The Ultimate Guide To Cleaning And Caring For Your Cast Iron Pan

Cast iron pans are durable and versatile, and with the proper care, they can last for decades. While food grease builds flavour and acts as a natural non-stick surface, it's important to regularly clean your cast iron pan to prevent the flavour from turning rancid. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to wash your cast iron pan:

Use hot water and a cast iron scrubber

To clean a cast-iron pan, you'll need to use hot water and a cast-iron scrubber. This method is ideal for removing stuck-on food without damaging the pan's seasoning. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Clean the pan while it's still hot. Start the cleaning process immediately after using the pan to save time and avoid stuck-on food hardening as it cools.

Step 2: Wash the pan with hot water. Avoid using soap, as it can strip the seasoning from your cast iron. Instead, opt for hot water to loosen any food residue.

Step 3: Firmly scrub the pan with your cast-iron scrubber. Make sure to use a heavy-duty scrubber designed specifically for cast iron to prevent scratching or damaging the pan's surface.

Step 4: For stubborn residue, use salt and a dry towel. If you encounter stuck-on food that won't budge, create a thin layer of salt in the pan and use a dry towel to amplify your scrubbing power.

Step 5: Boil water for extremely stubborn messes. If the previous steps don't remove all the residue, try boiling a small amount of water in the pan for 3-5 minutes. Then, use a pan scraper to remove any remaining bits once the pan has cooled.

Remember, always dry your cast-iron pan thoroughly after washing to prevent rusting. You can use a lint-free cloth, paper towel, or place it on the stove to evaporate any remaining water. Properly caring for your cast-iron pan will ensure it develops a deep, dark patina that indicates a well-seasoned skillet.

Dry with a lint-free cloth or paper towel

Drying your cast iron pan is an important step in the cleaning process, as any remaining water can cause rusting. To dry your cast iron pan, use a lint-free cloth or paper towel. If you notice any black residue on your towel, don't worry—this is just seasoning and is perfectly normal. Make sure to dry your pan promptly and thoroughly. Leaving your cast iron pan on the counter overnight before storing it can also help ensure that it is completely dry.

Once you have dried your pan, you may want to re-season the surface. To do this, coat the interior and exterior of the pan with a few drops of vegetable oil, spreading the oil with a clean paper towel or lint-free cloth. You can also use a dish towel, but note that it may stain. Be sure to use only a thin layer of oil, as using too much can result in a sticky, gummy mess. Wipe the surface with a clean paper towel or cloth until no oil residue remains.

Re-season with a thin layer of cooking oil

Re-seasoning a cast iron pan is a simple process that will help to keep your cookware in good condition for years to come. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to re-season your cast iron pan with a thin layer of cooking oil:

Step 1: Scrub and Dry

Start by scrubbing your cast iron pan with warm, soapy water. Use a nylon brush or fine steel wool scrubber to remove any stuck-on food or rust. It is important to ensure that you dry the pan thoroughly inside and out after washing. Leaving moisture on the pan can lead to rusting.

Step 2: Apply a Thin Layer of Cooking Oil

Once your pan is clean and dry, it's time to apply the cooking oil. Use a paper towel or clean cloth to rub a very thin, even layer of cooking oil onto the surface of the pan, inside and out. Make sure to cover the handle as well. Oils such as vegetable, canola, grapeseed, safflower, or corn oil are good choices due to their high smoke points. Be careful not to use too much oil, as this can make your pan sticky. The goal is to create a nice, even coating.

Step 3: Wipe Away Excess Oil

After applying the oil, use a paper towel to wipe away any excess. Continue wiping until no oil residue remains. Your pan should no longer look greasy, and there should be no pools of oil left on the surface.

Step 4: Place Upside Down in the Oven

Preheat your oven to between 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the pan upside down on the top rack of the oven. Place a large baking sheet or a piece of aluminum foil on the bottom rack to catch any excess oil that may drip.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake the pan at 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit for about an hour. This step allows the oil to polymerize and form a hard, protective coating. After an hour, turn off the oven and let the pan cool completely before removing it.

Step 6: Repeat if Necessary

Depending on the condition of your pan, you may need to repeat the above steps multiple times to achieve the desired level of seasoning.

And that's it! By following these simple steps, you can keep your cast iron pan well-seasoned and in good condition for years to come.

Remove rust with steel wool and warm water

Removing rust from a cast-iron pan is a simple process, but it does require some elbow grease! Here is a detailed guide to help you restore your cast-iron pan:

Gather your supplies:

You will need some steel wool, warm water, a mild dish soap, a towel or cloth, and some cooking oil. It is also recommended to wear gloves to protect your hands.

Scrub with steel wool and warm water:

Using the steel wool, scrub the rusty areas of your cast-iron pan vigorously. Ensure that you only use warm water, as cold water can cause the pan to warp or crack. The steel wool will help break down the rust and lift it from the surface of the pan. You may need to apply some pressure and put in some effort, especially if the rust is stubborn or has built up over time.

Wash with soapy water:

Once you have removed the majority of the rust with the steel wool, follow up by washing the pan with warm, soapy water. Use a mild dish soap and a sponge or scrubber. Avoid using abrasive cleaning tools, such as a stainless steel scouring pad, as these can damage the pan's surface. This step will help remove any remaining rust particles and ensure that your pan is clean.

Dry the pan thoroughly:

After washing, dry the pan immediately and thoroughly. Use a clean towel or lint-free cloth to absorb any water. It is crucial to ensure that the pan is completely dry before moving on to the next step, as any remaining moisture can lead to further rusting. You can also place the pan on the stovetop over low heat for a few minutes to ensure it is completely dry.

Apply a thin layer of cooking oil:

Once the pan is dry, add a very thin layer of cooking oil to the entire surface, inside and out. Use a cloth or lint-free paper towel for this step, and be sure to use just enough oil to create a thin layer. Avoid using too much oil, as this can make the pan sticky.

Re-season the pan:

Preheat your oven to 450–500 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom rack of the oven to catch any excess oil. Place your cast-iron pan upside down on the center rack of the oven. This step will help prevent oil from pooling on the cooking surface. Bake for about an hour, then turn off the heat and allow the pan to cool completely in the oven.

Your cast-iron pan should now be free of rust and ready for use! Remember to properly clean and dry your pan after each use and regularly re-season it to maintain its protective layer and prevent rust from returning.

Store by hanging or stacking with paper towels

After cleaning and drying your cast iron pan, it's important to store it in a dry place to prevent rusting. If you're stacking your pans, place paper towels in between them to absorb any excess moisture and protect them from getting scratched. You can also hang your pans on a wall, but make sure the hooks are securely mounted as cast iron is heavy.

If you're not using your cast iron pan often, you can store it in a dry pantry or cabinet. Ovens are also a great place to store cast iron, as they are low-moisture environments. Just remember to take the pan out before turning on the oven!

• Make sure the pan is completely dry before placing a paper towel inside. This will help keep it nice and dry while it's stored.
• Use a paper towel to wipe down the pan with a thin layer of oil after each use. This will provide extra protection against rust.
• If you're stacking multiple pans, place a few paper towels between each one to protect them from scratching and rusting.
• Change the paper towels regularly, especially if you live in a humid environment.
• Store the pans in a dry place, such as a cabinet or pantry, to prevent rust from forming.

Frequently asked questions