How to Clean Cast Iron Pots
Taking proper care of your cast-iron pots and pans can make them last for decades. Cast iron naturally develops a non-stick coating after undergoing a process called "seasoning." According to KitchenEmporium.com, you should season new cast-iron pots and pans by coating them with grease and placing them in an oven heated to 250 degrees F for two hours, or in an oven at 350 degrees F for one hour. Some pots are sold pre-seasoned, which will be indicated on the tag or label. After your pot has been seasoned, cleaning it should be a breeze. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Hot water
- Sponge or scrub brush
- Dish towels
- Cooking spray, grease or shortening
- Paper towels
Instructions
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1
Rinse your cast-iron pot with hot water immediately after use.
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2
Scrub your pot lightly with the rough side of a sponge or a mesh dish scrubber. Continue to rinse with hot water while you scrub to remove any food remnants. Scrub hard enough to remove food particles, but not so hard that you remove the protective coating.
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3
Do not use liquid dish detergent on your cast-iron pot. Detergents and soaps will cause your pot to dry out and lose its non-stick properties. Hot water and a light scrubbing are all you need.
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4
Dry the pot thoroughly with a clean dish towel.
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5
Repeat Steps 1 through 4 with the lid of the pot, especially if it has been exposed to food during cooking.
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6
Spray the inside of the cast-iron pot with a light coating of cooking spray, or use a paper towel to rub some grease or shortening into the pot. Wipe the excess off with a clean paper towel.
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7
Cover your pot with a paper towel or clean dish towel before putting it back in your cupboard. Store the lid separately, not on top of the pot.
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Tips & Warnings
Repeat the seasoning process if your pot starts to lose its coating or if it requires a very vigorous scrubbing to clean. Avoid soaking your cast-iron pot in water for long periods of time.
Resources
- Photo Credit Michael Lorenzo at www.sxc.hu
