Posted on May 15th, 2022
A cast-iron skillet is perhaps one of the best investments you can get yourself if you love spending time and whipping up hearty meals in the kitchen. It can do almost anything for you — sautéing, pan-frying, searing, baking, braising, broiling, roasting, you name it! It’s also said that food cooked in a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet has got that unique flavor you can’t ever get enough of.
But here’s the issue: some people consider it so precious and delicate that it can be daunting to clean a cast-iron skillet out of fear of irreversibly damaging it. Fortunately, cleaning experts reveal that it’s not actually true! Cleaning your cast iron skillet is easier than it’s made out to be. Check out these pro kitchen cleaning tips to get you started!
Cast-Iron Skillet Cleaning Tips
- Do clean your cast iron immediately after every use, instead of letting it sit in the sink.
- Boil water on your pan to melt away the grease and other sticky food residues.
- Never use dishwashing soap or any type of soap to clean your cast iron skillet because they can strip off its natural seasoning.
- Do not use steel wool or other abrasive cleaning tools.
- Do not soak your cast iron skillet overnight because it can cause rusting.
- Always wash your cast iron skillet by hand. Do not put it in your dishwasher.
- For stubborn grease or sauces, mix kosher salt with a bit of water to create a paste. Rub onto the problem areas in a circular motion.
- Do not air-dry your cast iron skillet. Always wipe with a paper towel or kitchen towel immediately. Another trick to make sure it’s completely dry is to heat it up on your stove under low heat.
Removing Rust from Your Cast-Iron Skillet
Don’t panic if you spot surface rusting on your cast iron skillet because there are many ingenious cleaning hacks to salvage the situation. Here are some tips we got from our house cleaning experts.
- Scrub the rust off your cast iron skillet or pan using a slice of raw potato and baking soda.
- Get a large washbasin or plug your sink and fill it up with white vinegar. Soak your cast iron skillet in it for at least an hour and see the rust dissolving from its surfaces.
- Use a ball of fine steel wool to buff the rust away manually.
How to Season Your Cast-Iron Skillet Properly
After successfully removing the rust and cleaning your cast iron skillet, don’t forget to season it again. It’s an essential part of care and maintenance that keeps it smooth, shiny, and non-stick. Food getting stuck is a tell-tale sign your cast iron skillet requires cleaning and seasoning.
Seasoning your cast-iron skillet means coating it with a thin layer of vegetable oil or melted shortening. Different types of oil have varying smoke points and flavors. There are many options to choose from, including avocado oil, safflower oil, extra-virgin olive oil, and sunflower oil.
- Use a paper towel to cover all the areas of your cast iron skillet. Do not forget the handle and the exterior and bottom parts.
- Put it in the oven and place an aluminum foil to catch any excess oil.
- Bake your cast iron skillet for at least an hour on low heat.
- Allow it to cool down before hanging or putting it back in storage.
Professional Kitchen Cleaning by DeluxeMaid
An immaculately clean kitchen can inspire you to channel your inner chef and prepare sumptuous meals for yourself and your family. However, it can be a challenge to keep up with household chores or even be bothered about how to clean a cast-iron skillet properly when you’re swamped with work and a million other things to do at home.
We get that and that’s why we’re here to help. DeluxeMaid offers the best residential cleaning service in Indianapolis with reasonable rates and an excellent cleaning team that guarantees a job well done. Our house cleaners are well trained, bonded, insured, and background checked for your peace of mind, too.
Make your life easier with DeluxeMaid. Book a house cleaning service in Indy today.