Taking Care of Cast Iron

Your cast iron pans need special attention when it comes to maintenance. There are many novice mistakes you can make like using a lot of dish soap when cleaning them. Here are some of the best tips to get the most out of your cast iron, no matter your experience level.

Clean With a Nylon Pan Scraper

You’ll need some scouring power when taking off burnt bits from your pan. Be careful not to use any harsh products like steel wool, which can damage your skillet. Opt for nylon pan scrapers which can take the bulk of stuck-on residue. Use a stiff brush and hot water afterwards.

Boiling Water

Simply pour a cup of fresh water onto a skillet and turn on the burner. Boil the water for a minute or two to clean it. After you pour out the water, carefully wipe the hot skillet with a paper towel, then pour a teaspoon of vegetable oil. Rub it around with another paper towel so it’s ready for the next time you need it.

Water, Salt and Olive Oil

First, rinse your pan with warm water and sprinkle a few shakes of table salt onto the surface. Then, add a couple spoonfuls of olive oil and rub the pan with a clean paper towel. Rinse out the salt and wipe dry. If your oven is still warm, place your cast iron inside to keep it seasoned properly.

Bring Oil to its Smoke Point

To get the most out of your oil, spread it on your pan after you clean it and heat the skillet until it smokes. Once the oil reaches its smoke point, it will begin making long-chain molecules to leave you with a well-seasoned pan.

Source: The Kitchn