In a nutshell, this is how to clean your cast-iron skillet: Immediately after cooking, rinse in warm water, sprinkle with a bit of baking soda, and scrub gently with a nylon brush. The baking soda neutralizes any flavors and odors from what you’ve just cooked, and has anti-bacterial properties.
How do you clean a cast iron skillet with vinegar and baking soda?
Mix basic white vinegar with water in equal parts and submerge your pan in it. Use a bucket or plug the sink for really big pans; the entire skillet should be covered with the vinegar mixture. You can soak it for up to eight hours, but Whitehead suggests checking it early and often.
What is the fastest way to clean a cast iron skillet?
Wash your cast iron cookware by hand. You can use a small amount of soap. If needed, use a pan scraper for stuck on food. For stubborn, stuck-on food, simmer a little water for 3-5 minutes, then use the scraper after the pan has cooled.
How do you remove rust from cast iron with baking soda?
How to Restore Cast Iron
- Place pan upside-down in sink and sprinkle with baking soda. …
- Add a few squirts of dishwashing liquid. …
- Use a scrub brush to remove rust and debris. …
- Turn pan over a clean using more baking soda and a scrub pad. …
- Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Is baking soda safe on cast iron?
Since you should not use soapy dish detergent on cast iron, baking soda is a great alternative as it will deodorize and kill bacteria. … Scrubbing the baking soda-water mixture into the pan with a strong brush will help break down burnt food and other residue.
Does vinegar hurt cast iron?
You can use various types of vinegar to clean a pan. Ensure that you mix equal parts of vinegar and water for this process to work well. Vinegar in its raw form can easily cause damage to the structure of a cast iron pan, which tends to be delicate.
How do you clean the bottom of a cast iron pan?
Put your skillet in your sink and pour over some boiling water to help loosen dirt. Scrub the base of the skillet with a scourer or something more abrasive such as wire wool. You can also use coarse salt mixed with oil or baking soda for extra abrasion. Rinse and allow to thoroughly dry.
How do you get baked on food off cast iron?
How to Get Burnt Food Off a Cast Iron Skillet
- Remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible.
- Cover the bottom of the pan with baking soda. …
- Scrub the pan with a stiff-bristle brush or scouring pad. …
- Rinse and repeat if necessary to remove any remaining burnt food.
How do you remove cast iron without an oven cleaner?
With gloves on, remove the pan from the vinegar. Use the steel wool or scrubbing pad to thoroughly scrub the cast iron, removing any rust. Wash the piece with warm, soapy water, and towel dry.