Philadelphia, PA - This article will explain how to clean your cast iron skillet. It will cover several methods. Before you begin, make sure your skillet is clean. If it's dirty, use a non-metal brush to scrub it. Do not use soap or metal brushes, as these can scratch the pan. If the food is still stuck to the pan, you can try applying a paste of kosher salt and water to loosen it. Dry the pan with a towel. You may want to use a low-heat setting to dry it out.
Steps to Cleaning a Cast Iron Skillet
Seasoning is a layer of oil baked on the surface of the pan. This layer builds up with each use, making the skillet nearly nonstick. Seasoning will also come off in a wash. You must follow proper cleaning and maintenance to keep your skillet from rusting. Here are a few easy methods. For best results, always use a soft cloth when cleaning cast iron. Don't forget to dry it completely before re-moistening it.
Scrubbing the skillet with a sponge or paper towel will help remove most stains. You may also want to use a non-metal brush or sponge to scrub off stubborn food that has caked on the pan. Don't let your skillet sit in soapy water, making removing it more difficult. If you're not careful, your cast-iron skillet may rust and need minor repairs.
Before you store your cast-iron skillet, you should season it. You can do this by rubbing it with a thin layer of vegetable oil. This will protect it from rust and enhance its non-stick qualities. When you season your skillet, use vegetable oil in it. But don't overdo it. If you are worried about rusting, you can use vegetable oil or rendered lard instead of oil.
Once your cast-iron skillet has seasoned, it may be time to re-season it. This process involves rubbing it with a neutral oil, such as vegetable oil, on a paper towel. A good tip here is to use a paper towel and apply a small amount of oil to the skillet's interior. You can also smear some vegetable oil on the interior of your skillet to make it slick and shiny again.
First, you need to remove rust. After removing the rust, you should wipe down the skillet with a paper towel. You can also use steel wool or a half raw potato. Depending on the type of rust, you may have to re-season the skillet. Afterward, make sure to use a non-metallic scrubber to remove any rust. Once the rust has been removed, you can re-season your cast iron skillet with vegetable oil.
Heat up your cast iron skillet before you start cleaning it. This will remove excess moisture and open the pores of the metal. Use a non-abrasive scraper to remove any remaining food. Avoid using steel wool or metal scrapers as these may damage the seasoned surface. Also, remember to dry the skillet thoroughly before storing it in a cabinet. Also, don't stack freshly washed pots and pans because they may be less seasoned.
