Cast Iron Cleaning
Bring your cast iron skillet back to life with this quick and effortless 'Cast Iron Cleaning' guide, designed to keep your cookware in top-notch condition. Using just a few household staples like coarse kosher salt, warm water, and a touch of vegetable oil, this 10-minute step-by-step method removes stubborn food residue without compromising the pan’s seasoning. The salt acts as a natural abrasive, while the final layer of oil creates a protective coating to prevent rust and maintain that beloved nonstick surface. Perfect for extending the life of your cast iron, this maintenance routine is a must-know for home cooks who cherish their timeless kitchen tools.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Coarse kosher salt
- 2 cups Warm water
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil (or other neutral cooking oil)
- 2 sheets Paper towels
Instructions
Step 1: Let the pan cool down after cooking. Do not submerge a hot cast iron pan in cold water as it can crack due to thermal shock.
Step 2: Depending on how dirty the pan is, you can choose one of two methods: either wipe it clean with a paper towel if only lightly soiled or rinse it under warm water to loosen any stuck-on bits.
Step 3: For stubborn food residue, sprinkle 3 tablespoons of coarse kosher salt into the pan.
Step 4: Scrub the pan with a paper towel or a soft sponge in a circular motion. The salt acts as an abrasive to lift any stuck debris without damaging the seasoning.
Step 5: Rinse the pan under warm water to remove the salt and residue.
Step 6: Wipe the pan completely dry with a clean paper towel or a lint-free kitchen towel. Ensuring there is no water left will help prevent rust.
Step 7: Place the pan on the stove over low heat for 2-3 minutes to ensure the pan is thoroughly dry.
Step 8: While the pan is still warm, pour 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil into it.
Step 9: Use a paper towel to evenly rub the oil into the entire surface of the pan, including the bottom and handle, creating a thin protective coat.
Step 10: Let the pan cool completely before storing it in a dry place.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
117 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 13.6 g | 17% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.9 g | 10% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 17460 mg | 759% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.0 g | ||
| Protein | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Iron | 0.0 mg | 0% | |
| Potassium | 0 mg | 0% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
