Cast Iron Care and Maintenance
Guide to Cast Iron Care
Read on for what basic cleanup of a cast iron pan looks like:
1. Rinse with warm water and use a brush or scraper to remove stuck-on bits.
- If you used enough fat for cooking, you might not need more than a quick rinse with warm — but not soapy — water and a gentle scrub. You can also use a gentle brush or plastic pan scraper to remove stuck-on food.
2. For really stuck-on food, scrub with salt and oil, rinse and wipe clean.
- If rinsing and scrubbing aren’t enough, pour a few tablespoons of canola oil and a few tablespoons of kosher salt into the pan and use a paper towel to scrub the pan with this mixture until it comes clean, then rinse.
3. Dry the pan and coat with a thin layer of oil.
- Dry the cast iron with a clean towel and then place over low heat. Add a thin coat of more oil, but make sure the oil doesn’t pool anywhere — one teaspoon wiped across the entire cooking surface is just right for most pans.
4. Store until ready to use.
- Cool the pan and store until ready to cook again.
Cast Iron Maintenance Tips
Follow these tips to maintain your cast iron cookware.
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Cook over low heat to avoid damage to the pan.
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Use plastic or wooden cooking utensils to prevent scratching.
- Remove acidic foods from your pans immediately after cooking and wash promptly to prevent damage to the seasoning.
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Do not store foods in cast iron as this can break down the seasoning.
- Never fully submerge cast iron in water.
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Never put cold water in a hot pan; this can cause the pan to crack or warp.
- Do not wash cast iron in the dishwasher.