Cast Iron-Love or hate it, you better clean them right!!

I love cast iron, cook with it all the time and I rave about the versatility of it.  I use it for pizza, eggs, bread, one skillet meals, meats, and plenty of other things.  It is a great way to work those muscles out too...those things are heavy!!  

I have not paid a single penny for any of my cast iron pans.  My husband has brought them all home, rusty, ugly and a few filled with dirt. I cleaned them up, seasoned them(google it) and then use the method below to keep them looking good and working good!

How to Clean Cast Iron Pans

I have had  few conversations with friends about how I take care of my cast iron because you hear so many rules, like don't get them wet, or season them and son't use soap...it can get perdy confusing. It's not all that hard people!!  I have had to learn for myself and here is what I have found: 

1. Clean cast iron while it is still warm.
If you can, clean your pan before food has time to get crusty. If you have tenacious stuck-on bits, pour a tablespoon each of salt and oil into the pan and scrub using a stiff brush or the scouring side of a sponge. Rinse under hot water until most of the oil is melted away.

If you must clean it later, a drop of soap and some water will not hurt anything...just make sure you follow step #2

2. Dry pans thoroughly
As soon as you are done washing it, dry cast iron with dishtowels or paper towels to prevent rust. I find it easier to dry your pan on the stove. Just place it on a lit burner for a few minutes.

3. Oil your pans
When your pan is dry, use a paper towel to spread a coat of oil on the cooking surface and walls of the pan. It’s a good idea to oil the outside of the pan occasionally as well to prevent rust. To quickly season the pan, light a burner under your pan once it’s oiled and wait for the oil to smoke, then remove from heat.

4. Never, ever do this
Avoid soaking or leaving pans in the sink where they may be in contact with water. Never put cast iron in the dishwasher--EVER!!