A Progressive Guide to Enduring Your Cookware Longtime
Cooking is enjoyable, but it isn’t easy to maintain the kitchen appliances. Every time it comes to cooking or baking, there is nothing in any cookware that exceeds the longevity and versatility of a cast iron skillet. Well, if you’re trying to cook a juicy steak or baking corn dodgers or something trying to fry fish, a properly hardened cast iron skillet is essential to have in your kitchen. But when the question arises in your mind, how do you properly cleanse a cast iron skillet pan every time? You have to wonder about it. If you have just started your journey in the kitchen, then cleaning it appropriately might be very hard for you. But no worries.
This blog post, “Modern Kitchen Gear”, will break down all the secrets of how to clean a cast iron skillet’ and disclose all facts about cleaning. We’ll also give you our expert tips and tricks for properly cleaning and seasoning your cast iron skillet so that it can last in your kitchen for many years.
No matter if it is, though you are a newbie in cooking or an expert, this step-by-step guide will show you the proper steps behind how to clean a cast iron skillet. So, it is time to say goodbye to rust, food bits and sticky surfaces on the pan. After following our expert advice, you will acquire non-adhesives in your kitchen.
We enthusiastically find the best kitchen products and expert pro tips so you can take pleasure in using them without any hassle.
So, without any other discussion, let’s dive into it.
Why You Require to Take Care of Cast Iron Skillets
Before we address the procedure of cleaning, let’s review why a cast iron skillet needs additional care. Unlike other cooking materials, cast iron is slightly more absorber than other materials. It soaks up oils and flavours, which aid in creating that natural non-stick layer called “seasoning.” Keeping this layer coating is very important.
Harsh cleaners and the wrong methods can strip away seasoning, making the skillet rust and wear quickly. Right now, as we picture the significance of cleaning a cast iron skillet, let’s dive into the cleaning process and note down how to clean it.
Materials Needed
Step-by-step Method: How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet?
Step 1:
The primary rule of cleaning a cast iron skillet just after cooking is to clean it as soon as you have finished cooking. Letting food bits or moisture sit can damage the skillet’s seasoning. You might want to soak it like other pans, but soaking cast iron in water?
Let it cool just a bit: Don’t start cleaning right away. Wait a few minutes to cool so you don’t burn yourself. Plus, significant temperature changes can warp the skillet.
Wipe out the rest of the food debris from the pan: Snatch a paper towel or cleaning cloth and gently swab off all the remaining food from the pan. After that, if you notice something stranded there, then you should follow our next step.
Step 2:
Use Semi Hot Water and Soft Cleaner (Or Scrubber)
Time to get rid of any stuck-on food! Keep in mind that steer clear of soap and steel wool, as these can disorder up the seasoning.
Add Hot Water: Put some hot water over the skillet or add a little bit of warm water.
Scrub lightly: Use a soft brush or a non-abrasive scrubber (you can also use one made just for cast iron) to gently scrub off any food bits.
Avoid soap (but there are exceptions): Normally, dish soap isn’t great for cast iron since it strips away seasoning. But if your skillet is greasy, one drop of mild soap won’t hurt. Just don’t make it normal.
Use coarse salt for tricky bits: If food still likes to stick around, sprinkle in some coarse salt. Then, use your cleaning cloths or towels to scrub gently with the salt. It’s rough enough for stuck food but gentle enough for your seasoning.
Step 3:
Dry Thoroughly to Prevent Rust
Moisture is enemy number one for cast iron. It manages to rust faster than you imagine. Here’s how to get your skillet nice and dry:
Dry with Towel: After washing it properly, grab a clean cloth or cleaning towel and sponge out all the water as much as it has.
Heat it on the stove: To make sure all moistness is gone from the skillet pan, to ensure this process, place the skillet on low heating surfaces for about (3-5) minutes to dry completely. Doing this gets rid of any water that is concealed from each tiny drop of water.
Step 4:
Re-Season the Skillet Correctly After Using
This step is a very fundamental and crucial step to protect them from any bacteria and rust. It helps to maintain that natural, non-sticky surface and prevents rust from transpiring.
Add a thin layer of oil: Once your skillet is dry, put on just a little oil. Use tissue paper or towels to rinse out the total water, then spread some oils across all parts; don’t forget the sides and handle.
Wipe off any extra oil: Your skillet should look shiny but not overly greasy. If there’s too much oil hanging around, wipe some off.
Heat it again: Put that skillet back on low/medium heat for about 10 minutes. The oil needs time to bond with the iron and create that essential protective layer.
Let it cool down: When it’s done bonding with your skillet, let it cool before putting it away.
How to Handle Rust on a Cast Iron Skillet
No matter how careful you are, rust might sneak onto your skillet sometimes, especially when it’s wet. Here’s how to rescue your rusty accessories:
Get rid of rust with steel wool: If there’s light rust showing up, scrub at it with steel wool. Cast iron is tough as nails, so don’t fret about hurting it.
Wash and re-season: Once you’ve knocked off all the rust, follow those cleaning steps again and make sure you re-season afterwards. Good re-seasoning brings that surface up and helps protect against more rust later.
Do’s and Don’ts With Cast Iron Skillet Care
Do’s
- Always dry your skillet entirely after washing.
- Re-season regularly, especially if the food starts sticking.
- Use that skillet often. The more love you give it while cooking, the better its seasoning gets.
- Keeping your skillet in a dry spot without stacking other pots on top will help avoid scratches.
Don’ts
- Please don’t leave it soaking in water or wet.
- Stay clear of soap unless you have no choice.
- Don’t forget that thin layer of oil when storing after you clean.
- Never use metal utensils that could harm its surface.
Bonus Tips for Cast Iron Skillet Maintenance
1. Cooking acidic foods? Skip them for new skillets. Foods like tomatoes can break down seasoning fast once they are seasoned well, though. You’re good almost anywhere.
2. Bake for more seasoning power: If you’d like another layer of goodness added on top? Bake your skillet in the oven. Just put some oil thinly on and bake upside down at 450°F for an hour.
3. Invest in cool stuff. Think about picking up special brushes or silicone handle covers that make things easier when cleaning and holding.
Conclusion
Handling and care of a cast iron skillet might appear frightening at first, but once you learn how?{1} It feels easy-peasy. With the steps outlined here, you’ll keep your favourite kitchen tool going strong for years ahead. No matter what you’re cooking up, a great stew or yummy breakfast hash, a happy cast iron will never let you down.
The “Modern Kitchen Gear” will warmly allow you to make a choice and get your perfect one. Thank you for your patience and reading. Should you find this blog’s guide helpful, visit our new and latest blogs for more kitchen-related products and decorations. If you are more passionate, please join our newsletter.
