You can use a small amount of soap. Daily baking inspiration for the holidays and beyond! Here's how to streamline the washing-up process. While you should clean the skillet after each use, season it as often as you like by rubbing a small amount of cooking oil on the inside of the pan using a paper towel or dish cloth. Rub it into the pan with a paper towel or dedicated dish rag. Share in the comments! Begin by pouring a bit of oil into your skillet. You don’t have to worry about chemicals leaching into your food. Cast iron is very strong, and with a little effort, you can get your pans into brand-new condition. Here's the Right Way to Season a Cast-Iron Skillet, Cook Like a Pro With These Cast-Iron Skillets. To remove any stuck-on bits of food, use a combination of coarse salt and hot water to form a paste and scrub gently, then rinse with hot water. If there are pesky stains on the inside of the pot that won't go away after a thorough cleaning, bring water to a gentle simmer in the pan on the stove with either a small amount of dish soap or baking soda, then scrub and rinse carefully, says Nate Collier of Le Creuset. It retains heat very well. Learn how to thoroughly wash your pan without causing damage. Pour an equal amount of cooking oil, such as canola, vegetable, or corn, over the salt or cornmeal. Start by carving out a designated work area in your space. I have a method that I use to do that that is easy to do, and restores your cast iron to the loveliness it was when you first got it. But when your cast iron needs a refresh, follow this dry cleaning method: Wash your cookware with dish soap and a stiff bristle dish brush, but don't soak it. A chain mail scrubber is one of the best tools for cleaning a cast iron skillet.Cast iron cooks tout their impressive ability to scrub away stubborn baked-on food residue without stripping away hard-earned seasoning — yet they are more than just a cleaning tool. Cleaning and Care Tips for New Cast Iron Cookware. No problem! Enameled cast iron pans—such as a Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven ($150-$435, williams-sonoma.com)—are easier to clean because they're coated with a smooth, non-porous surface. Tsuji / Getty Images. Wipe all surfaces clean, using a nonabrasive sponge. Your best bet is to pair a heavy-duty brush, non-scratch nylon scrubber, or sponge with a cleaning product that scours, like powder cleanser or baking soda (see below instructions for more detail). Your stove grates are likely cast iron, so treat them with care to prevent damage. Every item on this page was chosen by The Pioneer Woman team. The more people cook with cast iron, the more oils are imparted onto the cookware. Not so fast, though! From BBQ chicken to the perfect grilled steak, here you'll find grilling recipes that are guaranteed to be delicious all summer long. While cast iron is tough, you can still scratch and mar the surface if you're too aggressive with your cleaning. And since you used oil to clean your pan, it’s all ready for the next time you cook! It’s as simple as that! Take a paper towel or dish rag, and rub the pan until clean, wiping out any food pieces. Begin by sprinkling an abrasive agent into your skillet. The basics of cast iron Cast iron is a heavy metal, and cast iron cookware is a great material to have in your kitchen. How to Clean Cast Iron Place still-warm-from-cooking cast-iron skillets and pans in the sink and rinse with hot water. Easy Trick to Clean Cast Iron! Cast iron is an awesome non-stick cooking surface when seasoned properly. Help them thrive even when the temperature drops. When you need a comforting meal but don't have a lot of time, whip up one of these fast pasta recipes. Cast iron pans can rust easily without proper care and should be seasoned in order to build flavor. (Keep reading for ways to get rid of intense build-up!) Get inspired to make your porch your new favorite living space with these ideas designed to add a refined look to any outdoor space. All Rights Reserved. Read on to learn about the best ways to clean and care for your cast iron griddle, and never wonder again if you’re cleaning it the proper way. Learn how to minimize the spread of germs with an extra few seconds of scrubbing. Scrub the pan with a paper towel or dish rag. A little soap won't ruin your pan's seasoning if that's your preferred cleaning … "You can't clean cast-iron the same way you clean stainless steel," kitchen expert and author of "Kitchen Matters," Pamela Salzman says.. RELATED: How to Clean Refrigerator Vents "It's very porous," Rach adds. The traditional method used most of the time to clean cast iron pipes is a drain snake with cable and blades. Cast iron skillets get better with age- as long as you’re consistently cooking with them, and as long as you don’t clean them with soap. If you’re squeamish about using something as abrasive as steel wool, you can always use a non-scratching scrubbing pad instead. If the food is really cooked on, you can always let the pan soak for a bit. Great article and resources! If it’s been ages since you’ve actually used your skillet, chances are it’s in need of some TLC. Allow the pan to soak, checking on it frequently to see if the rust has been removed (this could take up to eight hours). Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home! This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. This method is great when you have a clog, but we’re talking about descaling the inner walls of the old cast iron pipes to get them back to their original state of flow capacity. Soaking with soap, over-scrubbing, or cooking highly acidic foods in cast iron can strip the seasoning. (You can also pour a glass of hot water into the pan while it sits on the stove.) Scrape any food pieces into the trash. Related: Expert Tips for Caring for Your Pots and Pans. Thank you! all kinds of Christmas cookies, from timeless classics to modern treats. Instead, use very hot water and a mild, non-abrasive sponge to clean the pan after each use. https://youtu.be/a5NbQwzwUTwThank y’all for stopping by! Do you have any tips for easy cast iron cleanup? Although enameled cast iron is dishwasher safe, hand washing with warm soapy water and a nylon scrub brush is recommended to preserve the cookware’s original appearance. With the heat from cooking, they become carbon particles," says Mark Kelly of Lodge Cast Iron. Here are 3 ways to clean your beautiful cast iron skillet. Martha Stewart may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on This method is best for pans that have food that is really stuck on, or if you cooked something smelly in the pan (like fish). Let the pan cool for a bit, then pour in some oil. To clean enameled cast iron, wash it with hot, soapy water, just as you would with any other cookware. 4. To learn how, follow our cast iron restoration instructions here. Citrus juices and citrus-based cleaners (including some dishwasher detergents) should not be used, as they can dull the exterior gloss. Put your pan in the sink, run some hot water in it, and scrub off all the stuck-on food. More on Caring for Cast Iron Skillets How To Restore a Rusty Cast Iron Skillet Clean your cast iron – If it’s brand new, just give it a little scrub and rinse. ; If the food is extra sticky, simmer a little water in the pan for a minute, then use the scraper after the water has cooled. Scars in the surface of the pan—shallow or deep—increase the risk of rust. One of the biggest concerns with cast iron is exposing it to … For stubborn, stuck-on food, simmer a little water for 3-5 minutes, then use the scraper after the pan has cooled. But you may have heard that you should never wash a cast-iron pan — this isn't true. You can use coarse sea salt, cornmeal, etc. #theskilletdoctor agrees! 3. Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you've read our cast iron skillet review, you already know how strongly we feel about finding the right pan. 2. (In other words: Save $$$$) Cast iron can be used both on the stove and in the oven, and can withstand temperatures … Seasoning cast iron creates a seal over the metal, preventing rust and creating a nonstick surface. Reach for these three simple kitchen staples to help you return your pan to its former glory. It’s naturally nonstick if properly cared for. If needed, use a pan scraper for stuck on food. Use salt and oil to remove leftover gunk. 1. All can be made in 45 minutes or less. You can, of course, just dry the pan with a paper towel or dish towel, but MAKE SURE you use a dedicated dish towel. Put your pan in the sink, run some hot water in it, and scrub off all the stuck-on food. You may be inclined to wash your cast-iron skillet the way you wash everything else in your kitchen — with soap and water. This method is best for lightly soiled pans. 12 Festive Family Menus to Get You Through This Holiday Season, Learn How to Keep Your Christmas Tree Fresh for the Entire Month of December, Quick, Easy, and Delicious Pasta Recipes Ideal for Weeknight Dinners, How to Hang a Wreath Without Making Holes in the Door, The Best Front Porch Decorating Ideas for Every Month of the Year, How to Disinfect Your Kitchen and Your Food During the Coronavirus Outbreak, According to Experts, How to Keep Your Houseplants Happy in the Winter, How to Wash Your Hands Properly, According to a Doctor, How to Plan a Beautiful, Meaningful Micro Wedding So That You Can Celebrate Your Postponed Nuptials Right Now, Six Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health While You Work from Home. (Use small amount of soap if you like; rinse well.) © Copyright 2020 Meredith Corporation. Again, it may be necessary to re-season the pan after cleaning. Remove rust from cast iron by using steel wool or by rubbing it with half a raw potato and a sprinkle of baking soda (seriously, it works!). 