It’s important to know how to clean cast iron as your house cleaning business clients may need you to clean and even season their cookware. Skillets and other pots and pans made of cast iron were very popular many years ago and today, their popularity is returning.
Cast iron can be used for high temperature cooking, making it the perfect choice for fried foods such as chicken or french fries. Additionally, cast iron is extremely strong and durable so after the financial investment, the pots and pans will last a lifetime, even being passed on to new generations.
The two most important things to know about cast iron — seasoning and cleaning methods. A new cast iron skillet, pan, or baking dish has to be seasoned.
This means the item is rubbed with lard, shortening, or bacon fat (not liquid oil), placed in a hot oven, and then cooked empty at 225 to 250 degrees for about 15 minutes.
Remove the pan, throw out the excess grease, and then bake again for two hours. The oil gets into the pores of the iron, creating a non-stick surface, as well as making it last longer and cook better. Seasoning prevents rust.
Be sure the pan is seasoned every couple of weeks (or as needed. If the cookware is used frequently it doesn’t necessarily need to be seasoned as often).
How to Clean Cast Iron…Dealing with Rust
First, if you have this type of cookware and it has become rusty, do not throw it out. We will show you how to clean cast iron that has rust so it looks and cooks new. In this case, make sure you always wear protective eyewear and rubber gloves because you need to use harsh chemicals that could cause harm if they were to be exposed to the eyes or skin.
Spray the cast iron with oven cleaner. Place in a thick plastic garbage bag and seal
Leave the cast iron in the bag for two days to help the grease dissolve
With a fine, wire wheel attached to an electric drill or Dremel, begin lightly brushing the rusted areas
Next, mix one-half cup of water and one-half cup of vinegar, pouring into the cast iron pan and allowing the mixture to sit for about two to four hours
When done, wipe the cast iron skillet or pan out with a clean, wet cloth
Apply the grease and complete the season process
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Second, you need to know how to clean cast iron that doesn’t have rust and for periodic or maintenance cleanings. For regular cleaning, follow the first two steps listed above on how to clean cast iron with rust but then, go through these steps:
Use a brass scrubbing brush to scrub the cast iron
Wipe out with a clean, damp cloth
Complete the seasoning process
After Cooking
There is a quick and easy process on how to clean cast iron after used.
Once you have cooked your meal with the cast iron, put about one to two cups of water in the pan, depending on the size, and bring to a boil
After reaching the boiling point, allow the hot water to soak in the skillet or pan for about 10 minutes
Dump out any leftover water and wipe out with a clean paper towel
Season the skillet for the next use
Once you season cast iron cookware a few times, you won’t have to do it often. But if your clients are rough on the pan, leave it in water or use too much soap in cleaning it, you’ll want to keep up with this service for them.
Cleaning cast iron cookware is a great bonus service to offer!
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