The Dangers Of Submerging Your Cast Iron Pan: Why You Should Keep It Dry

Cast iron pans are versatile and durable, but they do require some special care. One important rule is to avoid putting your cast iron pan directly into water, especially while it's still hot. Doing so can cause thermal shock, leading to cracking or warping of the pan. Instead, it's recommended to clean cast iron with hot water and a scraper or brush, ensuring that the pan is completely dry before storing it in a dry place. While cast iron is tough and challenging to ruin, proper care is essential to maintaining the seasoning and preventing rust.

Why you shouldn't put cast iron pans in water

Cast iron pans can crack if exposed to cold water when hot

Cast iron pans require proper care to ensure they last for generations. One important thing to remember is to never put cold water into a very hot cast iron pan. Doing so can cause the pan to crack or warp. Cast iron is a relatively brittle material, and when it is exposed to cold water, it contracts, creating a differentiating strain between the parts that are cooled and the parts that are still hot. This can lead to cracking, similar to bending a piece of glass.

To avoid this issue, it is recommended to use hot water when cleaning a cast iron pan. Hot water can help loosen and remove stuck-on food, and it poses less risk of thermal shock than cold water. If there are stubborn, stuck-on foods, you can simmer a little water for 3-5 minutes and then use a scraper after the pan has cooled. It is also important to dry the pan thoroughly after washing to prevent rust.

In addition to avoiding cold water, there are other care tips to keep in mind for cast iron pans. It is best to wash them by hand, as dishwashers can remove the seasoning and cause rust. While a small amount of soap is acceptable, large amounts should be avoided as they can strip the seasoning. Instead, coarse salt can be used as an abrasive to remove stuck-on food. After washing, the pan should be dried with paper towels and allowed to sit until completely dry. A light layer of cooking oil can then be applied to the surface, creating a sheen without being greasy.

By following these care instructions, you can help ensure that your cast iron pans remain in good condition and can be passed down to future generations.

Soaking cast iron pans in water can cause rust

Cast iron pans should not be soaked in water because they are not coated with protective enamel. The iron in the pan is porous and will absorb water, which can lead to rust. Rust can also form if the pan is not dried thoroughly after washing. To prevent rust, it is important to dry cast iron pans completely before storing them in a dry place, such as a pantry or cabinet.

If you need to remove stuck-on food from your cast iron pan, it is recommended to simmer a little water for 3-5 minutes and then use a nylon scrubbing brush or a pan scraper after the pan has cooled. Be sure to thoroughly dry your pan after washing.

In addition to causing rust, soaking cast iron pans in water can also strip away the seasoning. The seasoning is a thin layer of polymerized oil that gives the pan its non-stick properties. While it is possible to re-season a pan if the seasoning is stripped, it is best to avoid soaking the pan to prevent the extra work.

To maintain your cast iron pan, wash it by hand with a small amount of soap and promptly dry it with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. Then, rub a light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray onto the surface of the pan. By properly caring for your cast iron pan, you can ensure that it will last for many years.

Cast iron pans should be dried thoroughly after washing

Cast iron pans should always be dried thoroughly after washing to avoid rust. Cast iron is prone to rusting, so it is important to ensure that the pan is completely dry before storing it away. Even a single drop of water left in the pan can lead to a rust spot. If you do find rust on your cast iron pan, don't panic! It can be removed with a little extra care and the pan can continue to be used.

To dry your cast iron pan, use paper towels or a lint-free cloth. You can also place the pan on a heated burner for a minute to ensure it is completely dry. Once dry, lightly oil the inside of the pan with any food-grade oil of your choice. Rub it in well, ensuring that the pan has a sheen but is not greasy. If you leave too much oil in the pan, it will become rancid.

It is important to note that cast iron pans should not be soaked in water or left to sit in the sink. This will lead to the seasoning being stripped from the pan and cause rust. If there is stuck-on food, use a small amount of soap, a nylon scrubbing brush, or a pan scraper to clean the pan. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly.

Cast iron pans are tough and built to last. With proper care, they can withstand a lifetime of use and even be passed down through generations. So, take the time to dry your cast iron pan thoroughly after each use, and it will serve you well for many years to come.

Cast iron pans can be washed with a small amount of soap

It is a common misconception that cast iron pans cannot be washed with soap. This is not true—you can use a small amount of soap to wash your cast iron pans. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, do not let your cast iron pans soak in water, as this can lead to rusting. It is best to wash them by hand and dry them promptly and thoroughly. If you do notice any rust, it can be removed with a little extra care, and your pan can continue to be used.

The reason why people believe that soap should not be used on cast iron pans is that soap is designed to remove oils and grease, and cast iron pans need to be seasoned with oil before use. Seasoning is a layer of oil that has reacted with the iron surface of the pan when heated, creating a non-stick layer that helps prevent rusting. However, the oil in a well-seasoned pan has polymerized and bonded with the iron, so it is no longer just oil, and soap will not remove this protective layer.

While modern soaps are safe to use on cast iron pans, it is still important to reseason your pan after washing it with soap. Simply dry the pan and then very lightly oil the inside of the pan using a paper towel. Rub well to ensure the oil is evenly distributed and has a sheen, but be careful not to leave too much oil, as it can become rancid.

It is also worth noting that you should avoid using steel wool or metal scrubbers to clean your cast iron pan, as these can damage the seasoning. Instead, use a nylon scrubbing brush or a pan scraper to remove any stuck-on food.

Cast iron pans should not be put in the dishwasher

Cast iron pans should never be put in the dishwasher. Cast iron is one of the toughest materials used for kitchen tools, but its enemy is excess moisture. The high pressure of water jets in a dishwasher can strip away the seasoning of a cast iron pan, which is often built up over years of use. The combination of scrubbing action, warm water, and detergent will effectively remove the seasoning.

Cast iron pans are also prone to rusting when exposed to moisture, and the prolonged exposure to water in a dishwasher is too much for cast iron. The heat-dry setting in a dishwasher is not enough to remove all the moisture, and this can lead to rusting.

Cast iron pans are best washed by hand. They should be cleaned soon after cooking, but it is important to wait until the pan has cooled to avoid thermal shock, which can cause the pan to crack or weaken. Food scraps should be scraped off using a metal spatula and disposed of. Cast iron pans can be soaked in warm water for a short time to remove baked-on food, but they must be thoroughly dried afterward. A thin layer of vegetable oil can be applied and then buffed off with a cloth or paper towel.

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