How to maintain and clean Cast Iron Cookware?
Cast Iron Cookware is a must-have in any kitchen. A vital advantage of this type of cookware is its high durability, which lasts for several years or even decades. However, there are many different types and brands of cast iron cookware available today at different price ranges. In addition, keeping your cookware clean and well maintained can be a considerable challenge because it should be seasoned before its first use. Also, proper and periodical cleaning is essential to ensure that your cast iron cookware stays rust-free and well-seasoned.
Cast Iron Cookware is highly durable, which can be passed down from generation to generation. However, it is vital to maintain this type of cookware properly. Doing so will help you avoid the risk of rusting, which would permanently damage your cookware.
Tips for maintaining and cleaning Cast Iron Cookware
Cast Iron Cookware is an essential kitchen item that will last a lifetime. However, just like any other type of cookware, Cast Iron needs to be maintained and cleaned to look its best and work at optimum efficiency. Here are some tips on maintaining your Cast Iron Cookware you should be aware of when you buy it from any kitchenware shop be it offline or online store like tredyfoods.com so you can enjoy cooking with it for years!
Clean your cast iron after cooking: The first rule for maintaining and cleaning a cast iron cookware is to wash it after every use. By doing so, you will prevent any food residues from sticking to the surface of your cookware. Since cast iron is porous, these food residues are likely to stick inside the pores of the metal, which makes it harder to clean. In addition, if your cast iron is not cleaned correctly after cooking, then the food that sticks on the surface will eventually start to burn and turn into a sticky substance. This sticky substance can be challenging to clean without using solid products such as oven cleaners.
Clean your cast iron with water and salt
Another way to clean your cast iron cookware is to use a mild abrasive. Please note it has to be mild abrasive and not corrosive. For this, you should mix one tablespoon of salt and ½ cup of water. Then, use a sponge or a kitchen brush to apply the mixture on the surface of your cookware while gently washing it in circular motions. If there are still leftovers of food and grease on the surface, you can add more salt to your mixture. Finally, rinse it with warm water before using a cloth to dry your cookware.
Rub the surface with oil
Another way to cleana cast iron cookware say a cast iron skillet easier is by rubbing its surface with vegetable oil before putting it away after use. This will prevent rust from forming inside the pores of your cookware. However, if rust has already formed on the surface of your cast iron because of long non-use, you can use coarse salt or sandpaper to remove it before applying oil. It is advised to first clean the cookware rust and then use it.
Never use a cast iron cleaner for stubborn stains.
If you are the immaculately clean type go for natural cleaning substances instead of choosing some cast iron cleaners available in the market. Those are not for cookwares.
Season your cookware after cleaning it
Seasoning of your cast iron cookware is essential before using it. Watch our video which shows a step by step procedure to season a cast iron cookware.
Store your cast iron cookware in a cool and dry place
Last but not least, to prevent rusting from happening or to maintain the smoothness of your cast iron cookware for a long time, it is best to store them in a cool and dry place. Wrapping them in a kitchen towel or paper is a good option before putting them away in the cabinet, drawer, etc.
How to clean cast iron cookware after cooking?
Cooking with cast iron cookware is an ideal option to save money and cook healthier. Not only do you not have to worry about using oils, but the food tastes better as well! Cleaning can be difficult, though. The pan has already been seasoned, and cleaning it will take away some seasoning, so how should we clean cast iron? Here are a few easy steps:
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Let your cast iron cool down first before cleaning it
This should be the easiest thing to do since you will need an hour or two after cooking to cool off and let it rest. If you are planning to clean your cast iron as soon as possible without any plan to wait for it, then you can add some water on its surface and let it sit for 1-2 minutes before scrubbing. This should help clean off food scraps without causing too much damage to the seasoning.
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Scrub your cast iron skillet gently but firmly with a plastic or nylon scrubber, hot water, and dish soap
After waiting for your iron pan or skillet to cool down, you can finally get started washing it up! First, remove any food scraps by scrubbing them gently but firmly with a plastic or nylon scrubber, hot water, and regular dish soap. Some people also choose to add salt to remove food scraps without having to use any abrasive tools. If you need to add some oil for your cast iron, then go ahead and do so; make sure that it is not done too often since this can cause the surface of your cast iron to be damaged. Remember that using a nonstick spray or oiling your cooking surface before each use is unnecessary and takes away the seasoning!
How to clean rust from cast iron cookware?
Rust can ruin the seasoning of your pan if not dealt with quickly. The following are some ways to remove rust from your cast iron cookware:
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Use coarse salt to remove stubborn rust spots
If your iron tawa has rusted areas despite cleaning and scrubbing it, then you can use coarse salt and a rag or sandpaper to make the process of removing rust easier.
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Apply some cooking oil on the rusted areas of your cast iron
It is helpful to apply some cooking oil on rusty areas of your cookware since this can secure it from future rusting while preparing food at the same time. Make sure that all parts are covered with a thin layer of oil for protection against rusting.
How to maintain cast iron cookware?
It's essential to know how to maintain cast iron cookware because once you've bought one, they'll last forever - provided they're properly maintained! So, let's check on some of the tips.
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Store it in an oven-safe container after using it
Don't forget to store your cast iron pan or skillet inside an oven-safe container (you can also use aluminum foil). It is especially when you are cooking with this type of cookware for the first time or if you aren't planning to use it again for the next few days.
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Don't leave it out or uncovered for too long during storage.
Don't forget to put the cover back on your cast iron pan after using it and before storing it if you don't want rust, dust, dirt, termites, or ants to find their way inside. Leaving cast iron cookware uncovered for too long will attract insects like ants and termites that might want to make their home in your beautiful pan or skillet.
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Clean it with mild abrasives and oil while storing
When you are done using your cast iron dosa tawa, make sure to clean it first with mild abrasives to get rid of any cooking residues. After the cleaning process, apply a thin layer of cooking oil before covering it or inside oven-safe storage.
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Store it in a dry place to prevent rusting
Store your cast iron pan or skillet in a dry place to prevent rusting since moisture can speed up this unwanted phenomenon. If possible, store your cookware inside a kitchen cabinet or in a place where it can be covered with an oven-safe cover.
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Use only mild soap to clean cast iron.
If you plan to reuse your dutch oven or skillet after cleaning, then make sure to use only mild soap and water since harsh detergents can strip away its protective layer of oil, leaving it exposed to rusting.
How to clean black residue off from cast iron?
If you have just taken your brand new cast iron pan or skillet out of its box, then it might already have black residue on its surface. Three methods can help you clean this type of dirt easily.
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Use a damp cloth to rub the black spots off.
Using a soft, damp rag or dishcloth, rub the surface of your cast iron to remove the black stains. Make sure that you are not pressing too hard on it so as not to scratch its surface.
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Use a mild abrasive and baking soda for stubborn spots.
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