How to Clean Cast Iron Pots & Grill Grates Easily
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Cooking with cast iron is a time-honored tradition, but cleaning it doesn’t have to be intimidating. In this blog, I’ll show you how to clean cast iron pots and grill grates naturally, removing rust, debunking common myths, and sharing professional tips for seasoning and maintenance. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced grill master, you’ll find everything you need for cast iron care and maintenance right here.
Why does this approach work?
Cast iron is a treasure in any kitchen. It can last you a lifetime if you care for it properly. The charcoal acts as an abrasive for lifting stains, grime, and rust. Mixed with lemon, you can battle grease. You probably already have all the ingredients you need at home. It’s a powerful and natural way to restore your cast iron to great condition.
Step-by-Step Guide for Naturally Cleaning Rust off Cast Iron
As a cast-iron enthusiast committed to safe, natural cleaning methods, I discovered this approach, which is the process I use regularly.
You’re going to need:
- Lump charcoal
- Lemons
- Steel wool
- A sponge
INSTRUCTIONS
1. In a large plastic bag, smash the lump of charcoal into a fine powder.
2. Strain the charcoal powder to remove large chunks.
3. Juice the lemon
4. Mix the charcoal powder and lemon juice to make a paste.
5. Spread the paste on the rusted/dirty cast iron surface.
6. Use the steel wool to scrub the paste on the cast iron
7. Rinse and scrub clean with a sponge.
8. Season cast iron with high-heat oil (like peanut, canola, and avocado).
Good as new!
I use cast iron frequently, especially when I want that coveted perfect crust on a fine cut of meat. With this cookware, you can start a meal on the stove, move it into the oven for braising, or transport it to the grill for a fire-kissed finish. Afterward, I follow these instructions to keep everything in nearly mint condition. And I promise it won’t take all day!
What is Cast Iron?
As the name implies, the primary component in cast iron is (wait for it) iron! It has a high carbon content, along with silica and small amounts of phosphorus and manganese. This combination makes cast iron durable in high temperatures. It will collect and retain a lot of heat.
The only downside is that, if you don’t maintain it correctly, the metal is prone to rust. This is the primary reason for learning how to clean cast iron: to ensure your pan lasts for a lifetime.
What Culinary Tools are Available in Cast Iron
- Bakeware (baking pan)
- Bottle opener
- Burners
- Casserole dish
- Coffee Grinder
- Dutch oven
- Flat Iron for grilling and smoking
- Grill grates
- Grill press
- Meat grinder
- Panini press
- Pot racks
- Serving spoon, ladle
- Simmering pot
- Skillet
- Smoker boxes
- Stovetops
- Tea pot
- Trivets
- Waffle iron
- Wok
Busting Cast Iron Myths
People often have ideas about cast iron that simply aren’t true. For example, some say you should never wash cast iron with soap. But a properly seasoned pan has nonstick characteristics.
Dish soap should not be a problem, so don’t worry if you accidentally put it into a bubbly sink. There’s just one caveat. Don’t clean cast iron by soaking it in the sink. Wash and dry your pan as soon as possible after using it.
Speaking of which, myths say that cleaning and maintaining cast iron is difficult. Cast iron pots and pans last for decades for a good reason. It’s tough to ruin one completely.
If you check labels while you shop, you’ll find several pans that are already seasoned for you. Treat your cast iron mindfully. They’re an investment. Thankfully, once you clean and season cast iron, that surface won't chip off.
Other Cast Iron Myth Busters
- Avoid Metal Cooking and Grilling Tools: Cast iron is not what you’d call delicate. Unless the utensil you have digs into the surface, it won’t do any damage.
- Cast Iron Heats Evenly: This simply isn’t true. You will have hot spots on top of where the pan is exposed to fire. For even heating, preheat the pan in a hot oven for 30 minutes or on a burner for 10 minutes, turning it ⅓ of the way around every 3 minutes.
- Cast Iron is Nonstick: Good seasoning gives a cast iron pan some characteristics of a Teflon surface. Nonetheless, eggs will leave some remnants behind. Preheating helps.
- Stick with the Classics: Truthfully, both vintage and new cast iron pans aren’t much different than each other. The only thing you might notice is that older pieces have a smooth finish from polishing.
Jack Says:
Periodic black flakes are normal while cooking in or on cast iron. They come from food bits you missed, which become carbonized when exposed to high heat again.
Cleaning Cast Iron Pans and Grill Parts for the First Time: (Seasoning the Skillet)
When you first shop for cast iron, prepare yourself for some sticker shock. Top-notch pieces cost a pretty penny, but with care, they last a lifetime. Some are quite beautiful as well as being functional.
After carefully perusing options, you bring home a coveted piece of cookware. Like any investment, you want to ensure you handle the cast iron correctly from the outset. I recommend starting by washing the pan or grate in warm, soapy water. This removes residual manufacturing sediment. DO NOT use abrasive cloths or scrubbies.
