Keeping your cast iron pots and pans clean is not difficult. With the right tools and tips, you can get your cast iron pots and pans clean and rust free for life, enhancing performance and life. Many beginners starting off with cast iron pots cookware are often frustrated with the daunting maintenance tips available online. It’s not as difficult as it seems. Getting the coating or patina off the cast iron is one of the most common worries among cast iron users. Rusting is also another major concern. This article explores some of the tools that you can use to clean your cast iron pot. For those who cook regularly or sparingly, beginners or experts, these tools can make your life easy and your cast iron cookware last a lot longer.
Chainmail scrubber
Stainless steel chain links help remove stuck food without stripping the seasoning. They are hard enough to remove stuck food while not damaging the patina coating of the cast iron cookware. Best used with warm water, a chain link will help remove burnt or stubborn food stuck to the surface of the pan.
Pan scraper
A chain link is best on the surface but will not work well on the edges and crevices. A plastic or polycarbonate pan scraper is best for such purposes where you can get better on the crevices. They remove tough food without scratching. Being plastic or polycarbonate, they are easy on the cookware yet efficient. They can also be used with other cookware unlike the steel chain link.
Salt scrub
Salt is a natural, easily accessible ingredient which can be used to remove tough food. A natural abrasive, salt can be used for deep cleaning, removing rust, odor and residues easily. Also they do not leave any leftovers. Just scrub thoroughly with salt on a cloth till all residues are removed. Dust thoroughly, wash and your cast iron cookware is as good as new. You will need to season the cookware after deep cleaning or if you suspect that the coating has been damaged.
Rust eraser or abrasive block
For heavy duty, deep cleaning, you need a tougher cleaning tool. The rust eraser or an abrasive block is one of the toughest, yet safe cleaning tools for cast iron cookware. Beware, the abrasive block will often remove the patina completely and will require reseasoning afterwards. It’s not recommended to use a rust eraser very often. Use it sparingly, only when there is buildup of rust after a long period of non usage. The rust eraser is best to remove old seasoning buildups and to restore your cast iron cookware.
Silicone no scratch scouring pads
An alternative to steel wool, the silicone scouring pad is best for regular use and is a gentler alternative to steel wool. A regular use tool, the scouring pad ensures the patina is in good shape, removing only food particles from the surface of your cast iron cookware.
Natural fiber brush
It’s not uncommon to find coconut fiber brush or bamboo based brushes very useful for regular use to clean cast iron cookware. These are easy on the cast iron surface yet helpful in cleaning. They work well with mild soap. Traditionally cast iron cookwares were cleaned with just ash and coconut fiber to ensure their patina is well maintained.
Certain cookware like a dosa tawa is rarely washed if they are not used for any other purpose. When washed they are usually just rinsed with water. Years of use as a dosa tawa accumulates a patina which is fully non stick and makes it easy to cook food like dosa and cheela without the food sticking on to the board.