Cleaning a cast iron skillet can be very challenging, especially after cooking lots of dishes for parties or special occasions. It’s hard to avoid black residues forming in the cast iron skillet, particularly when you fry meat or fish. That is why you need to learn how to clean black residue off cast iron skillet. Looking at those greasy, dark formations can make you lose your cool sometimes.
Read this article to its fullest as this will teach you to get rid of those hopeless greases in your iron skillets. Rest assured that you won’t waste your time here. Let’s begin.
The Health Benefits of Cooking on Cast Iron Skillet
A cast-iron skillet is an amazing cooking item that everyone must have in their houses. It is tough and can stay hot for long periods. This is perfect if you want your food to be served hot, even after removing it from the burner. But the thing is, it’s not just those qualities that make the cast iron skillet a fantastic kitchen item. Its health benefits are what make it preferable for most restaurants and home kitchens. Let’s find out more.
Not Just About Frying
When you think of cast iron skillet, your first train of thought might directly go to frying, which is understandable. The primary purpose of a cast-iron skillet is for frying, but it’s not the only type of cooking it can do. It can also be used for cooking that uses water or even grilling, which are way healthier by a long shot than frying. It’s not just us talking nonsense here because it is backed up by a study conducted by Kerri-Ann Jennings, a certified dietitian and nutritionist.
Nonstick is Definitely a Good Sign
You are getting a nonstick pan with the cast-iron skillet, which will require you to use less oil in your cooking. It is good news because less oil means less fat in your system. With lesser fat, your body will be healthier and avoid health problems, especially those related to the liver and heart. Not only that, but with a cast iron, you will have an easier time cleaning the grease, and the grimes that are splattered to it after you are done cooking. It means you will spend a little effort cleaning the said item, which is beneficial if you want to spend your time more with your family than in the kitchen sink.
No More Dangerous Chemicals with the Cast Iron Skillet
Back then, there are nonstick pans that can release toxic chemicals if put under high temperatures. These toxins may put your health at risk. Thankfully, you can avoid these unwanted chemicals with a true nonstick pan like the cast iron skillet. If you prefer a healthier diet, then you know what to look for.
Getting Iron in Cast Iron Skillet
If you have been around the internet for a long time, chances are you already have read or heard something about the cast iron skillet giving extra iron to the human body. However, it is not a total myth because there is some truth to it. According to a research study, using a cast-iron skillet for cooking transfers some of its iron into the food cooked. However, this study didn’t provide an accurate figure as to how much amount is transferred.
The Right Way of Cleaning Cast Iron Skillet
Now that you learn the health benefits of a cast iron, it’s time for you to learn how to clean black residue off cast iron skillets. You might be thinking of a special cleaner to wash the cast iron ideally, but it is simpler than you might be thinking.
The Combo of Soap and Salt
Yes, you read that right. A combo of soap and salt is our first method of cleaning black residue off cast iron skillet. You might doubt this one, but believe us when we say that these steps work.
Methods
- Take a quarter cup of salt and the same amount with dishwashing soap. Put the salt and soap into the skillet and let it sit for a minute.
- Get a very clean scrub and dip it into the salty/soapy mixture and thoroughly scrub the skillet with it.
- Remove the salt and soap mixed with warm water. For best results, you can use your bare hand to scrub inside the cast iron skillet to further remove the remaining dark particles if there are still any remaining. The goal here is to remove all the remaining mixture from the surface of the cast iron.
- Get a fresh and clean towel to remove the moisture present in the cast iron. Make sure to absorb moisture as much as possible to ensure the excellent condition of your cast iron while in storage.
- A cast-iron skillet can easily rust if there is moisture present on its surface. Then heat it over the top stove for a few minutes until there are no more visible moistures on the surface.
The Combo of Vinegar and Baking Soda
Just like the first method on how to clean black residue off cast iron skillet, this combo is just as effective, if not better. Vinegar is not only for cooking foods but also for removing dark spots because of its highly acidic properties. The same can be said with baking soda, so mixing them would create the perfect duo to combat any black residue in a cast iron.
Methods
- Mix vinegar and baking soda, pour it into the cast iron skillet, and sit for a minute.
- Unlike the salt and soap mixture, you will need to heat the vinegar and baking soda in the cast-iron itself until it comes to the boiling point.
- After some time of boiling, put another spoon of baking soda into the skillet. The combo should work at this point.
- Get a scouring brush and use it to rub an adequate amount of baking soda into the skillet’s surface to remove the cast iron black residue.
- Lastly, wash the skillet and the mixture with water until no residue on cast iron skillet is left. This is the last part on how to clean black residue off cast iron skillet. However, if there are still some left, all you need to do is put the skillet in a mixture of water and vinegar for a minute, and it should do the job.
Conclusion
It is fulfilling to know and see that your kitchen items are safe and clean. So now that you know how to clean black residue off cast iron skillet, you are confident whenever you need to throw a party in your house because you know in your heart that you can easily clean any dirt that will come upon your beloved cast-iron skillet.
We know that washing the kitchen wares can be a tough job, but if you remember the mentioned methods, you should be more than fine doing the dishes on your own. Get more tips on how to take care of your kitchen wares here.