We don't need reasons to love cast iron cookware. They're virtually indestructible and the best way to cook veggie sides and cornbread. What we do need is a fail-proof cast iron cleaning guide.
Cast iron is incredibly easy to care
for, but some slip-ups can mess up your food and then your pan. Clean it the
wrong way, and you may end up needing to be rescued by a fire department...or
at least by a barkeeper friend.
Keep reading to learn our tried and
true guide on how to clean a cast iron pan.
First,
Preheat the Pan
After using your cast iron pan, it
is important to clean it the right way. The best way to clean a cast iron
pan is to first preheat the pan.
Simply place the pan on the stove
over medium heat and let it heat up for a few minutes. This will help loosen
any stuck-on food and make cleaning the pan much easier.
Use
a Stiff Brush to Scrub
While cleaning a cast iron skillet
may seem daunting, it's quite simple. Once the pan is hot, use a stiff brush to
scrub away any food that's stuck to the surface.
You can also use mild soap or some
elbow grease if needed. You can also use a non-abrasive cleanser if
necessary.
Make sure to scrub the entire pan,
including the inside and outside surfaces. Thorough cleaning will remove any
rust or build-up that has accumulated over time.
Once you have scrubbed the pan, you
will want to rinse it thoroughly with hot water again. This will help to remove
any residual soap or cleaning products.
Dry
Thoroughly and Season the Pan
After cast iron pan cleaning, you
will want to dry the pan completely. You need to dry the pan with a clean cloth
or paper towel. If you do not dry the pan completely, it could rust.
As every cast iron guide
will tell you, you need to season your beloved pan after cleaning
to create a non-stick surface, prevent rusting, and create a nice flavor.
But how do you properly do it?
To season your pan, simply rub it
with a thin layer of high-quality cooking oil and place it in a 350-degree oven
for 30 minutes. After the 30 minutes are up, remove the pan and allow it to
cool. This will help to evaporate any moisture that may be left on the pan.
Once you've seasoned your pan, it's
ready to use! Be sure to keep it well-oiled and clean, and it will last you a
lifetime.
Clean
a Cast Iron Pan and Make It New Again
If your cast iron pan is starting to
look a little worse for wear, don't despair. With a little elbow grease and the
right techniques, you can clean a cast iron pan and make it look new again.
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