A cast-iron pan can last a lifetime, but only if you look after it properly.
If you are new to cooking with a cast-iron pan, you must know how to clean it. Whatever you do, don’t soak your cast-iron pan, as that will cause it to rust.
Additionally, putting your cast iron cookware in the dishwasher is never a good idea.
Alas, cast iron cookware needs to be cleaned by hand.
To help you out, here are some simple steps on how to clean your cast-iron pan without ruining it.
How to clean a cast iron pan
Taking the time and care needed to properly clean your cast iron pan will prevent the build-up of germs, bacteria and worse – rust!
If you have a cast iron skillet, dutch oven or grill pan, the method for cleaning these is the same.
What you’ll need:
- A little bit of dish soap (yes, it’s okay)
- Pan scraper (don’t use steel wool)
- Oil
- Paper towel (we recommend VIVA Regular multi-use cleaning towel)
Method:
- After cooking, clean your cast iron cookware by hand. It’s okay to use a little bit of soap while scrubbing it. That said, a lot of soap will strip the seasoning, so go easy.
- For stubborn burnt food stains on your cookware, add some water and return the pan to the heat for a few minutes to help loosen the gunk.
- Alternatively, some prefer adding salt to the pan and cleaning the food debris with a damp paper towel.
- Once clean, wipe your pan with a paper towel, so it’s completely dry. You can also pop it back on the stove for a few minutes to make sure it’s dry.
- Once your pan is dry, add a little oil. Using a paper towel, rub all over the pan. This is to prevent your cookware from rusting.
- Pop your pan away in a dry, cool place ready for the next time you want to cook with it.
How to clean rust off your cast iron pan
If you spot rust on your cast-iron pan, it’s essential to remove it straight away. If your pan is completely covered in rust, all is not lost, and you might be able to save it.
Here’s how to restore a rusty cast iron pan.
Forget everything about cleaning your cast iron pan. The rules for everyday cleaning don’t apply when trying to remove rust.
What you’ll need:
- Steel scourer
- Soap
- Oil
- Paper towel (we recommend VIVA Regular multi-use cleaning towel)
Method
- Preheat oven to 230-260°C.
- Wash your cast iron cookware in warm soapy water using steel wool to remove as much rust as possible.
- Dry thoroughly.
- Now it’s time to season your pan. Apply a thin coat of oil using a paper towel.
- Place pan upside down in your oven (put something underneath the pan to catch any drips of oil), and bake for an hour.
- If your pan was stripped entirely, you might need to repeat these steps a few times until it’s nice and shiny again.
How to remove odours from your cast iron cookware
If you don’t clean or season your cast iron cookware properly, food can stick to it, causing it to stink.
If your cast iron cookware has a lingering fishy smell, there’s an easy fix for that too.
Preheat your oven to around 230°C and bake your pan for 15 minutes. That’s it! The smell will disappear.
Do vinegar and baking soda clean cast iron?
If your cast iron cookware is covered in rust, you could dry soak it in diluted vinegar to help loosen it. However, using vinegar to clean your pan regularly could damage the seasoning.
Bi-carb soda could help clean burnt food off your pan, as salt does.
You might need:
You might also like:
15 of the best-rated non-stick fry pans in Australia
The $18 Kmart fry pan that outperformed leading brands
5 ways you’re ruining your non-stick cookware
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