How to Clean, Restore, and Prevent Your Cast Iron Pan from Rusting

 

                                                                                       

 

Cooking with a cast iron skillet is a time-honoured tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. Though these pans are incredibly durable, they do require some special care to keep them in good condition. Have you ever tried steak cooked on a cast iron skillet? Yeah, nothing juicier in the whole world. Plus you will always get that beautiful caramelised, brown crust.

In this blog post, we will explore how to clean, restore, and prevent your cast iron pan from rusting. If you have cast iron cookware that is in need of some divine intervention, or if you are thinking about purchasing one, read on for some helpful tips.

Steps For Cleaning A Cast Iron Skillet

If your cast iron skillet is starting to look a little worse for wear, don't worry – it can be fixed in no time. Here are the steps you need to take:

• Start by scrubbing the skillet with a stiff brush to remove any loose dirt or debris.

• If there are any stubborn spots, you can use a bit of coarse salt to help scrub them away.

•  Rinse the skillet well and then dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth.

• Place the skillet on the stove over low heat and add a thin layer of oil (vegetable or olive oil will work fine). Flax oil is an excellent choice but any vegetable oil you have will do the trick. Also, remember to season the handle as well.

• Use a paper towel to spread the oil evenly over the surface of the skillet.

• Put your cast iron skillet in the oven for an hour, face down. Place aluminium foil beneath the pan in order to avoid the oil spilling. 

Which Foods You Should Avoid Cooking In Your Cast Iron Skillet?

You should avoid cooking overly aromatic foods. Garlic or some really aromatic cheeses will give that special kick to your dish… and probably the next three dishes you will be preparing in your cast iron skillet. So unless you put garlic in everything you prepare, take good care of your cast iron skillet.

Some foods like lemon and tomatoes are considered acidic which in the end can lead to your cast iron skillet rusting. Better avoid this and stick to preparing tasty steaks.

Fish is also among these aromatic foods that can leave their signature scent. Salmon can be really great when prepared on a cast iron skillet. But what about trout? Well, not so much because delicate fish can easily turn out messier than you think. So stick to the non-stick pan for this!

Eggs are also notorious but only when your pan is not seasoned enough. Cast iron skillets become better with time so if you’ve got a new one, wait for a while.

Don’t Throw Out Your Rusted Cast Iron

Now that you know how to clean and restore a rusty cast iron skillet, be sure to take steps to prevent rust from happening in the first place. First, always wash your pan with hot water and soap after using it – never let it soak in water for extended periods of time. And second, make sure you dry it thoroughly before storing it away – even a small amount of moisture can lead to rusting over time.

Cast iron pans are a kitchen staple that can last for years with proper care. In conclusion, it is important to clean your cast iron pan regularly to prevent rusting. If rust does develop, you can remove it with a few simple household ingredients. Finally, be sure to store your pan in a dry place and use a pan cover to keep moisture out. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your cast iron pan for many years to come.

FAQs

How Do You Clean A Cast-Iron Skillet Without Destroying It?

If you've never owned a cast-iron skillet, you may be wondering how on earth you're supposed to clean it without destroying it. Who knew that something made of iron can actually be so delicate? The good news is that cleaning a cast-iron skillet is actually pretty simple, as long as you follow a few basic guidelines.

The first thing to keep in mind is that you should never use soap on your cast-iron skillet. Soap will break down the seasoning on the pan, and make it more likely to rust. Instead, simply wipe out the pan with a damp cloth or paper towel after each use. If there's any food that's stuck on, you can use a gentle scrubber like a nylon spatula or brush.

Preventing rust is actually pretty simple: just make sure to keep your cast-iron skillet well-seasoned. Seasoning is what gives cast iron its non stick properties, and it also protects the metal from rusting. To season your pan, simply rub it all over with high-quality cooking oil (like vegetable oil or coconut oil) and put it face down it in a preheated oven for an hour on 350 degrees.

How Do You Remove Buildup From Cast Iron?

If you've noticed that your cast iron pan is starting to look a bit dull, it's likely because of built-up residue. Whether it's from cooking oils or food particles, this buildup can make your pan look less than its best. 

One way to remove buildup from your cast iron pan is to scrub it with a stiff brush and some hot water. If the buildup is particularly stubborn, you may need to use a bit of mild soap. Once you've scrubbed away the residue, be sure to rinse the pan well and dry it completely before using it again.

Another option for removing buildup from your cast iron pan is to soak it in a solution of vinegar and water. This method is especially effective if the buildup is due to cooked-on food particles. Simply combine equal parts vinegar and water in a bowl or container large enough to fit your pan, and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. After soaking, scrub the pan with a stiff brush and hot water before rinsing and drying as usual.

Can You Use Soap On Cast Iron?

Contrary to popular belief, you can actually use soap on your cast iron skillet. Don’t use a generous amount of soap, of course. You will want to use mild soap, such as dish soap, and scrub the pan with a soft sponge. Rinse the pan well and dry it completely before using it again. 

If you are trying to prevent your cast iron pan from rusting, you will want to make sure that you wash it thoroughly after each use and dry it completely. You may also want to apply a thin layer of vegetable oil to the surface of the pan before storing it.

Can Vinegar Damage Your Cast Iron Skillet?

You can leave it soaked in water and vinegar for 8 hours max. Anything above that limit can be really damaging to your skillet. 

 

Note

Whether you have a seasoned cast iron skillet, a dutch oven, a grill pan, or bakeware, each piece of our cast iron cookware follows the exact same steps for cleaning.