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Cast iron is not difficult to care for, but bare cast iron and enamelled cast iron need different treatment. The biggest mistakes are leaving bare iron wet, overheating cookware unnecessarily, using harsh abrasives on enamel and exposing hot cookware to sudden temperature changes.
How to care for bare cast iron
1. Clean after cooking
Let the pan cool until it is safe to handle. Wash with warm water and a brush, sponge or scraper. A small amount of mild dishwashing liquid can be used when necessary; avoid prolonged soaking.
2. Dry immediately
Water left on bare iron encourages rust. Towel-dry the cookware, then place it over low heat briefly to evaporate remaining moisture.
3. Apply a very thin film of oil
Once dry, wipe the surface with a small amount of neutral cooking oil. Then wipe again so the surface looks almost dry rather than greasy.
4. Build and protect seasoning
Seasoning is a hard layer formed when thin films of cooking oil are heated and polymerise onto the metal. Regular cooking with suitable fats can strengthen it over time.
What not to do with bare cast iron
- Do not leave it soaking in water.
- Do not store it damp.
- Do not leave food stored in it for long periods.
- Do not repeatedly simmer highly acidic foods for long periods in a newly seasoned pan.
- Do not pour cold water into a very hot pan.
How to care for enamelled cast iron
Let it cool first
Allow the cookware to cool naturally. Putting a very hot enamelled pot into cold water can cause thermal shock and may damage the enamel.
Use gentle cleaning
Wash with warm water, mild detergent and a soft sponge or non-abrasive brush. For stuck-on food, soak the cooled pot before cleaning.
Avoid abrasive tools
Steel wool and aggressive scouring can scratch or dull enamel. Wood, silicone and cookware-safe utensils are generally kinder to the surface.
Protect from impact
Enamel is hard but can chip if the cookware is dropped or struck against a hard surface.
How to remove rust from bare cast iron
Surface rust can usually be removed. Scrub the affected area, wash away residue, dry the pan completely, apply a very thin film of oil and re-season it.
How to store cast iron
Store cookware completely dry. When stacking, place a cloth, paper towel or pan protector between pieces. In humid environments, a paper towel inside bare cast iron can help absorb residual moisture.
FAQ
Can you use soap on cast iron?
A small amount of mild dish soap can be used on modern bare cast iron when needed. The important points are not to soak the pan and to dry and protect it immediately afterward.
Does enamelled cast iron need seasoning?
The enamelled cooking surface generally does not require traditional seasoning. Exposed raw-iron edges, if present, may need light protection from moisture.
Why is my cast iron sticky?
Usually because too much oil was used during seasoning or the oil did not polymerise fully. Clean the surface and re-season with a much thinner layer.
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