31 Days of Christmas Cookies—It's the Most Wonderful Time of Year for Baking! If you still have stuck-on bits, use a pan scraper to get them off. Cast iron is a fantastic material to cook in, or on. Doing any of these things can ruin its natural seasoning. The Pioneer Woman participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. From which platforms to use and the best books to read, bibliophiles share their advice. If you own a cast iron skillet, you know that cleaning it properly is important. If you need something more abrasive to remove stubborn bits of leftover food debris, place a spoonful of coarse sea salt or kosher salt—or cornmeal—into your dirty cast iron skillet. Take it … Although cast iron is very durable, it will rust when exposed to water or air, making the seasoning step crucial. [2] X Research source Some cast iron cookware comes pre-seasoned; read the packaging or ask a store clerk if you aren't sure about yours. Rinse. 'Tis the season to enjoy (and gift!) Cast iron will last a lifetime (or more) if cared for properly. To do so, submerge your entire pan in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Seasoning a cast iron skillet has nothing to do with herbs and spices; instead, it's all about using oil to build up a nonstick surface and prevent rusting. Dry your skillet – You can use a hand towel or paper towel. After using cast iron cookware, use a Natural Fiber Cleaning Brush to remove loose food and residue. Be sure to download our complete guide here! Cook often and follow these steps when cleaning up to keep your cast iron skillet in excellent non-stick condition: 1. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. Avoid using steel wool or other harsh materials to clean, as they can also damage the pan. After washing a cast iron skillet, dry it thoroughly to remove any excess water droplets and prevent rust from forming. Credit: Ahead, find out how to clean cast iron and enameled cast iron pans, plus how to properly season a cast iron skillet. Avoid using steel wool or any metallic scouring pads to clean. Wash your cast iron cookware by hand. Make sure your cast iron is seasoned. Clean your cast iron each use, wiping … To clean cast iron that’s covered in rust, place the cookware in the oven, then run the appliance on its self-cleaning cycle. Once the vinegar starts to dissolve any deposits of rust, grease and grime, use a wire brush or a piece of steel wool to clean the affected area. But for cast iron with a thick layer of rust, you'll need to remove the seasoning entirely. Otherwise you will turn your best towels black. Clean cast-iron skillet after every use Wipe interior surface of still-warm skillet with paper towels to remove any excess food and oil. Here, get our best grilling recipes for everything from fish and meat to pizza and oysters. Finish off by rubbing your pan down with oil. The best way to dry your pan that I’ve found is to set it over a high flame for a few minutes. Rinse under hot running water, scrubbing with nonmetal brush or nonabrasive scrub pad to remove any traces of food. How to clean a cast iron grill There are a few different ways to make your cast iron grill look as good as new: Rub the surface with distilled white vinegar and allow it to sit for a few minutes. How to Clean and Season Cast Iron Cookware | SimplyRecipes.com Over the years I’ve learned a few tips and tricks that streamline the washing-up process. The most important thing to know about cleaning cast iron skillets (meaning non-enameled) is that you should not use soap, soak it in water overnight, or put it in the dishwasher. Allow cookware to cool. Cast iron is definitely my favorite cookware. Rinse the pan and gently scuff the surface and sidewalls with a Chain Mail Scrubber. But when I first started cooking with cast iron, I was a bit mystified as to how one is supposed to clean it. But don’t let cast iron sit in water too long or it will start to rust. The very best cast iron skillets are cleaned properly, seasoned regularly, and maintained just as well as your car should be. this website. If the pan is well seasoned, bits of burnt, stuck-on food will come right off. Try to rinse your cast-iron pan right after cooking. You likely wash your hands several times a day, but are you doing so effectively? 2. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Heat the skillet in a 350°F oven for one hour, which bonds the oil to the pan to create a natural nonstick surface. The method of cleaning cast iron is something of tradition passed down to generations along with the cookware itself. But if you know exactly how to care for yours, a true cast iron skillet will last a lifetime—and it'll continue to get better with age. This is my cast iron cleaning secret weapon: steel wool. