This is how to keep your cast iron pan clean and rust-free

Additionally, putting your cast iron cookware in the dishwasher is never a good idea.

Alas, cast iron cookware needs to be cleaned by hand.

To help you out, here are some simple steps on how to clean your cast-iron pan without ruining it.

How to clean a cast iron pan

Taking the time and care needed to properly clean your cast iron pan will prevent the build-up of germs, bacteria and worse – rust!

If you have a cast iron skillet, dutch oven or grill pan, the method for cleaning these is the same.

What you’ll need:

Method:

How to clean rust off your cast iron pan

If you spot rust on your cast-iron pan, it’s essential to remove it straight away. If your pan is completely covered in rust, all is not lost, and you might be able to save it.

Here’s how to restore a rusty cast iron pan.

Forget everything about cleaning your cast iron pan. The rules for everyday cleaning don’t apply when trying to remove rust.

What you’ll need:

Method

How to remove odours from your cast iron cookware

If you don’t clean or season your cast iron cookware properly, food can stick to it, causing it to stink.

If your cast iron cookware has a lingering fishy smell, there’s an easy fix for that too.

Preheat your oven to around 230°C and bake your pan for 15 minutes. That’s it! The smell will disappear.

Do vinegar and baking soda clean cast iron?

If your cast iron cookware is covered in rust, you could dry soak it in diluted vinegar to help loosen it. However, using vinegar to clean your pan regularly could damage the seasoning.

Bi-carb soda could help clean burnt food off your pan, as salt does.

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