How to Clean a Dutch Oven

Cast iron Dutch ovens are wonderful for cooking a variety of items while camping. But proper cleaning and care will make it last longer and work better. It needs to be cleaned immediately after use.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dirty Dutch Oven
• Scraper
• Sponge or Scrub Brush
• Vinegar
• Hot water

1. After finishing your meal or dessert, scrape all food out with a plastic scraper. There are a number of scrapers made for this or a pancake turner will work.

2. After scraping the food out, rinse it out with warm water.

3. Using a vinegar solution with 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water, scrub the interior of the Dutch oven with a sponge and/or clean scrub brush.

4. Repeat this step until all evidence of food is gone.

5. Warm Dutch oven by the fire or coals.

6. Apply a thin layer of shortening to all surfaces of the dutch oven, including the lid.

7. Allow to cool.

8. Place a paper towel between the Dutch oven and the lid.

9. It is now ready to be used for the next meal or to be stored away.

Tips & Warnings

• Never use aluminum foil inside a Dutch oven. Even though so recipes call for aluminum foil, you can get the dutch oven hot enough that the aluminum can fuse with the dutch oven. If your dutch oven is properly seasoned and cleaned it will be easy to clean.
• Never use any type of soap in a Dutch oven. It will leave a residue that will be difficult to remove and will taint the food.