How To Clean Cast Iron Items
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.
How to clean cast iron items. We of course have our own method that we ve used and touted for years but we ve decided to settle this once and for all. If the food is really cooked on you can always let the pan soak for a bit. First i place just enough water to cover the surface of the skillet. I don t even have to go that far my way is easiest in my opinion. To clean old cast iron scrub it with a scrubbing pad and very little dishwashing liquid.
Then dry the cast iron item carefully with a dishcloth and store it in a dry place. We did the research to determine. Put your pan in the sink run some hot water in it and scrub off all the stuck on food. Instead use very hot water and a mild non abrasive sponge to clean the pan after each use. I don t need much just barely enough to cover the bottom surface of the skillet.
Easy cleaning for cooked on food. But don t let cast iron sit in water too long or it will start to rust. The simplest way to remove a lot of rust from cast iron is to make a slurry of bar keepers friend and a couple of tablespoons of water in the pan and scrub the rust off using a stainless steel. To be extra sure the cast iron is dry place it on a hot burner and let it warm up so any water will evaporate. Rinse it well then dry thoroughly.
Doing any of these things can ruin its natural seasoning. Don t ever use soap. Wash your cookware with dish soap and a stiff bristle dish brush but don t soak it. Take it back to the burner and turn on. To clean cast iron cookware use a plastic scrubber and hot water to remove food.
But when your cast iron needs a refresh follow this dry cleaning method. Just a little bit of hot water is all you ll ever need.