Dry the pan and wipe it down everywhere with a light coating of vegetable oil. Wipe off excess oil. Place the pan in a preheated oven at 400°F for 1 hour. Cool the pan completely before storing it.
PitMaster Tips for Cleaning Cast Iron After Each Use
Once you’ve seasoned your pan, cleaning it after use is relatively straightforward.
- Use a paper towel, sponge, or soft brush while the pan is still warm to remove food residue.
- If the food is stubbornly stuck, you can either simmer water in the pan to loosen the bits or use coarse salt as a natural abrasive.
- Wash the cast iron in hot water.
- Dry thoroughly with a clean kitchen cloth.
Why Cleaning and Seasoning Your Cast Iron Skillet or Grill Parts Matters:
Cast iron requires maintenance not only to maintain its peak performance, but also to ensure its longevity. You want to prevent food or rust buildup, both of which can change the flavor of your recipe. Regular seasoning protects the surface of the pan and supports its non-stick attributes.
Common Mistakes People Make When Cleaning Cast Iron Pots and Grates
- Using abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, anything with bleach, and harsh detergents. These can damage the pan and the seasoning you’ve so carefully built up.
- Forgetting to dry the pan completely. This encourages rust.
- Putting cast iron in the dishwasher. These are not dishwasher safe. The process can pit, corrode, or remove the seasoning.
- Cooking things like fish or eggs in an unseasoned pan. It will stick.
Buzz From The Pitmaster’s Kitchen
When you have stubborn food bits or burned grease, your best friend is baking soda. Make a paste of water and baking soda. A good measurement is 1 cup of soda to ⅓ cup of water. Apply it to the pan’s surface and let it sit overnight. The next day, use a nylon brush to clean the paste off, and then rinse thoroughly. Re-season.
FAQs
How often should I season cast iron pots and pans?
The good news is that you don’t have to season your pan again every time you use it. If you remember to dry your pan after each use and lightly oil it, you should only have to re-season 2-3 times a year (or if you see signs of dryness and stuck-on food)
Insider’s Scoop:
Did you know, you cannot over-season cast iron? It’s true!
Is cast iron safe to use?
Cast iron has no chemical coatings, making it perfectly safe.
I have an induction cooktop. Can I use cast iron on it? What about the oven?
Absolutely. You can use cast iron on a cooktop or in an oven. It’s safe to use up to 650°F.
How can I tell if my cast iron is seasoned properly?
Besides having non-stick characteristics, your pan will have a shiny and dark surface. If your pan has turned dull gray, it’s time to re-season it.
Is cooking with cast iron difficult?
There's no question that cast-iron cooking comes with a learning curve. The more you use it, the easier it becomes to use.
People Also Ask
Are there any foods I should avoid cooking on cast iron surfaces?
Sticky desserts. Delicate fish like cod, flounder, halibut, and tilapia. Acidic items like lemon juice, vinegar, orange juice, wine, coffee, and many processed foods. Eggs. Strong-smelling food like blue cheese may leave a lingering flavor.
Is it true that cast-iron cookware is actually healthy?
Yes. Used regularly, cast iron improves a person’s iron absorption. Additionally, cast iron retains heat, resulting in less nutritional loss.
Can I store cast iron in the oven?
You can, but it’s not the best idea. Each time you accidentally turn the heat on with the pan inside, you take away some of the cure. Stack it with other pots, pans, or grates, using paper towels as a spacer between each. This safeguards the pan from any residual moisture.
How can I tell if my cast iron is no longer salvageable
Cast Iron is incredibly durable, but some issues may arise that make it unusable. Cracks, holes, warping, and excessive rust mean that it’s time to retire that item.
Jack’s Tips for Using Cast Iron Successfully.
- Heat: Always preheat your cast iron. Coat it lightly with oil first. Avoid high heat levels; low and medium heat are best for maintaining cast iron in prime condition.
- Personal precaution: Always use oven mitts when handling a hot cast-iron item. This metal gets really hot.
- Safety: Cast iron is safe to use up to 650°F, making it ideal for grilling and smoking.
- Utensils: Using metal utensils on cast iron can cause damage unless handled delicately. Use silicone, plastic, or wooden utensils instead.
Related Recipes & Blogs From Chef Cuso’s Grill:
If you’ve been too nervous to cook on cast iron, now you know how to clean cast iron pots and grill parts easily. So give some new griddle or cast iron a try!
- Breakfast sandwiches on the griddle
- Birria grilled cheese
- Tailgating hibachi fried rice
- Mastering the perfect steak crust
After you try this method or any of Jack’s recipes, follow us on Instagram (@CusoCuts) for more kitchen hacks, barbecue solutions, and (of course) recipes. Add your own cast iron cleaning tips or questions. You might be featured in the future!
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