Olivia Carter
Cast iron skillets are beloved by many home cooks for their ability to retain and distribute heat evenly. Their sturdy construction and nonstick surface make them a kitchen staple for frying, searing, and baking. While cast iron skillets require special care in order to maintain their seasoning and prevent rusting, many people focus solely on the interior of the skillet and neglect the outside.
However, cleaning the outside of your cast iron skillet is just as important as cleaning the inside. Not only does it help maintain the overall appearance of your skillet, but it also prevents the buildup of grease and grime that can affect its cooking performance. In this article, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to effectively clean and maintain the outside of your cast iron skillet.
Before you begin, it is important to note that cleaning the outside of a cast iron skillet differs slightly from cleaning the interior. While the interior should never be soaked or scrubbed with harsh abrasive materials, the exterior can withstand a bit more elbow grease.
To start, gather the following materials:
- Warm water
- Mild dish soap
- A soft sponge or cloth
- A stiff brush or nylon scrub pad
Once you have your materials ready, follow these steps:
Effective Steps to Clean the Exterior of a Cast Iron Skillet
Cleaning the exterior of your cast iron skillet is just as important as cleaning the interior. Here are some effective steps to keep your skillet looking its best:
Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin cleaning, make sure you have the necessary supplies on hand:
- Mild dish soap
- Warm water
- Soft sponge or cloth
- Vegetable oil
- Paper towels
Clean the Exterior
Follow these steps to clean the exterior of your cast iron skillet:
- Fill your sink with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap.
- Gently scrub the exterior of the skillet with a soft sponge or cloth.
- Rinse the skillet thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue.
- Use a paper towel to dry the skillet completely.
Season the Exterior
After cleaning, it’s important to season the exterior of your cast iron skillet to maintain its finish:
- Apply a thin layer of vegetable oil to the exterior surface of the skillet.
- Use a paper towel to evenly distribute the oil and remove any excess.
- Place the skillet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for one hour.
- Allow the skillet to cool completely before using or storing.
Maintaining the Exterior
To keep the exterior of your cast iron skillet in good condition, follow these maintenance tips:
- Avoid using harsh scrub brushes or abrasive cleaners that can damage the finish.
- Store your skillet in a dry place to prevent rusting.
- Regularly season the exterior of the skillet to maintain its non-stick properties.
By following these effective steps and taking proper care of the exterior, you can ensure that your cast iron skillet remains in excellent condition for years to come.
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fill your sink with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. |
| 2 | Gently scrub the exterior of the skillet with a soft sponge or cloth. |
| 3 | Rinse the skillet thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue. |
| 4 | Use a paper towel to dry the skillet completely. |
| 5 | Apply a thin layer of vegetable oil to the exterior surface of the skillet. |
| 6 | Use a paper towel to evenly distribute the oil and remove any excess. |
| 7 | Place the skillet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for one hour. |
| 8 | Allow the skillet to cool completely before using or storing. |
Step 1: Gather the necessary supplies
Before you begin cleaning the outside of your cast iron skillet, it is important to gather all the necessary supplies. Having everything prepared will make the cleaning process much easier and more efficient. Here is a list of the supplies you will need:
| Supplies | Why you need them |
| Dish soap | Used to remove any grease or residue from the skillet. |
| Warm water | Helps to dissolve the dish soap and aid in the cleaning process. |
| Sponge or scrub brush | Used to scrub away any stubborn stains or food particles. |
| Paper towels or a clean cloth | Used to dry the skillet after cleaning. |
| Vegetable oil or shortening | Used to season the skillet and maintain its non-stick surface. |
Make sure you have all these supplies ready before you start cleaning your cast iron skillet. This will ensure that you have everything you need to easily and effectively clean the outside of your skillet.
Step 2: Scrub off any rust or buildup
Before cleaning your cast iron skillet, it’s important to scrub off any rust or buildup that may have accumulated over time. This will ensure that your skillet is clean and ready to use.
