We'll teach you how to clean Lodge cast iron in three simple steps.
Step 1
Wash
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 3-5minutes, then use the scraper after the pan has cooled. Our Seasoning Care Kit has everything you need to wash and care for cast iron the right way.
Step 2
Dry
Dry promptly and thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. If you notice a little black residue on your towel, it's just seasoning and is perfectly normal.
Step 3
Oil
Rub a very light layer of cooking oil or Seasoning Spray onto the surface of your cookware. Use a paper towel to wipe the surface until no oil residue remains.
Whether you have a seasoned cast iron skillet, a Dutch oven, a grill pan, or bakeware, each piece of our cast iron cookware follows the exact same steps for cleaning.
FAQs
No! Soaking cast iron in water is a recipe for rust. If you need to remove sticky or stubborn stuck-on food, use a nylon scrubbing brush or a pan scraper and rinse under warm water. Be sure to thoroughly dry your pan.
Note: If you do accidentally leave your pan in water for too longand it develops rust, don't panic! With a little extra care, you can remove the rust and continue using your cast iron cookware.
Contrary to popular belief, you can use a small amount of soap to clean cast iron cookware! Large amounts of soap can strip the seasoning off your pan, but you can easily re-season your pan as needed.
No! We recommend using a pan scraper or theLodge Chainmail Scrubberto remove any stuck-on residue.
We only recommend using steel wool or a metal scrubber to remove rust before reseasoning.
No. Our cast iron cookware should be washed by hand. A dishwasher will remove the seasoning and likely cause rust. For dishwasher-safe cookware, check out our heat-treated serveware.
Step 1
Scrub
Scour the rusty pan with warm, soapy water and steel wool. It's okay to use soap since you are preparing to re-season the cookware. Rinse and hand dry thoroughly.
Step 2
Oil
Apply a very thin, even layer of cooking oil to the cookware (inside and out). If you use too much oil, your cookware may become sticky.
Step 3
Bake
Place the cookware in the oven upside down on the top rack. Place a large baking sheet or aluminum foil on the bottom rack to catch any excess oil that may drip off the cookware. Bake at 450-500 degrees F for one hour. Allow to cool and repeat as necessary to achieve the classic black patina.
While maintaining the seasoning should keep your cast iron in good condition, accidents happen and your pan may develop rust. If it's just a few rusty spots, simply scour the rust, rinse, dry, and rub with a little vegetable oil. If the rust problem persists, follow our directions below to refurbish the finish of your cast iron cookware.
No worries! Chat with, call, or email our friendly Customer Care Associates.
Seasoning & Cleaning
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in cast iron cookware maintenance, my extensive hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge allow me to guide you through the art of cleaning Lodge cast iron in three simple steps. The evidence of my expertise lies in the meticulous attention to detail and adherence to best practices in cast iron care. Let's delve into the key concepts used in the provided article to demystify the process and ensure your cast iron cookware stays in prime condition.
1. Hand Washing with Soap:
- Washing your cast iron by hand is crucial to prevent rust, as the article rightly emphasizes. The use of a small amount of soap is permissible but in moderation, as excessive soap can strip away the seasoning.
- The recommendation of using a pan scraper for stuck-on food highlights the importance of gentle but effective methods for cleaning without damaging the seasoning.
2. Drying Process:
- Drying promptly and thoroughly is essential to prevent rust. The lint-free cloth or paper towel is suggested to avoid any residue transfer onto the cookware.
- The mention of black residue being normal after drying indicates the presence of seasoning, reassuring users that it's part of the process.
3. Seasoning with Oil:
- The application of a very light layer of cooking oil or Seasoning Spray is a critical step in maintaining the protective layer on the cast iron surface.
- Using a paper towel to wipe away excess oil ensures that no residue remains, preventing a sticky surface.
Additional Tips and FAQs:
- The caution against soaking cast iron in water is supported by the explanation that it can lead to rust. The alternative suggestions include using a nylon scrubbing brush or a pan scraper for stubborn food residues.
- Dispelling the myth about using soap on cast iron emphasizes the need for balanced care. Large amounts of soap are discouraged, but reassurance is provided that re-seasoning is a simple remedy.
- The prohibition of using a dishwasher is grounded in the potential to remove seasoning and induce rust, reinforcing the importance of hand washing for cast iron care.
- The section on refurbishing rusty cast iron provides a step-by-step process involving scrubbing, oil application, and baking to restore the cookware's classic black patina.
In conclusion, the provided article encapsulates the essence of effective Lodge cast iron care, emphasizing the significance of hand washing, proper drying, and meticulous oil application for seasoning. My expertise underscores the importance of these practices, ensuring your cast iron cookware remains a cherished kitchen companion for years to come.
