There is nothing better than preparing a decoction for boiling with a cast iron pan . The naturally non-stick surface makes cooking with this material a dream, while the ability to bring your pan straight from the stove to the oven or vice versa offers freedom that you won't find with many other kitchen items. Add to this an evenly heated cooking surface and you will see why the popularity of cast iron in recently increased has.
While many believe that a solid cast iron pan requires more attention and care than an average stainless steel or non-stick pan, the maintenance of an all-metal pan is surprisingly easy when it is done right. Remember, you shouldn't use harsh soap or steel wool to clean cast iron. It won't spoil the pan, but it will remove the flavored item from your pan. Below we explain how not to clean cast iron, as well as instructions on how to properly wash and restore cast iron cookware.
How not to clean cast iron
Before we dive into how to properly wash and restore your cast iron, let's first talk about what you should never do with a cast iron pot or pan. There are a few key no-gos to be aware of.
Never soak cast iron - since cast iron can rust, it's important to keep it as dry as possible. This means you don't have to leave it in the water to remove stuck food. And you shouldn't leave any food in the pan either.
Never use steel wool - abrasives made from steel or metal wool can strip cast iron of the seasoning and make it prone to rust. Instead, look for cast iron scrapers or chain scrubbers to get the hard work done.
Never put cast iron in the dishwasher - the dishwasher can remove cast iron from its flavor and cause rust. Therefore it is always necessary to hand wash the casting.
Notice that we didn't say "never use soap". This is a very common mistake made with cast iron. Yes, you can clean your pots and pans with a small amount of mild soap. However, harsh soaps or even large amounts of mild soap can remove the flavoring from cast iron. So if you want to use soap, use it sparingly and carefully.
Clean cast iron properly
Now that we've covered what not to do with cast iron, it's time to outline the steps to properly clean your cookware after each use. Once you know how to clean cast iron, the process is as natural as washing dishes.
1. Washing : Start by washing with water and a cast iron scrubbing brush.
a.) If that doesn't work, add a small amount of mild soap.
b.) And if this doesn't help remove any stuck food, try boiling some water in the saucepan for about five minutes, then use a cast iron flat scraper to remove any pieces.
c.) For very stubborn foods, you can also use a layer of kosher salt and a kitchen towel to scrub the pan.2. Drying - Since cast iron is prone to oxidation, dry it quickly and thoroughly. Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel.
3. Protect - To keep your cast iron seasoned, it's a good idea to coat your pots and pans with a thin layer of oil before storing them in your cupboards. To do this, put a few drops of oil on a paper towel. Then rub the paper towel over any cast iron surfaces. Finally, use a clean paper towel to wipe the excess oil off the metal.
a.) Alternatively, you can coat the metal with seasoning spray.
If for some reason you can't or don't follow proper steps to clean cast iron after use, don't despair. You can easily restore the rusty cast iron or reapply the spices. Read on for more information.
How to Recover Rusted or Stripped Cast Iron
Accidents happen, and if your cast iron isn't seasoned you will have to do a bit of work to get your cookware back in good working order. First, remember that if your cookware is low on rust, all you need to do is scrub the rust off and then follow the instructions above to complete the cleaning process. However, if the rust problem persists, or you have a significant amount of rust in your pan, follow these steps to re-season your cast iron.
1. Scrubbing - Scrub cast iron with steel wool and hot, soapy water to remove rust and spices.
2. Oil : Put a small layer of cooking oil, such as canola or vegetable oil, in the pan. You can also use a cast iron conditioner here. Make sure the oil covers both the inside and outside of the cookware, but don't use too much. A thick layer of oil could create a gummy mess.
3. Baking : Place the oiled cookware face down on the top rail of your oven. Place a baking sheet on the lower rail to catch any oil that may run off. Bake cookware at 500 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour.
4. Cool Down and Repeat - Let the cookware cool down , then repeat steps two and three as needed until you get that classic cast iron sheen.
Remember that you will, of course, need to re-dry your cast iron two to three times a year. Otherwise, cleaning and maintaining cast iron is not as labor intensive as its reputation suggests.
