Cleaning cast iron: tips & tricks

Cast iron is a very durable and easy-care material if you take a few things into account when cleaning. We present tips and tricks for this in this article.

Cleaning cast iron - that's how it works

When cleaning cast iron, it depends on where you use it. In general: Before using for the first time, you need to burn cast iron cookware with oil to create a patina. This is a protective layer of oil that seals the material and protects it from rust.

• It is best not to clean a cast iron grillage at all. If you burn it in correctly at the beginning, you only need to burn out the grill thoroughly after grilling.
• Use a brass brush to remove residues of dirt and food. Be careful not to damage the protective oil layer (patina).
• When cleaning cast iron cookware, you should also take care not to destroy this protective layer. This includes that you do not use any fat-dissolving cleaning agents.
• Pots, roasters etc. do not belong in the dishwasher and are not cleaned with detergent.
• It is sufficient if you wash cast iron dishes with warm water. Sometimes wiping with a dry kitchen towel is enough.
• If there is heavy dirt on the material, clean the cast iron as follows: heat a little oil in it and stir in salt. When the mixture has cooled, rub the cast iron surface with a soft cloth.
• Always grease cast iron again after cleaning. This works best with kitchen paper and a little oil. In the past, you simply used a bacon rind to grease the cast iron.
• If you find rusty spots on your cast iron, use steel wool to remove them. Then you have to bake the pot, pan or grill grate again.

In our next post, we'll reveal how you can clean your oven very easily.