How to Care for Cast Iron Cookware

Cast iron cookware is one of the most inexpensive cookwares you can buy, yet it is probably the most durable. If it is properly taken care of your cast iron cookware can last several lifetimes. Many families pass down their cast iron cookware from generation to generation. The beauty of ironware is that the older it is, the better seasoned it becomes, and the better it will perform. Many people believe that food cooked in cast iron actually tastes better than food cooked in other cookware. Well seasoned cast iron provides a natural non-stick surface to cook on. This is much more healthy than cooking on traditional Teflon coated cookware. Make sure you get the most out of your cast iron cookware by taking good care of it. In this article I will show you how to care for cast iron cookware.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
   To Care for Cast Iron Cookware, Use Hot Water

   Clean
   
   The first step in how to care for cast iron is keeping it clean. All it requires is hot water and a little soap. Although the most experienced cast iron users only use hot water, because soap can strip the seasoning. When you are ready to clean your cookware, simply run it under hot water, apply a small amount of soap if desired, then gently scrub with a plastic brush. You can use a wooden or plastic spoon to do any scraping that may be necessary.
   
   I prefer to use the hot water only method. Because iron is somewhat porous I fear that some soap taste can actually absorb into the cast iron. Yuck! And using soap strips the ironwares seasoning or non-stick coating that I have worked so hard to achieve.
   
   Soap Alternative: I have also found that using salt with a little olive oil and scrubbing is very effective in cleaning cast iron.
   
   Washing removes some of the oil coating, so don't ever skip seasoning it.
   
   Never put cast iron in the dishwasher!

2. 
   To Care for Cast Iron Cookware, Keep it Dry

   Dry
   
   To care for cast iron cookware make sure you dry it thoroughly as this will prevent rust from forming. First dry it out with a towel then place the cast iron onto the stove over low heat for several minutes. Be careful when you remove it from the heat, the handle could be hot.

3. 
   To Care for Cast Iron Cookware, Season it With Coconut Oil

   Season
   
   When you care for cast iron cookware you want to make sure it is always well seasoned. Season the ironware while it is still warm from drying. Seasoned cast iron cookware has a nice oil coating on it. The oil protects the iron from moisture, which can cause rust. It also soaks into the iron creating a natural non-stick surface.
   
   To season the cast iron, simply apply a light coating of vegetable shortening or coconut oil after each use. You may want to also apply heat by placing it on the stove over low heat for a few minutes. The heat will encourage the oil to absorb into the iron.
   
   I prefer coconut oil because it is more healthy than shortening, and it can withstand high heat. Coconut oil is also anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial. Because of this I am more confident in only using hot water when cleaning.

4. 
   To Care for Cast Iron Cookware, Store in Dry Place

   Storage
   
   To care for cast iron cookware always store it in a dry place. Moisture is not a friend of cast iron because it will create rust. Some suggest placing a paper towel in cast iron cookware to help absorb any moisture. Store the lids seperately to prevent moisture by allowing air flow. Store it unstacked if possible. If they must be stacked then
   place cloth in between to prevent rust.

Tips & Warnings

• Never put cast iron into the dishwasher.
• Never submerge it in water.
• Never put cold water into hot cast iron, it will crack or warp.
• Never store food in cast iron.

Resources

• How to Clean Old Cast Iron Cookware
• How to Season New Cast Iron Cookware
• How to Remove Rust from Cast Iron Cookware
• How to Cook With Cast Iron