This is an easy step by step process on how to clean cast iron after use and how to season a rusty one or one that has lost it’s natural, easy-release cooking surface.
Jump to RecipeCleaning Cast Iron
Basically the washing of cast iron is very different from other cookware types. Care should be taken to allow the cast iron last for generations. It is however simple to clean and involves a three step process. When followed, you can actually use your cast iron to cook eggs, crepes, pancakes and so many other dishes without sticking.
How to Clean Cast Iron
Start by washing your cast iron skillet using hot water and a brush or sponge. Incase you don’ have a brush, use a sponge and warm water. Incase you have some stuck food on the cast iron, let it soak in hot or warm water for 3-5 minutes then scrape it off with the brush. You can use a little soap or salt to lift off the gunk.
Take a clean kitchen/paper towel and dry the cast iron thoroughly. Incase you notice a little black residue on your towel, it’s just seasoning and shouldn’t worry you. It’s normal. You can as well dry it on the stove top for about a minute.
Pour a teaspoon of oil then using a paper towel, coat it all around on the rims and even on the handle. Coat it very thinly then wipe off until no oil residue remains.
Then store your cast iron ready for next use.
How to Clean Cast Iron Video Tutorial:
Seasoning Cast Iron
Seasoning is baking oil onto cast iron. This gives the cast iron that classic black shinny coating. Seasoning forms a natural, easy-release cooking surface and helps prevent your pan from rusting. It is basically making the cast iron have a non-stick layer. This process is only necessary if the cast iron has lost it’s non-stick ability or it’s rusty.
How to Season Cast Iron
Incase you are stating with a rusty cast iron, scrab it off with steel wool or a metallic scrubber till all the rust comes off.
Next clean the cast iron with warm, soapy water. It’s okay to use soap since you’re preparing to re-season it. Rinse and dry thoroughly using a kitchen towel.
Pour a tablespoon of oil on the cast iron then using a paper towel, coat it inside and out, all around on the rims and even on the handle. Coat it very thinly and evenly then wipe off until no oil residue remains. Using too much oil can cause the cast iron to sticky after seasoning.
Place the cast iron in the oven upside down and bake at 220°C-250°C for one hour.
Allow to cool then it will be ready for next use.
How to Season Cast Iron Video Tutorial:
RECIPES MADE USING CAST IRON:
- Apple & Sage Kienyeji Chicken
- Braised Oxtail (alcohol free)
- The best one pot chicken & rice
- Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash or Sweet Potato Shakshuka (with sausages)
- Easy Maize Meal Bread (Cornbread)
- Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash or Sweet Potato Shakshuka (with bacon)
OTHER KITCHEN TIPS/HACKS THAT YOU COULD FIND USEFUL:
How to Clean and Season Cast Iron
Materials
Cleaning the Cast Iron
- Cleaning brush or sponge
- Hot or warm Water
- A little Salt or soap, optional
- Kitchen/paper towel
- Neutral cooking oil
Seasoning the Cast iron
- Steel wool or a metallic scrubber, if rusty
- Soap
- Water
- Kitchen/paper towel
- Neutral cooking oil
Instructions
How to Clean Cast Iron
- Start by washing your cast iron skillet using hot water and a brush or sponge. Incase you don' have a brush, use a sponge and warm water. Incase you have some stuck food on the cast iron, let it soak in hot or warm water for 3-5 minutes then scrape it off with the brush. You can use a little soap or salt to lift off the gunk.
- Take a clean kitchen/paper towel and dry the cast iron thoroughly. Incase you notice a little black residue on your towel, it's just seasoning and shouldn't worry you. It's normal.You can as well dry it on the stove top for about a minute.
- Pour a teaspoon of oil then using a paper towel, coat it all around on the rims and even on the handle. Coat it very thinly then wipe off until no oil residue remains. Then store your cast iron ready for next use.
How to Season Cast Iron
- Incase you are stating with a rusty cast iron, scrab it off with steel wool or a metallic scrubber till all the rust comes off.
- Next clean the cast iron with warm, soapy water. It's okay to use soap since you're preparing to re-season it. Rinse and dry thoroughly using a kitchen towel.
- Pour a tablespoon of oil on the cast iron then using a paper towel, coat it inside and out, all around on the rims and even on the handle. Coat it very thinly and evenly then wipe off until no oil residue remains. Using too much oil can cause the cast iron to sticky after seasoning.
- Place the cast iron in the oven upside down and bake at 220°C-250°C for one hour. Allow to cool.
DID YOU USE THIS KITCHEN TIP?
Tag @gwenjikoni on Instagram and hashtag it #gwenjikoni
