If you’re like me, you love your cast iron skillet. But after a while, it can start to look a bit dull and age. Fear not! With a little elbow grease (and some helpful tips), you can have your skillet looking as good as new in no time.
How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet
How Strong is a Skillet
A cast iron skillet is a sturdy, versatile piece of cookware that can last for generations. If properly cared for, a cast iron skillet will develop a patina, or natural nonstick surface, that gets better with age. However, if not cared for properly, a cast iron skillet can rust and become unusable. Fortunately, it is easy to clean and season a cast iron skillet so that it will last for many years to come.
What You Will Need to Clean Your Skillet
To get your skillet ready for cooking, you first will need the following supplies:
– A stiff brush
– A mild dish soap
– A sponge
– A soft towel
– Cooking oil
Once you have gathered your supplies, you are ready to begin cleaning your cast iron skillet.
Step 1: Seasoning Your Skillet
If your skillet is new, it will come pre-seasoned from the factory. If it’s an older skillet or one that has been used for other purposes, it will need to be seasoned before use. Seasoning is simply the process of heating oil in a pan until it polymerizes, creating a smooth, nonstick surface.
To season a skillet, place it on the stove over medium heat. Add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan, and spread it around with a paper towel or cloth. Allow the oil to heat until it starts to smoke, then reduce the heat and continue cooking for another few minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and allow it to cool; repeat this process two or three more times.
Once your skillet is seasoned, it’s ready to use!
Step 2: Pre-Washing Your Skillet
If your skillet is particularly dirty or has food stuck to it, you may want to pre-wash it with hot, soapy water before proceeding to the next step. If your skillet is only lightly soiled, you can skip this step.
Step 3: Washing Your Skillet
If your skillet is only lightly soiled, washing with hot water and a stiff brush should be sufficient. If it’s more deeply stained or has caked-on food, you’ll need to resort to soap and scrubbing.
Cast iron aficionados will tell you that using soap on a cast iron skillet is a cardinal sin, but in our opinion, a little soap and elbow grease is fine once in a while. Just avoid using harsh detergents or scouring pads, which can remove the seasoning from your pan.
To wash your skillet with soap:
1. For a minute or two, warm the skillet over low heat. Any food that has become stuck will be made loose by doing this.
2. Put the skillet in the sink with a few drops of dish soap and hot water. (You may omit the hot water and only use dish soap if you’re worried about stripping the seasoning.)
3. Scrub the pan’s whole surface, including the sides and edges, with a firm brush. Make sure to search all crevices and corners where food may be hiding.
4. After thoroughly drying the pan with a clean towel, rinse the soap away with hot water.
Step 4: Drying Your Skillet
It’s time to season your skillet after it has been cleaned and dried. Cast iron skillets are nonstick and rust-resistant thanks to seasoning. There are other ways to season your skillet, however, we advise using the following technique:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Apply a thin coating of vegetable oil or shortening to the skillet’s exterior and interior surfaces.
3. Position the skillet on the top wire rack of the oven while it is upside down. (For optimal results, set a foil-lined baking sheet to collect any drips on the lowest wire rack.)
4. Cook for one hour. Before using or storing, turn off the oven and allow it to cool completely inside.
Step 5: Storing Your Skillet
After each usage, wash your skillet while it’s still heated. Add some water and bring it to a boil if the food has cooked on and is challenging to remove. Use a sharp brush to get rid of any obstinate portions after letting the water boil until the food is liberated from the food.
Dry your skillet with a fresh cloth after cleaning it. To ensure that all of the water has evaporated, put it back on the stove over low heat. When the skillet is completely dry, apply a thin coating of oil and use a paper towel to press it into the surface. This will prevent the surface from rusting and make seasoning the skillet the following time you use it easier.
To store your skillet, place a folded paper towel or clean dishcloth in the bottom of the pan and set it on your stovetop or in a cool, dry place.
Conclusion
A thorough explanation of how to clean a cast iron pan is given in the article. Everything is covered, including how to season a new skillet and clean and re-season it after removing difficult food stains. The procedure entails obtaining the necessary ingredients, pre-cleaning, washing the skillet with soap and a stiff brush, drying it, and storing it.
To prevent rust and preserve the skillet’s non-stick qualities, it must be thoroughly cleaned after each use, dried completely, and seasoned. To keep the seasoning intact, the piece also suggests avoiding abrasive cleaners and scouring pads. Overall, the instructions in this article offer a quick and easy approach to maintaining the best possible condition for your cast iron skillet.