CLEAN THE CAST IRON PAN CORRECTLY WITH OUR TIPS

CLEAN YOUR CAST IRON PAN PROPERLY FOR LONG-LASTING USE

A cast iron pan is a great investment that can last a lifetime. Cast iron pans, as well as other cast iron products like griddles and pots, can be used on induction cooktops, gas stoves, and even over an open fire. However, it’s essential to take care of and clean cast iron correctly. If you neglect cleaning or drying it properly, the pan may start to rust or develop stubborn residue. Follow the tips we provide in this article, and your cast iron pan will stay in excellent condition for many years.

Naturally, a freshly washed cast iron pan thrives in a freshly cleaned kitchen. No one wants to put a clean frying pan in a dirty cabinet. At Freska, we’re happy to assist with cleaning to ensure your kitchen shines. You can schedule a home cleaning with us to free up your time for other activities.

CLEANING A CAST IRON PAN & CAST IRON POT

The cleaning process for your cast iron pots and pans differs slightly depending on whether you’re doing a light daily cleaning or a thorough cleaning. Daily cleaning is essential to remove food residues after each use and to maintain your cast iron pan continuously, preventing major problems like rust and burnt-on grime. A thorough cleaning is necessary periodically, especially when your pan or pot begins to look dirty.

For a smooth daily cleaning, we recommend the following:

1. Allow your cast iron pan to cool slightly before washing. It should be warm but not scalding hot.
2. Clean the pan while it’s still warm using hot water and a dish brush or the soft side of a sponge. Do not use dish soap or any cleaning agents.
3. Rinse the pan with hot water.
4. Then, dry the pan with paper towels or a kitchen towel. You can also let it air dry on low heat on the stove for approximately 10 minutes.

Remember never to let the cast iron pan air dry in the dish rack, as the moisture can cause it to rust.

Thorough cleaning with salt in a cast iron pan:

As mentioned earlier, it’s good to perform a thorough cleaning of your cast iron pans from time to time, especially when they have tough stains.

To restore your pan to a like-new condition, follow these steps:

1. Rinse the cast iron pan with hot water while it’s still very warm. It will steam and sizzle.
2. Sprinkle a layer of salt into the pan and scrub with the soft side of a sponge.
3. You can also add salt to the pan while it’s on low heat on the stove. Stir the salt occasionally with a wooden spoon or spatula. This method helps remove old residues.
4. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove all the salt.
5. Dry by hand or let it air dry on low heat on the stove.
6. Apply a thin layer of oil using a piece of paper towel to season your pan.

Removing rust from cast iron:

To prevent your cast iron pan from rusting, ensure it’s never left damp or wet. After washing, always dry it thoroughly, as a cast iron pan won’t rust if it’s kept dry.

If rust does develop on your cast iron pan, follow these steps:

1. Wash the pan with a regular dish brush in hot water.
2. Dry the pan thoroughly with paper towels or a cloth you don’t mind staining.
3. Once the pan is completely dry, apply a layer of oil and let it sit overnight.
4. The next day, use paper towels to scrub away the rust. If the pan has severe rust, you may need to repeat this process several times.

CAST IRON STOVE GRATES

If you have a stove with cast iron grates, it may be challenging to clean with just a sponge. You can use a toothbrush to clean the edges and a toothpick to remove debris from the grates’ grooves. After cleaning, wipe the grates or allow them to sit on low heat for a while to ensure they are completely dry.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CAST IRON AND TEFLON CLEANING

The primary difference between cleaning a cast iron pan and a Teflon pan is the use of dish soap. Due to the different surface materials, it’s typically easier to remove food residues and grease from a Teflon pan. If you ever encounter burnt-on residues in a Teflon pan, you should use dish soap, not salt.

Remember that you should never use dish soap on cast iron. Unlike Teflon pans or pots with different coatings, cast iron items need a natural fat to prevent food from sticking and the pan from rusting. Since the surface of cast iron products should be saturated with fat, it’s always necessary to oil the pan after washing.