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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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.
Serving size | (540.6g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 116.6 |
Total Fat 13.6g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 1.9g | 0% |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 17460mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 0g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 0g | 0% |
Total Sugars 0g | |
Protein 0g | 0% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 0mg | 0% |
Iron 0mg | 0% |
Potassium 0mg | 0% |
Source of Calories