I love vintage things, especially, cast iron cookware the “Queen of Vintage.” This wonderful piece of art is usually gifted from mother to daughter, granddaughter and so on. I purchased a cast iron skillet for my sister as a housewarming gift. The first question she asked was “How I do clean it?” My response “just following the instructions.” You know rub oil over the skillet and cure it in the oven for 4-6 hours. Inside, I was wondering was I taking care of my cast iron cookware correctly. So I did some research and this is what I learned. RESPECT THE COOKWARE!
Respect for the finish is the number one commandment. A gentle scrubbing with a sponge and hot water is all you need.
- DO NOT use soap, as it can affect the finish of the pan and the flavor of your dish.
- DO NOT immerse your cast-iron cookware in water for any length of time. It will increase the chances of rust. A lesson I learned the hard way.
What do I do when the herbs and onion bits stick to the bottom of the pan? Well, you could deglaze the pan and make a nice sauce or you could add 1/4 cup of kosher salt to the warm pan, and gently scour with a towel or sponge. Rinse, and dry thoroughly.
- DO apply a thin coat of oil after every rinse and dry. Using too much can cause a sticky residue.
If by chance, like me, you find rust on your expensive but wonderful cast-iron cookware. Try using this tip:
- Scrub the rust with a brush and soapy water. I know I just told you not to use soapy water. We are trying to save the cookware, people!
- Rub oil all over the cast iron cookware.
- Place the cast iron cookware in the oven upside down making sure to place foil or a cookie sheet on the bottom rack to catch any drips. The last thing we need is the horrid smell of burning oil.
- Bake in the oven for 1 hour on 350 degrees. Repeat as needed.
I hope this help any new or current owners of this wonderful powerhouse. Happy Cooking!
Anise and Waffles 