How to Deep-clean a Cast Iron Pan

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Using cast iron pans for cooking is a wonderful way to obtain a nice caramelized crust to your foods. Add to that the fact that cast iron pans add to your daily dietary intake of iron and the fact that cast iron pans are superb at heating evenly and you have a winner of a pan. Taking care of that pan is also of utmost importance. Once your pan is seasoned, an occasional deep cleaning is also necessary to keep your pan in the best condition.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Cast iron pan
Paper towels
Salt
Kosher salt

Step1

Know that when you notice foods sticking to your pan that normally wouldn’t, it’s time to clean and re-season your pan.

Step2

Heat your pan on the highest heat setting on a stove burner. When the pan is smoking hot, pour at least one cup of kosher or iodized salt into the pan.

Step3

Use several thicknesses of paper towels to move the salt around the pan so the salt can draw out any impurities from the pan.

Step4

Scrub the salt into the bottom of the pan as you continue to move the salt around.

Step5

Discard the hot salt after it starts to turn grey after a while.

Step6

Notice that the pan should look very dull since the salt has taken away any excess fat and food particles. If the pan is still shiny, repeat the hot salt scrub.

Step7

Wash very hot water over the pan to rinse any remaining salt, away after you have discarded the last of the salt.

Step8

Dry thoroughly the pan with a towel and let the pan sit in open air for ½-hour to completely dry.

Step9

Re-season the pan now that the pan is completely clean.

Tips & Warnings

Kosher salt is generally better for cleaning the pan since it doesn’t have any extra additives, such as iodine. Iodized table salt can clean as well as kosher salt, but it may leave a trace amount of iodine.
Please see the eHow Related Articles section to find out how to season your pan.
When handling a hot cast iron pan, do not forget that the handle does not have a covering over it. Use pot holders or a dedicated cast iron handle cover to prevent severe burns on your hand.