You must have encountered numerous and contradicting instructions on how to clean your cast iron skillet properly. Notably, most of these instructions are strict and include a lot of don’ts. Don’t submerge in water, don’t use steel wool e.t.c.
These warnings could scare first time users and scare the cook from the cookware. Here you will find most of the things you need to do to keep your skillet well-seasoned, rust-free, and clean.
What Tool Do I Need To Clean?
The first thing you need to do is find out the right tool to deliver the desired results. By looking no further, you need a perfect cast iron cleaner that will help clean the cookware and last long to perform that task many more times.
The brush is a perfect tool for you as it even removes stuck-on food. Notably, the cleaning brush is designed to clean the cast iron skillet.
How Do I Clean?
Before we indulge in the cleaning process, you need to understand the materials that you need from the beginning of the cleaning process to the end. It is advisable to keep all of these materials in check as any delay would cause devastating results.
For example, leaving the skillet dripping wet to look for a dry cloth would provide space for rusting. Thus, there is a need to have all the following materials on standby.
- The stiff brush or a sponge for cleaning the cast iron skillet
- Paper towels or dry cloth to immediately wipe the skillet after cleaning.
- Shortening or vegetable oil to apply on the interior of the pan before storage
- You may also need some salt in case you encounter stuck-on bits.
The Cleaning Steps
- Clean immediately: After using the skillet, be prepared to clean it immediately while it is still warm. Pans should not be soaked in water or left wet.
- Add warm water: Use the water to wash the skillet with your hands and a stiff brush or sponge. In case the water is hot, you can wear gloves or use tongs. Avoid steel wool, soap, or dishwasher as they may affect the pan’s seasoning.
- Remove Stuck-on bits: You will need an effective cast iron cleaner to scrub the pan and get rid of stuck-on food. At some point, you may be required to use a mixture of water and salt. It would be best if you then rinse the pan with a paper towel.
- Drying: Dry the skillet thoroughly using a towel or put it on the heater for the water to evaporate.
- Oiling: Apply a light coat of oil to the pan’s inside using a paper towel.
- Storage: Store the cast iron skillet in a dry clean place for future use.
As you have seen, cleaning the cast iron skillet is procedural and requires some degree of care. Practicing these steps regularly will lead to perfection, and you will not have to remember anything. Therefore, ensure you follow the steps to maintain your skillet and enjoy the full benefits of your cooking.
