The cast iron pot has excellent heat retaining properties, making it an ideal choice for cooking, frying and browning food. When handled properly, the cast iron pot has a naturally non-stick surface, and can last for many years. Find out how to clean cast iron every day, what to do when there are hard-to-remove food residues, and how to bring your rusty or dirty pot back to life.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Daily Cast Iron Care
Step 1. Make sure your pot has a protective treatment
This treatment creates a layer on top of the metal, which prevents rust and leaves a non-stick surface.
- Some cast iron pans are already equipped with the protective treatment; read the instructions on the package or ask a shop assistant if you are unsure.
- If you have had your pot for some time and you do not know if it is non-stick, it is advisable to create the protective layer, just in case. Read how to do a protective treatment for a cast iron skillet to learn the best technique.
Step 2. Wash the cast iron with hot water
Use a plastic sponge to remove the food. Be careful not to rub too hard, so as not to scratch the surface treatment. Since the pot is non-stick, a light wash should be sufficient.
Do not use soap on cast iron. It is abrasive on the iron surface, and can remove the non-stick
Step 3. Dry the pot well
Use a dry tea towel and make sure you don't miss any spots, especially on the inside.
To make sure the pot is dry, place it on a hot stove and let it heat for a few minutes, so that any parts that are still wet evaporate
Step 4. Cover the pot with a light coat of cooking oil
On a paper napkin put a little oil, grapeseed oil or rapeseed oil and rub the cast iron. This seals the metal and ensures that moisture does not cause the cast iron to rust.
If you use the cast iron pot every day, this step is not necessary. Put the oil layer only if you don't use it for several days
Step 5. Store the cast iron in a dry place
Be careful not to stack a wet pot or pan on top of the cast iron.
Method 2 of 3: Remove Food Residues
Step 1. Rub with oil and salt
Combine the olive oil with a couple of tablespoons of salt in a saucer. Pour the mixture into the cast iron pot. Use a paper towel or other cloth to scrub the salt, paying particular attention to food-encrusted areas. Continue until the food residues have all come off, and throw them in the trash.
Step 2. Clean the cast iron with an oiled cloth
Take a second towel or paper towel, dip it in oil, and scrub the pot until it's clean.
Step 3. If you can't remove the food, cook the cast iron
Put the pot in the oven. Turn it on to the self-cleaning setting, and let it take its course.
- Before trying this method, make sure your pot has the non-stick treatment.
- The pot will come out covered in ash and with a layer of rust. Do not use it before following the instructions for cleaning the rusted pot.
Method 3 of 3: Clean a Rusty Cast Iron Pot
Step 1. Make a solution of white vinegar and water
Find a container large enough to put your pot in. Fill it 3/4 full with a solution of half vinegar and half water.
Step 2. Immerse the pot in the solution
Let it rest for 3-4 hours, checking it every so often. The vinegar should dissolve the rust.
- If the rust hasn't completely dissolved after four hours, remove the pot from the solution and use a soft brush to remove any remaining rust.
- Do not leave the pot in the solution for more than four hours, as this could damage the metal.
Step 3. Rinse the pot and dry it thoroughly
To make sure it's completely dry, reheat it on the stove, or put it in the oven for a few minutes.
Step 4. Coat the cast iron with a light coat of cooking oil
Dab a paper towel with olive oil, grape seed or rapeseed oil and rub it on the cast iron before putting the pot away.
Step 5. Recreate a protective layer on the surface before cooking
Since the layer has peeled off, you will need to restore it before using the cast iron again. Otherwise, it won't have a non-stick cooking surface, and it may rust.
- Put a layer of olive oil on the pot and cook it in the oven at 350 ° C for an hour. You will need to cook it several times before the treatment is complete, but this is the first step.
- Stores that sell cast iron cookware usually sell non-stick treatment products for your saucepan. Try one of these if you'd rather not treat the pot yourself.
Advice
Cast iron cookware can release some small amounts of iron into food, which can actually be helpful for those who are deficient
Warnings
- Do not store food in a cast iron pot or pan. Food acids cause it to deteriorate.
- Do not wash the cast iron pot in the dishwasher. The detergent scratches it.