We've compiled a list of 16 great cleaning products to keep your cast iron in tip-top condition. All of them are available for under $ 40, so there's really no excuse for poorly cleaning your oven.
1. Kohler cast iron cleaner
BEST OVERALL
Inside this 8 ounce bottle is Kohler's cast iron cleaner. This powerful detergent can be used on cast iron or other surfaces like kitchen sinks to remove scratches, stains and unwanted stains. The cleaner leaves your surfaces clean and like new.
2. Happy Belly vegetable oil
BETTER FOR SPICES
As mentioned earlier, it's a good idea to thinly coat your cast iron pots and pans with oil once they are clean and before you put them back in the cabinet. Vegetable oil is recommended for this process because of its high smoke point, affordability, and availability, but canola oil, flaxseed oil, and melted shortening can also be used. Just put a few drops on a paper towel and cover the plaster of paris. Wipe off any excess oil with a clean paper towel, as a thick layer of oil will create a gummy mess.
Buy: Happy Belly Vegetable Oil $ 6.68
3. AIDEA microfiber cleaning cloths
BETTER TO DRY
Since cast iron is such a delicate material, you'll need a drying cloth that won't leave anything behind. We therefore recommend that you only use lint-free cleaning cloths to dry your pots and pans, such as AIDEA microfiber cleaning cloths. Microfiber is an excellent choice because it is soft on metal and allows streak-free cleaning. If you don't have anything lint-free on hand, you can also use a paper towel. Just be careful not to leave paper fibers on the cast iron.
Buy: AIDEA Microfiber Cleaning Wipes $ 6.95
4. Heavy duty full circle cast iron brush and scraper
THE MOST VERSATILE
This full circle brush made of cast iron was specially developed for use on cast iron surfaces. At the top of the brush you will find a scraper to loosen stuck food before you attack the pan with the brush. The bristles are intentionally firmer than average cleaning brushes, so you can clean your oven without harsh chemicals.
5. Kosher diamond crystal salt
If food sticks to your cast iron that you can't seem to remove, salt can be the solution. Just pour about a cup of kosher salt into your hot pan. Then use a kitchen towel to clean the stuck parts. Finally, pour the salt into the trash can and rinse the cast iron pan with hot water. The advantage of this method is that not only is it safe for your cast iron, but it is also quite inexpensive.
Buy: Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt $ 12.97
6. Patelai Store cast iron cleaner kit
BEST VALUE
For a kit that contains almost everything you need to keep your cast iron in perfect condition (except paper towels and paper towels), consider the Patelai Store Cast Iron Cleaner Kit. It comes with a chain scrubber, a dish brush, two scrapers, a heated handle cover, a tea towel and a wall hook. All of these parts are designed to help you safely scrub your cast iron by following the steps outlined above. We love that all of the pieces are included, which takes the guesswork out of cleaning cast iron.
Buy: Patelai Cast Iron Cleaner Set $ 10.54
7. OXO Good Grips cast iron brush
THE ERGONOMIEST
With its strong bristles and an integrated scraper, the OXO pan brush cleans cast iron pans effectively and without additional cleaning agents. It is able to clean all types of flat or corrugated surfaces and also has an ergonomic handle for easy brushing. In addition, the robust upper scraper makes it possible to clean hard-to-reach grooves and corners in no time at all.
8. Amagabeli stainless steel cast iron cleaner
THE BEST STAINLESS STEEL WASHER
Amagabeli Stainless Steel Cast Iron Cleaner is another cover that can be attached to any of your kitchen sponges to provide an effective stove cleaner. Simply scrub the surface of your cast iron with a cleaner and warm water. Amagabeli Cleaner also doesn't require extra soap or harsh chemicals to work effectively. Each of the chain mail topper rings have been handcrafted to ensure that no damaging edges are touching the surface of the pan. It's also a great addition to your kitchen cleaning arsenal for other hard-to-clean grills and pots.
