There is at least one cast-iron object in every home, and it is common to burn food in your cast-iron pots or steak on cast-iron grills. The following tips can help you care for your cast-iron cookware.
🔧 Maintenance tips
1. Before using the cast iron pot, wash it with hot water and dishwashing detergent.
2. Rinse the dish well and dry it immediately with a cotton cloth.
3. After each use, wash it with a dish sponge or a soft cloth to remove food debris and grease.
4. Don’t use wire sponges to avoid scratching the cast-iron.
5. Rinse the pot well and dry it immediately to remove all stains.
6. Don’t wash cast-iron cookware in the dishwasher! High temperatures and detergents can damage it.
7. Over time, traces and white spots may appear on the cast iron surface. These can be removed with a sponge or brush that has been pre-soaked in lemon juice or white vinegar. The pot should then be washed, rinsed, and dried immediately.
🍳 How to prepare cast-iron cookware for cooking?
1. Wash and clean the dish using a degreasing powder or detergent.
2. Rinse and dry the pot very well, and then apply a layer of oil.
3. Put it on low heat, and moisten it with oil every 25 minutes for 2-3 hours.
4. Use a paper towel to remove the grease, wash the pot well in hot water with dish detergent, rinse it, and then dry it immediately.
💦 How to wash cast-iron cookware?
1. Cast iron pots are washed in hot water with dish detergent and then rinsed.
2. To prevent food from sticking or burning in the cast iron pot, soak it in hot water with dishwashing detergent. If the burned food is still stuck on the pot, put some water with dish detergent on the stove at medium heat. Then add a cup of vinegar and let it boil. With a sponge, you can easily remove burnt food.
3. To prevent rust, make sure the cast iron cookware is completely dry before storing.
4. Lubricate the pot with mineral oil if it is not used very often and has been stored for a long time.
🟤 How to remove rust stains?
1. Rub the pot with a plastic dish sponge. You can also put some degreasing powder on the pot if the rust persists.
2. Cut a potato in half, sprinkle some detergent or degreasing powder inside the pot, and then scrub the rust stain with the potato halves.
3. After each use, lubricate the inside of pots with oil. This way, it will be protected against rust.
🧽 Grandma’s tricks to care for cast-iron cookware
1. Use coarse salt or degreasing powder to clean the cast iron pot.
2. Over time, grease and oil will create a non-stick surface on the dish.
3. Cast iron pots shouldn’t be cleaned with harsh chemicals.
4. Immerse the cast iron pot in a mixture of 50% white vinegar and 50% water to remove rust stains.