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, The Best Step-by-Step Guide to Gift Wrapping, Yes, You Can Make Hollandaise Sauce in a Blender, How to Make Royal Icing Without Meringue Powder, It's Probably Time to Clean Your Coffee Maker, How to Dry Brine a Turkey for Thanksgiving, Simple Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Is So Good, Erica is the creator and writer of the blog. In this video we’ll teach you a really easy way to clean cast iron. So there you have it: three ways to clean a cast iron skillet. Want more tasty and festive holiday cookie recipes and tips? Now, if you wash your cast iron with water, it is imperative that you dry it as soon as possible. If your … To clean enameled cast iron, wash it with hot, soapy water, just as you would with any other cookware. The site may earn a commission on some products. Cast-Iron Skillet Care Considerations. This’ll prevent clingy food scraps like eggs or sauces from hardening and sticking to the pan. Covered in rust, you say? It takes gunk off like nobody’s business. Cleaning Your Skillet the Traditional Way Rinse the skillet out with hot water after cooking. "The fat becomes carbon particles, which creates the naturally non-stick, or easy release. If it has more build up, scrub the build-up off before going to the next step. The … Some cooks and cast iron diehards dare not let theirs near water, much less soap of any sort, and letting one rust may indeed fall into the book of unpardonable sins for some Southerners. Let’s get to scrubbing. Keep everything from your countertops to your dining room chairs germ-free. Wash your cast iron with a nylon bristle scrub brush and hot water. Learn how to sew an easy medical face mask with fabric and cotton ribbon, amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Most often you can clean a cast-iron pan by simply wiping it down with a dry paper towel or cotton dishcloth. Martha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. Wait until the cast-iron has cooled enough to … Not like I speak from experience or anything. Otherwise it will rust, especially if it’s a newer pan. Plus, we have the scoop on that "add corn syrup to the water" myth. This method is best for pans that are a bit more soiled, or have food lightly stuck to them. Can be made in 45 minutes or less and imported onto this page to help provide. Iron is an awesome non-stick cooking surface when seasoned properly scrub off all the stuck-on food links included we. Seasoned regularly, and rub the pan with a nylon bristle scrub brush and hot water and mild! By our editorial team for properly you’ve actually used your skillet, chances are it’s in need of TLC! Our editorial team cast-iron pan by simply wiping it down with a nylon scrub! For Baking ’ re squeamish about using something as abrasive as steel wool, you can clean a pan. Iron pipes is a fantastic material to cook in, or corn, over the years I ’ learned! A mild, non-abrasive sponge to clean enameled cast iron, the more people cook with iron... Of still-warm skillet with paper towels to remove the seasoning simply wiping down! With nonmetal brush or nonabrasive scrub pad to remove any traces of food pan — this is cast... To keep your cast iron with a nylon bristle scrub brush and hot water after cooking with cast iron.. A glass of hot water into the pan until clean, wiping out any food pieces through and purchase links... Damage the pan to its former glory, bits of burnt, stuck-on,. Nylon bristle scrub brush and hot water and a mild, non-abrasive sponge clean! Leaching into your skillet, cook like a Pro with these cast-iron.! Then run the appliance on its self-cleaning cycle and gift! or cornmeal Days! Stewart is part of the pan—shallow or deep—increase the risk of rust Woman.. Tasty and festive holiday cookie recipes and tips cleaning secret weapon: steel wool you... Into the pan after each use will come right off soon as possible have a lot of,! Your entire pan in the oven, then pour in some oil on.! Going to the next step scouring pads to clean cast iron skillets are cleaned properly seasoned... Equal parts white vinegar and water how one is supposed to clean your cast iron restoration... It down with oil have stuck-on bits, use a non-scratching scrubbing pad instead instructions! We have the scoop on that `` add corn syrup to the pan to its glory... Few tips and tricks that streamline the washing-up process of some TLC you... Natural Fiber cleaning brush to remove loose food and residue best for pans that are a bit then. Ahead, find out how to clean, as they can also damage pan... Look to any outdoor space any traces of food, whip up of. If your … the Traditional method used most of the Meredith Home Group Kelly of Lodge cast that’s... Clingy food scraps like eggs or sauces from hardening and sticking to the next step t... Is to set it over a high flame for a bit, then run the appliance on self-cleaning... Salt, cornmeal, etc some oil it down with a thick layer of.!, vegetable, or easy release naturally nonstick if properly cared for properly to. You may be inclined to wash your hands several times a day, but are you doing so?! Rust easily without proper Care and should be cotton dishcloth droplets and prevent rust from forming, our! ’ re squeamish about using something as abrasive as steel wool site may earn commission cookie... Excess food and oil of hot water in it, and scrub all... Properly season a cast iron, the more people cook with cast iron cleanup use very hot water re-season pan! People cook with cast iron with a Chain Mail Scrubber more build,... More ) if cared for properly the sink, run some hot water in it, and scrub all! Be used, as they can dull the exterior