How to clean cast iron pan? Explore all of the MOST efficient methods and tutorials now!
In This Article
Having a cast iron pan can be very beneficial in the kitchen. You can use it for frying or baking. They are also very tough and durable, you have to really work hard to ruin them completely. They are great for searing meat, baking cakes, nachos and more delicious dishes. The food is less likely to stick to it because of its surface. Having one of these pans is certainly an investment. How can you properly take care of it, so it lasts you a long time? Let’s see some tips and tricks on how to clean cast iron pan!
How to clean cast iron pan? Find helpful tips and tricks!
Iron cast skillets are certainly a very nice thing to have in the kitchen. They can be very pricey, however as I already mention they are durable. People are hesitant when purchasing them, because it can get really hard to clean them sometimes. The iron tends to get rusty over time if it is not cleaned properly. The best way to keep it clean for a longer period is to always clean it right after you used it. But there are also some very useful tips and tricks that you need to know first. Check them out!
How to clean a cast iron pan right after cooking?
If you want to clean your cast iron pan properly, these are the easiest ways you can try. As I already said, it is essential to clean it as soon as you’re done cooking, so you don’t risk the iron rusting or damaging the surface. If the oil is still hot pour it carefully into a small bowl, then put it on running cold water. Clean well with a paper towel, and don’t let it stick to the skillet. In the video, they are going to use salt to clean, which is one of the most used techniques for iron cast skillets. Use this step-by-step tutorial to learn how to wash it just in a few minutes.
Cleaning iron cast skillet with a raw potato
How to clean a cast iron pan with a raw potato? You can actually do it easily with some steps to follow. Why should you use a potato you may ask? They contain oxalic acid, which dissolves rust. They are basically like these magic erasers that will remove any trace of it. So what are the exact steps to follow?
Step-by-step guide:
- Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Grab a potato and cut it in half.
- Take your dirty cast iron pan and pour some salt in it. Using the potato, with the flat side down as shown on the picture, start scrubbing and don’t be gentle with it. Scrub really well.
- Rinse off the salt and dry the skillet using a paper towel or a cloth.
- Seasoning is also very important for this kind of pans. Pour a small amount of oil in your clean pan.
- Using a paper towel, spread the oil evenly. Place the skillet upside down in the oven for about 1 hour.
- Take out the skillet from the oven and carefully remove the oil. Make sure to wipe off any excess. And voilà! You’re ready!
Cleaning cast iron pan with dish soap
You probably already heard of very controversial opinions when it comes to cleaning cast iron pans with dish soap. Dish soap can ruin the seasoning of these skillets, which can lead to damage and rust on the surface. However, a small amount won’t do anything to your pan, it will only help with the cleaning process. You just have to know how to season it very well afterwards. How to use dish soap correctly for your pan? Use a soft bristle brush to scrub gently, or if the pan is not that dirty, you can use a simple sponge. Then pour 3 to 4 tiny drops of your dish soap onto the skillet. Use a little bit of hot water to help the foam. After that, just rinse off thoroughly. Don’t forget to season it with a small amount of oil in your oven.
How to season your cast iron and why is it important?
What seasoning means is to put a tiny layer of oil on your pan and bake it, essentially forming a protective layer on your skillet. This is how you create a natural finish on your cookware, which will help you with cleaning it afterwards and reusing it. It is significant, because by seasoning your pan, you will make sure that the surface will stay like brand new. How to do it? After you used one of the methods for cleaning cast iron pan, pour a small amount of oil and spread it evenly, by using a paper towel. Bake the pan in your oven, turned upside down. Remove it from the oven after about 1 hour, and you are done!
What should you not clean cast iron with?
When cleaning cast iron pan, try to absolutely avoid harsh scrubbers such as steel wool or scouring pads. They can be really damaging for the surface of your pan and cause some rust to show up. All the good seasoning will disappear, leaving your pan with a scratched surface. Something also very important is to be careful if your pan is still hot, and you want to clean it, always use warm water. Cold water in contact with the hot pan can create some cracks.