Buy: Amagabeli Stainless Steel Cast Iron Cleaner $ 11.99
9. Scarce cast iron spice & conditioner
BEST CONDITIONER
Like your hair, cast iron needs conditioning from time to time. In fact, a cast iron pan needs to be seasoned two to three times a year, depending on how it is used. When the time comes, the cast iron seasoning and care products from Knapp can come in handy. Most of the time, seasoning cast iron means brushing the metal with oil, but Knapp's cast iron seasoning and conditioner makes the process a lot easier. The mixture of beeswax, rapeseed oil, and grapeseed oil goes on like butter, and once the pan is cooked through, this mixture creates a nice non-stick coating. In between the spices, you can also use this waxy substance to protect your cast iron after it dries.
Buy: Cast Iron spice and conditioner for just under € 14.99
10. Earlywood handcrafted wood kitchen appliance
BEST SCRAPER
If a cast iron squeegee or brush isn't removing food debris on cast iron and you're not ready to turn to the salt, it's time to take the scraper out. For stubborn, sticky lumps, simmer some water in the saucepan for three to five minutes. After the pan has cooled, use a cast iron scraper, like this Earlywood cookware, to remove any residue. You may already have a wooden spatula at home that works, but this flat, slightly angled wooden device makes scraping easy.
Buy: Handcrafted wooden kitchen utensil with plywood $ 19.00
11. Baby soap, bottle and speckled dishes
There is a misconception that soap cannot be used on cast iron. Yes, using strong soap or lots of soap will remove the seasoning. However, you can use a small amount of mild soap to clean your metal objects. We recommend using baby dishwashing detergent for this purpose, but any mild soap will do. Just put some soap on a suitable cast iron brush and scrub your pan like a regular dish. Just remember that if you use too much, you will have to dry your cast iron again.
Buy: baby soap, bottle, and speckled dishes $ 14.88
12. Bounty Quick Size Kitchen Towels
BEST MULTIPURPOSE
After you've washed and dried your cast iron, you need to seal it with a light layer of oil. The best way to do this is to put a few drops of vegetable oil on a paper towel and rub it over the cast iron. Paper towels can also be used to dry cast iron if a lint-free towel is not available. And as an added bonus, Bounty is useful for all other types of kitchen chores, from cleaning up spilled liquids to cleaning windows.
2019: Bounty Quick Size Kitchen Towels $ 20.70
13. Caron Doucet cast iron care set
BEST PACKAGE
One of the keys to a happy, healthy pan is making sure the seasonings are in place, a smooth, glassy layer created by the boiled oil. The Caron Doucet cast iron maintenance kit provides an easy way to do this. In the set with two bottles you will find a special cast iron soap, 100% natural and formulated in such a way that it does not damage the seasoned cooking surface. The other vial is a cast iron oil made from highly refined coconut oil that, when applied to the surface, will protect and extend the life of your pan and its natural flavoring.
14. Lodge care set for seasoned cast iron
BEST BRAND
Lodge is currently the leading cast iron brand, so it makes sense that their maintenance kit be among the best. This set contains spices made from 100% rapeseed oil, a brush with non-stick bristles, a scraper that offers a variety of angles, and a silicone holder that can protect you from heat up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Best of all, the kit also includes instructions for use and care so you never forget the best way to keep your cast iron in tip-top condition.
Buy: Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Maintenance Kit $ 24.99
15. Le Creuset cast iron cookware cleaner
BEST FOR ENAMELLED CAST IRON
Although it doesn't require the same maintenance as cast iron, enameled cast iron is very popular right now. Because of this, we wanted to add an article to our list that will also help with the maintenance of this type of plaster of paris. The Le Creuset cast iron cookware cleaner is safe to use on enamel and removes any discoloration so that your colorful cookware stays as shiny as the day you bought it.
Buy: Le Creuset cast iron cookware cleaner $ 25.00
16. The bell
BEST SEARCH
With a name like The Ringer and claiming that the machines used in its production were originally for police protection, you know this North American-made cleaner was made for business. The doorbell is made of high quality stainless steel to ensure it stays strong throughout the cleaning process. And since it doesn't require a sponge in your chainmail, like many of the products on our list, this cleaner removes the bacterial build-up that is common in washers. The ringer is also easy to clean as it is dishwasher safe.
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