the first round of heating, remove the pan from the oven. It will be hot, so remember to protect your hands. Rub the pan with oil once more, buffing it out as before. Then, return the pan to the oven for another 30-minute spell. Repeat this oiling-and-heating process two to three more times to set a good initial layer of seasoning.

Finally, let the pan cool down. Your cast iron pan is now ready for cooking!

Heat the pan in the oven

To remove stains from your cast iron pan, you can use the oven to heat the pan and draw out the stains. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Before placing the pan in the oven, ensure it is clean and dry. Use a scrub brush or sponge and a mild dish soap to remove any food residue or grease. You can also use coarse kosher salt to dislodge any stuck-on food particles. Rinse the pan with water and dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel. Make sure there is no moisture left on the pan before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to a temperature between 450°F and 500°F (230°C to 260°C). It is recommended to use the higher temperature range if your pan has more severe stains or rust. Place a baking sheet or a layer of aluminium foil on the bottom rack of the oven to catch any excess oil that may drip from the pan during the heating process.

Step 3: Place the Pan in the Oven

Once the oven has reached the desired temperature, place the clean and dry cast iron pan inside. It is recommended to place the pan upside down on the upper rack of the oven to prevent any excess oil from pooling inside the pan. Leave the pan in the oven for about 30 minutes to an hour. The duration may vary depending on the severity of the stains and your oven's temperature setting.

Step 4: Remove the Pan from the Oven

After the allotted time, remove the pan from the oven using oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves. Be cautious as the pan will be extremely hot. Place the hot pan on a heat-resistant surface and allow it to cool down completely. Do not place the hot pan directly on a cold or wet surface, as it may cause the pan to crack or warp.

Step 5: Inspect and Repeat if Necessary

Once the pan has cooled down, inspect it for any remaining stains. If there are still noticeable stains, you may need to repeat the process or try a different stain removal method. If the pan looks good, proceed to the final step.

Step 6: Season the Pan

To protect your cast iron pan and maintain its non-stick properties, it is essential to season the pan after cleaning and heating. Apply a thin layer of cooking oil, such as canola, vegetable, or flaxseed oil, to the surface of the pan, including the handle. Use a paper towel or a clean cloth to rub the oil evenly and thoroughly. After oiling, place the pan back in the oven, upside down, at a lower temperature of around 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C) for about an hour. This step will bake the oil into the pan, creating a protective coating.

Remember to always maintain and care for your cast iron pan properly. Regular cleaning, drying, and seasoning will ensure your pan remains in good condition and provides a great cooking surface for years to come.

Frequently asked questions