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How to Clean Cast Iron Cookware
Cleaning Cast Iron
Cookware
Introduction:
Of all the different types of cookware cast iron
cookware is one of the most durable and versatile
cookwares that you can use for cooking. It can be
used on top of the stove or placed in an oven. It
is not that difficult to take care of and clean
however, there are a few things to be aware of
about caring for cast iron cookware. Here are a few
tips that will keep your cast iron cookware clean
and in good condition.
Washing cast iron cookware:
As soon as you are done cooking rinse your pan in
very hot water. It is best to do this while it is
still hot from the cooking. This way most of the
food debris will easily wash off. It is not
necessary to use a cleaning liquid. Dish detergent
may remove some of the seasoning that keeps food
from sticking to the pan. If you clean your
cookware and food starts to stick you will need to
re-season it again.
Once cast iron is properly seasoned you need to be
careful when you clean it, so the seasoning is not
affected. There will be times when you need to
scrape the surface of a pan. Scrape it gently and
do not use any kind of metal when scraping.
Do not scratch the surface with steel wool. This
can eliminate the layer of seasoning that you cook
into it when it was new. The normal seasoning
process can take several hours, but if you are too
vigorous in your cleaning, you can re-season in a
few minutes.
How to re-season cast iron cookware:
To re-season cast iron cookware place the pan on
the stove burner and turn the heat to medium. Make
sure there is sufficient grease inside but do not
use butter as it burns too easily. Heat the grease
until it begins to smoke. Let the pan smoke for
about 20 seconds and then turn off the heat. Allow
your pan to continue to smoke until it stops. Leave
the pan on the burner until it cools off. Remove
the grease and wipe your pan out with a paper
towel.
Cast iron cookware storage:
Once your cookware is cleaned it should be placed
on a warm burner to dry. This helps to eliminate
rusting. When dry apply grease to the pan and let
it soak in. The pores in the cast iron will absorb
the grease which helps to protect it from rust.
After a minute or so wipe the pan clean and store
it.
Always oil or grease your cast iron cookware before
storing. Cast iron may rust if not properly taken
care of. Never let the pan sit with liquid in it
for long periods of time and never let the pan air
dry to avoid rusting.
Cast iron cookware maintenance tips:
When you cook, try not to use a very high heat.
High heat can sometimes be damaging to cast iron.
Once your pan is well seasoned you may not wish to
use metal utensils as they can scratch the surface
and cause food to stick. Never place cast iron
cookware in a dishwasher as this can remove the
seasoning and contribute to rust.
These tips on how to clean cast iron cookware will
assure you that your cookware will last for decades
and still be just like new.
Cooking with Cast Iron Cookware
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