How to Clean Your Cast Iron Skillet/Pot After Daily Use

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Nothing cooks better than a well seasoned cast iron skillet. This cookware disperses heat evenly and enhances the natural flavor of foods. It also provides a good source of iron to your diet when used on a regular basis. Maintaining cast iron cookware requires specific handling to prevent rust and to maintain the non stick quality that a well seasoned cast iron pan takes on. The key to proper care is to limit the amount of water the pan is exposed to and to season it immediately after washing.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Cast iron pan/skillet/kettle
Mild dish detergent
Vegetable oil
Stove
Paper towel

Step1

Wash your cast iron pan in warm soapy water with a mild dish detergent. Do not allow the pan to sit in water for any length of time as this will encourage rust on your pan.

Step2

Rinse well with hot water and towel dry.

Step3

Set the pan on a burner set to medium heat and heat until there is no moisture left in the pan. You are now ready to season the skillet.

Step4

Pour 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in the pan. Rotate the pan to coat the entire skillet with oil. Allow the pan to heat until there is a hint of smoke from the oil.

Step5

Remove from heat and allow the cast iron pan or pot to cool slightly.

Step6

Wipe the inside of the skillet with a clean paper towel. Be sure to spread the oil on all surfaces. The pan should be free of excess oil, but it should have thin coat of oil on the surface. Allow to cool and store by hanging from the handle or in a cool dry area. Do not store you pan with the cover on. This will encourage moisture to build up inside the pan and may cause it to rust.

Step7

Repeat this procedure every time you use the pan to keep it in optimum condition.

Tips & Warnings

A well maintained cast iron skillet is invaluable in the kitchen. The surface of the pan will become nonstick under ordinary use if you keep it well oiled and seasoned.
Never leave a cast iron pan sitting in water. It will rust quickly and ruin the surface of your pan.
Always season with hot oil after washing. This will create an effective barrier from moisture and will prevent rust.
Do not attempt to remove the build up of carbon on the outside of the pan. This is what makes your pan cook so well. A well maintained cast iron skillet or pan will develop a thick layer of black carbon. This indicates that your pan is in good condition and is maintained well. The darker the pan, the better it will cook.