A cast iron pot is a good investment that, with proper care, can last a lifetime. With a cast iron pot, you can do everything from slow cooking to juicy breads and culinary stews - yes, the list is long on what you can use your pot for. But for it to last long and function optimally, it requires a little love. Here we have gathered our best tips on how to clean your cast iron pot and simple care advice to prepare it for all your culinary adventures!
Clean cast iron pot - 3 simple tips
Cleaning your cast iron pan or pot is key to making it last as long as possible. Here are three simple tips for cleaning your cast iron pot.
Tip 1. Avoid dish soap
The perhaps most important tip when it comes to cast iron is to never use dish soap! The fat that remains after cooking protects the surface, which disappears if you use dish soap. Instead, clean your pot with warm water, a dish brush, or sponge, and remember to never wash the cast iron pot in the dishwasher.
Tips 2. Dry out any excess water
After you have washed the pot, it is important to dry it thoroughly right away. Use paper towels or a kitchen towel and make sure it is not damp. Do not let it air dry - moisture is cast iron's worst enemy and can cause rust.
Tip 3. Oil in cast iron pot
Keep your cast iron pot in top condition by regularly oiling it. Pour a small amount of rapeseed or vegetable oil and rub the surface with paper or a clean cloth. Wipe away excess oil and voilà, your pot is ready!
Clean enameled cast iron pot
An enameled cast iron pot is a bit easier to maintain than regular cast iron thanks to the smooth surface, and unlike regular cast iron, it can withstand cleaning with mild detergents. Below you can read how to easily clean your pot.
- After cooking, let the pot cool down before cleaning it.
- Wash with warm water and dish soap and clean with a dish sponge.
- If you have tough stains or food residues, let the pot sit for about 15-20 minutes with hot water until the food residues dissolve.
- Rinse the pot with clean water and dry thoroughly until it is completely dry.
- Store dry.
Please note not to use sharp kitchen utensils in an enameled pot as the surface may be damaged!
Seasoning cast iron - Here's how to do it step by step
To create a protective surface on your cast iron pot, you need to season it, especially if it is new or if the surface is starting to wear. Many cast iron pots sold are already seasoned, but feel free to do it again 1-2 times a year for the best effect. Here’s how to do it:
- Wash the cast iron pot with warm water.
- Wipe thoroughly with paper or a cloth until all moisture is gone.
- Grease the pot with oil and place it on the stove on high heat.
- Let the pot absorb the oil and apply more until the surface feels saturated.
- Let the cast iron pot cool down and then wipe off excess oil with paper.
Now your cast iron pot is ready to be used for both cooking and baking!
Rusty cast iron pot
If your cast iron pot has become rusty, it is important to remove this before using it for cooking. Start by cleaning the pot with hot water and a regular dish brush or sponge without any cleaning agents. Dry the pot completely (keep in mind that rust can stain, so use paper or a cloth you don't mind getting ruined). Then oil the pot and let it sit overnight so that the rust dissolves. Rub off the rust with paper towels and repeat the procedure if necessary, and your cast iron pot will be as good as new!
Check out our selection of cast iron pots from Dorre! They are not only stylish but also real workhorses in the kitchen. With a little care now and then, they stay in top condition for all your cooking!
Psst! Are you in the mood to bake bread in a cast iron pot? See the recipe for pot bread here!