6 Simple ways to clean a Cast Iron cooking equipment
Cast iron has been famous for high-end, heavy, expensive, and tough to use cookware ever since it exists in the cookware market.
At the same time, the cooking experts enlist this material under the cookware category that makes us the most wholesome and nutrient-rich recipes and the world gets the reason to go gaga over it.
However, the thing that does not please everyone much about it is its prolonged cleaning cycle and here we will let you know how to get it done in minimal time possible.
It is admitted that Cast iron cookware is technical to clean but if you agree to undergo it, you are going to use the finest quality surface to cook your favorite meals every time.
How to clean a Cast Iron cooking equipment?
To clean your incredibly useful cast iron cookware that almost cost an arm and leg, follow these steps and the additional guidelines for the security of the equipment and also your investment.
1- Clean it when it’s hot
So unlike nonstick and stainless steel material that is advised to clean when the cookware cools down to match the room temperature, the cast iron holds it’s game differently.
It’s better and in fact best to clean your cast iron skillet right after you are done cooking because the remnants and blots are just fresh and scram in less effort and time.
By hot, we don’t hint it to be hot enough that it burns your hands while you wash but not too cold either so you should wait for a maximum of 3 to 5 minutes and then rinse the mess!
Also, the water you use to clean it should be warm as well.
Why:
Since cast iron involves concentrations like carbon, manganese, silicon, and sulfur, it is somewhat more prone to rust than any other material.
That is why it is suggested to clean it shortly so that no chance of water is provided to sit in it and deteriorate its proficiency.
In addition, using warm water is necessary because cold water on warm cookware reacts to warp the surface.
2- Make use of your good hands
Yes, this is not an average pan or skillet that you can simply put in the dishwasher and complain about how tiring your day was.
Cast iron, due to its tough manufacturing, imposes your special attention so you have to compromise on making a detailed time to clean it because a machine cannot be kind enough.
If you go after the dishwasher nonetheless, high-key expects the damage.
Why:
• First of all, a dishwasher works with dish soap that we have to avoid at the earnest, specifically in the case of cast iron.
• Second of all, the cast iron cookware is an embodiment of seasoning that can only be kept intact if you keep the dishwasher at the bay.
3- Use a brush and skip the soap
You may be surprised to know but you are not at all allowed to let the soap come near your cast iron when it’s the cleaning time and otherwise.
For sure, the cast-iron surface layer holds a build-up of seasoning and the dish soap chemicals can eliminate the surface productivity caused by oil nutrients.
Moreover, do not make use of steel wool either but using a soft brisk brush can completely make up the deficiency of skipping dish soap.
Why:
All in all, seasoning is the reason that ranks the cast iron skillets and dish soap can then create a shabby barrier for the seasoning to work.
4- Let the Kosher salt fade the scars
Even though the idea of cleaning the skillet while it’s still warm and then also using the warm water to clean it is a great technique to rid your cookware off any residues and burnt marks but if the problem still persists, we have the tip.
The kosher salt mixed with water into a congruous paste can work as a fine formula to rinse the cast iron skillet.
Why:
The salt carries enough potency to loosen the stubborn sticking of food and subside the unwanted dots and discoloration.
5- Dry it with love
For heaven’s sake, do not let the skillet dry at the mercy of the environment but use a clean towel or paper towel to pat dry it then and there.
Why:
The step right after drying is a seasoning that must not be delayed at any cost and also, leaving the water in the skillet to dry on its own can even lead it to bad rusting.
6- Season it soon
Once it’s absolutely dry, put it on the stove at medium heat and add a little of cooking oil. Make sure to spread the oil well around and put the skillet off after a few minutes.
Later, wipe off any excess oil from the surface with the help of a tissue paper and let the skillet rest happily until the next use.
Why:
Just as we humans live for water, air, and fire, the cast iron skillets live for the thoughtful cleaning process and then the seasoning to keep working.
Can I never use soap on cast iron?
You can use the dish soap but you should not use it while staying true to the honest expert directions.
Therefore if you need to use it under the miscellaneous conditions, you should know how to use it, when to use it, and also the right quantity that must be taken.
For your kind information, you can go with the mildest amount of soap only once a month and not more than that.
While you set to use it, do not rub the surface too hard and wash it away soon.
Conclusion
Tadaa, here we go with the complete cycle of retaining the life and future of Cast Iron skillets in our kitchens and you should follow this ritual for the sake of love the piece deserves in return for food it prepares us.