To remove rust, start by mixing equal parts of baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the rusty areas of your skillet and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, using a scrub brush or a sponge, gently scrub the rust away. Rinse the skillet with water and dry it thoroughly with a clean towel.
If your skillet has any stubborn buildup, you can use coarse salt or a cast iron cleaner to help remove it. Sprinkle the salt or cleaner onto the surface of the skillet and scrub it with a brush. Rinse the skillet and dry it thoroughly.
Important Tips:
- Always make sure to dry your cast iron skillet completely after cleaning to prevent rust.
- Avoid using harsh cleaning agents or soaking your skillet in water for extended periods of time, as this can damage the seasoning.
Following these steps will help you remove any rust or buildup from the surface of your cast iron skillet, keeping it in excellent condition for many years of cooking enjoyment.
Step 3: Apply a cleaning solution
After removing any stubborn food residue and rinsing the skillet, it’s time to apply a cleaning solution. There are a few different options for effective cleaning solutions:
- Mild dish soap and water: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with water in your sink or a large basin. This solution is gentle enough to use on a cast iron skillet and will help remove any remaining grease or residue.
- Vinegar: Create a solution of equal parts water and vinegar. Vinegar is a natural cleaning agent and can help break down any stubborn stains or buildup on your skillet.
- Baking soda: Create a paste by mixing equal parts baking soda and water. This paste is slightly abrasive and can help remove tough stains or residue.
Once you’ve chosen your cleaning solution, use a sponge or soft brush to gently scrub the skillet. Make sure to pay attention to any areas that may have more stubborn residue. Avoid using any harsh scrubbers or steel wool as they can damage the seasoning on your skillet.
If your skillet has any rust spots, you can also use a paste made from equal parts salt and water to scrub the affected areas. The salt acts as a mild abrasive to help remove the rust.
Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned the skillet, rinse it well with warm water to remove any cleaning solution residue. Make sure to dry the skillet completely with a towel or by placing it over low heat until all moisture is evaporated. This will help prevent any rust from forming.
Congratulations! Your cast iron skillet is now clean and ready to be used again.
Step 4: Rinse and dry the skillet
After scrubbing off any remaining food particles and debris, it’s important to rinse the skillet thoroughly to remove any soap residue. Rinse it under running water until the water runs clear. Make sure to wash the handle and the bottom as well.
Next, gently dry the skillet with a clean towel or paper towel. Avoid air-drying as it may lead to rusting. Ensure that the skillet is completely dry before moving on to the next step.
If you notice any moisture or water droplets on the skillet after drying, you can place it on the stove over low heat for a minute or two to evaporate any remaining moisture.
Remember, moisture is the enemy of cast iron, so it’s crucial to dry it thoroughly to prevent any potential rusting.
Tip: To further protect your skillet from rusting, you can rub it with a small amount of vegetable oil or apply a thin layer of oil using a paper towel.
Now that you’ve rinsed and dried the skillet, it’s ready to be stored or seasoned for future use.
FAQ
What is the best way to clean the outside of a cast iron skillet?
To clean the outside of a cast iron skillet, you can start by washing it using warm water and a mild dish soap. Then, use a sponge or a soft brush to gently scrub the surface. Afterward, rinse the skillet thoroughly and dry it with a clean cloth. Finally, apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the outside of the skillet to prevent it from rusting.
Can I use abrasive cleaners to clean the outside of a cast iron skillet?
No, using abrasive cleaners such as steel wool or harsh chemicals can damage the seasoning and the surface of the cast iron skillet. It is best to stick to mild dish soap, warm water, and a soft brush or sponge for cleaning the outside of the skillet.
What should I do if there are stubborn stains on the outside of my cast iron skillet?
If there are stubborn stains on the outside of your cast iron skillet, you can try sprinkling some salt on the stains and then rubbing it gently with a damp cloth or sponge. The abrasive texture of the salt should help loosen the stains. Alternatively, you can create a paste using baking soda and water, apply it to the stains, and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it off. Remember to rinse the skillet thoroughly and dry it completely after removing the stains.
