Well-seasoned cast iron cookware provides one of the best surfaces for cooking, since it heats foods evenly and can do just about anything, including go on the stove or in the oven. That said it’s also a notoriously tricky material to clean and maintain if you don’t know what you’re doing. So come check out these tips to help you get your cast-iron cookware spotless.
1. Seasoning And Preparing A Brand-New Pot
Start by washing your new cookware with hot, soapy water, and dry it thoroughly. Using a cloth soaked in vegetable oil, rub the entire surface of the pan, including the exterior. Heat upside down in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for an hour, then turn off the oven and let the cast iron cool down completely in the oven. It might be a bit of effort, but if done right, will help your cookware.
2. How To Clean It After Every Use
When it’s time to wash you cookware, it’s best to it do it after every use. Wash your cookware with dish soap and a stiff bristle dish brush, but don’t soak it.
Then take it back to the burner and turn on the stove for 30 seconds or until the water starts to evaporate. Once dry, turn off the heat and rub a few drops of vegetable oil onto the inner surface using a clean paper towel.
Once cool, put a paper plate or paper towel in the mouth of your item to absorb moisture and store. Over the years, with proper care, your cast-iron will develop a deep, dark patina.
Remember NEVER, NEVER soak cast iron in water, put it in the dishwasher or scrub it with metal scouring pads or harsh cleansers! Otherwise, you’ll have to restore the seasoning all over again, which is a total waste of time.
3. What To Do If It Gets Rusty
To restore your cast iron, try using a nonmetallic scrubber to remove the rust, wash with a little bit of mild dish soap, rinse well and dry with a clean towel. Then re-season the surface by coating it (inside and out) with vegetable oil. Put the greased item upside down in your oven and bake at 350 degrees for one hour. Let cool and remove excess grease with a paper towel.
