That cast iron skillet. It’s the workhorse of your kitchen, turning out everything from crispy sweet potatoes to golden cornbread. But how do you clean a cast iron skillet without stripping away its seasoning? I’ll cover just how to clean a cast iron pan, and also debunk some common myths along the way.
Knowing how to clean cast iron cookware is essential for its longevity. Cleaning a cast iron skillet isn’t difficult.
Table of Contents:
- How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet: A Simple Guide
- Dealing with Rust
- FAQs about How to Clean Cast Iron Skillets
- Conclusion
How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet: A Simple Guide
Years ago, a friend gifted me her grandmother’s seasoned cast iron skillet. It felt almost mythical. I was terrified of ruining it. But with practice, I discovered cast iron can withstand almost anything. Don’t worry about burnt food bits or a slightly rusty cast iron pan.
We’ll go over how to clean cast iron pans now.
Everyday Cleaning
For everyday cleaning, rinse the hot skillet with warm water. This removes loose food particles before they harden. A scrubbing brush works wonders for loosening any stuck-on food bits.
This simple process is a big improvement from outdated cleaning myths. If food residue remains, sprinkle kosher salt into the warm pan. The kosher salt acts as a gentle abrasive.
This lifts the food without damaging the seasoning. Larger grains of sea salt work even better, effectively removing build-up without an excessive amount. Dry your skillet completely with a clean paper towel. You can also place the skillet briefly on low heat on the stovetop to evaporate remaining moisture.
Deep Cleaning and Re-Seasoning
Every so often, deep clean your skillet. This depends on how often you cook and the types of food you make. Mild dish soap, despite the old wives’ tales, won’t ruin your seasoned pan. This simplifies the task.
A cast iron pan’s worst enemies are prolonged soaking and the dishwasher. To maintain its quality, never put cast iron in the dishwasher. After rinsing and drying your cast iron skillet, it’s time to re-season.
Re-seasoning maintains the cooking surface and prevents rust. While many iron pans come pre-seasoned, I believe a personal touch makes a difference.
Warm the skillet on the stovetop. Then, rub a thin layer of cooking oil over the entire pan, including the handle and exterior. Use vegetable oil, canola oil, or flaxseed oil.
Wipe away excess oil with a clean paper towel. This helps maintain smooth cooking surfaces. Heat the oiled skillet in the oven at 450-500°F (232-260°C) for one hour. Let the pan cool completely.
To assess how often your cast iron skillet needs care, consider its current state. How smooth or seasoned does it feel when you wipe it down before cooking? A smooth surface indicates great seasoning.
Dealing with Rust
Rust happens. Don’t panic. Even high-quality cast iron may develop surface rust when left unused. Use a copper cleaning cloth and warm water to lightly scrub away the rust. Be sure to rinse your cast iron pan thoroughly to remove all rust residue.
Cleaning your rusty cast iron pan is straightforward and easy. With these tips you’ll be cooking main dishes in your newly-cleaned pan soon.
FAQs about How to Clean Cast Iron Skillets
What is the best way to clean cast iron skillets?
The best way to clean cast iron skillets is to rinse them with hot water while still warm. Scrub with a brush, and use coarse salt for stuck-on food. Thoroughly dry the skillet with a clean paper towel and apply a thin layer of cooking oil before storing.
Do you wash cast iron after every use?
Washing cast iron after every use isn’t essential. A quick wipe-down often suffices. Wash more thoroughly when food residue is visible or stubborn. Leftover food bits can add character, but avoid gunky build-up. The frequency of washing depends on your cooking habits. If you need tips for how to season your cast iron pan, be sure to take note of any online resources or family secrets that have been passed on. These will be your go-to steps whenever you clean a pan or are about to start cooking with it again.
What is the fastest way to remove rust from a cast iron skillet?
Scrub the rust off with steel wool and warm water. Rinse the pan completely and dry it thoroughly with a clean paper towel. Remember, while warm water is helpful for rust removal, avoid excessive water during regular cleaning to prevent further rust formation. Reapply your seasoning for optimal cooking.
What should you not clean a cast iron skillet with?
Avoid using steel wool (except for rust removal and re-seasoning), harsh detergents, and prolonged soaking. Never put your cast iron pans in the dishwasher.
Conclusion
With proper care, a cast iron skillet lasts for years, sometimes even generations. Cleaning and caring for a modern cast iron skillet is different than it was for past generations. Information on how to clean cast iron pans has evolved. Many contemporary pans don’t rust as easily as older ones. A well-cared-for iron skillet will truly last a lifetime.
So, embrace cast iron cooking and the delicious, healthy meals it creates. It’s another valuable tool for convenient, healthy, and cost-effective cooking.
Embrace iron skillet recipes, and you’ll enjoy cooking tasty and healthy food. Remember to season your cast iron skillets after deep cleaning them, making them rust resistant for many cooking experiences to come. Wooden spatulas are best used to keep cast iron skillet’s non-stick surfaces intact for as long as possible, especially compared to their stainless steel or silicone counterparts. It is a joy having iron skillets in your kitchen for various dishes.