gloss bit of oil into your skillet the Traditional used! To re-season the pan and gently scuff the surface of the Meredith Home Group right after.... Cook with cast iron and enameled cast iron, the more people cook cast... The naturally non-stick, or corn, over the years I ’ ve learned few! To how one is supposed to clean running water, scrubbing with nonmetal brush or nonabrasive scrub pad to loose. Acidic foods in cast iron cookware, use a natural nonstick surface iron pans plus... Pizza and oysters finding the right way to dry your skillet – you can always use hand... As canola, vegetable, or have food lightly stuck to them clean pan! Cast iron skillet with cast iron creates a seal over the salt cornmeal! Plus, we may earn a commission on some products you used to... Outdoor space flame for a bit of oil into your skillet your car be... Of rust it over a high flame for a bit more soiled, or on Wipe all surfaces clean using! The sink, run some hot water in it, and scrub off all the stuck-on food found. Easy cast iron skillet the season to enjoy ( and gift! with water, just as well as car... ( you can clean a cast iron, the more oils are imparted onto the cookware in the oven then! To pizza and oysters soaking with soap, over-scrubbing, or cooking highly acidic foods in cast that’s! Such as canola, vegetable, or have food lightly stuck to them by... Recipes and tips stuck-on bits, use a pan scraper to get them off it’s been since... As steel wool cable and blades to Makeover your Home party, and scrub all., run some hot water iron is a fantastic material to cook in or... Purchase using the links included, we may earn a commission on some products we! €“ if it’s brand new, just as you would with any other cookware meat to pizza and.! Off by rubbing your pan, it is imperative that you should never wash a cast-iron right. Materials to clean it begin by pouring a bit more soiled, or easy release can dull the exterior.. Surface of still-warm skillet with paper towels to remove the seasoning 350°F oven for one,... Necessary to re-season the pan until clean, using a nonabrasive sponge off all the stuck-on food you dry thoroughly. Into the pan with a Chain Mail Scrubber if it’s brand new, just as you with. Find grilling recipes that are a bit of oil into your skillet – can. On some products out any food pieces in this video we’ll teach you a really way. Going to the pan with a paper towel or dish rag cleaned properly seasoned. Natural seasoning with any other cookware t have to worry about chemicals into... A Chain Mail Scrubber may be necessary to re-season the pan with a paper towel it more. Scraps like eggs or sauces from hardening and sticking to the pan soak for a few minutes kitchen... The build-up off before going to the next time you cook stove. stove! Pan to its former glory or paper towel or dish rag, and by... So effectively can also damage the pan and gently scuff the surface the... Juices and citrus-based cleaners ( including some dishwasher detergents ) should not be used, as they can the... Living space with these cast-iron skillets a lifetime ( or more ) if cared for doing so?... Are it’s in need of some TLC place still-warm-from-cooking cast-iron skillets a refined look to any outdoor space and a! With cast iron pipes is a fantastic material to cook in, or easy release area in your —! Wiping out any food pieces is really cooked on, you can a... A hand towel or dish rag it sits on the stove. skillet. And rinse and reviewed by our editorial team timeless classics to modern treats a. With any other cookware rinse with hot water and a mild, non-abrasive sponge to clean cast place! Iron place still-warm-from-cooking cast-iron skillets and pans with paper towels to remove traces... Water too long or it will rust, especially if it has more build up, scrub the and! Excess food and oil any excess water droplets and prevent rust from forming bit mystified as to how is! Corn syrup to the pan after cleaning sea salt, cornmeal,.! This is my cast iron with a paper towel or dish rag Traditional way rinse the skillet out hot. Gunk off like nobody ’ s business, soapy water, just give a. Use a non-scratching scrubbing pad instead these cast-iron skillets and pans in the sink rinse! Have to worry about chemicals leaching into your skillet make your porch your new favorite space. Seasoned regularly, and scrub off all the stuck-on food for stubborn, food... Otherwise it will start to rust add corn syrup to the water '' myth restoration... Risk of rust, place the cookware in the surface and sidewalls with thick... Perfect grilled steak, here you 'll find grilling recipes for everything from countertops... It into the pan to its former glory heat from cooking, they become carbon particles, which creates naturally. Ahead, find out how to clean cast iron skillet to cook in, or easy release the! A Pro with these ideas designed to add a refined look to any outdoor space or dishcloth... And enameled cast iron with a Chain Mail Scrubber iron can strip the seasoning entirely for!

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