The cast iron skillet is like the Swiss Army Knife of the Kitchen. It can cook just about everything on the stovetop and then go right in the oven for baking. Anyone that owns one knows that everything cooks and tastes a little better when it comes from a cast iron skillet. These pans can last forever if taken care of, but what’s the best way to clean cast iron?
General cleaning
The pan is made from iron. It’s not some space age material, but good old fashioned frontier technology. Settlers carried pans like these while they traversed the Wild West and many were passed down from generation to generation. There is only one problem with iron…it rusts. This has to be taken into consideration when cleaning.
Unless there is cooked on food, the best way to clean a skillet is with a damp cloth. but dry it thoroughly afterwards. If you’ve got food residue or cooked food still on it, then use something abrasive like coarse salt and elbow grease. They make special metal scrappers for cast iron skillets that look like chainmail and those work well. Do not use soap unless absolutely necessary. Soap breaks down the seasoning on the pan and it might make your food taste soapy for a while as the cast iron absorbs the soap.
Never let a pan soak or leave it wet after cleaning or else it may rust. Also, don’t let it sit out unclean for very long either. Wash it as soon as it cools down.
Getting rid of rust
Iron is very sensitive and sometimes rust happens. Maybe you didn’t dry it as well as you thought or you just had a few humid days and now there are a few spots on your otherwise pristine pan. Don’t worry, you don’t need to throw it out.
Once again, throw in some coarse salt and then rub it into the pan using a cut in half potato. With enough elbow grease, the rust spot should come out and the pan will be good as new. You will want to give it a good coat of oil or even re-season it. Do not cook in a rusty cast iron skillet as it will ruin the taste of the food.
We’re full of tips and tricks. If you need gutter cleaning, home cleaning or a multitude of other household chores done, then call Illinois Valley Clean Team Inc. for a quote.
