Cast iron griddles are a staple in any kitchen that does any amount of frying or grilling. While it’s possible to clean cast iron cookware with just a little regular soap and hot water, it’s best to use well known and tested methods instead. Keeping your cast iron griddle clean will ensure that you get the most out of your kitchenware. Cleaning it after every use will help prevent rust and build it up so it lasts you many more years to come.
Follow the steps in this article to keep your cast iron griddle in perfect condition.
How to Clean a Cast Iron Griddle
Cleaning a cast iron griddle pan can be done with some ( a little) dish soap and water if you’re in a pinch, but it’s best to do it properly. You’ll need to heat up some water on the stove, as hot water will really help you for the process. Start by scraping off any food leftover that is stuck on the griddle with your spatula. Next, scrub the surface with a sponge and a little bit of soap in order to break up anything that might be sticking. Rinse it off thoroughly and scrub again using just warm water and a dry cloth.
This should remove all debris from the griddle and get it ready for cooking! If your cast iron griddle has accumulated some rust or is looking dull, there are a few things you can do. One option is to use 1 quart of warm water mixed with white vinegar (1/2 cup) as an extra cleaning agent. You can also sprinkle coarse salt on the pan and scrub in circular motions with a brush to help restore its shine!
How To Clean Cast Iron With Salt And Vinegar
Salt and vinegar are two kitchen staples that can be used to clean almost anything in your house.
The combination of salt and vinegar naturally cleans away any stains on your cast iron without doing any damage. It’s the best way to clean cast iron cookware, and it’s also great for cleaning other types of kitchenware such as stainless steel, copper, and enamel. You can use this trick for cleaning just about any iron or steel item in your home.
Cast iron is best cleaned with a scouring pad or coarse salt, not a sponge. Sponges have a tendency to leave behind tiny pieces of sponge particles on the surface of the cast iron cookware. It’s also very important that you don’t use too much soap or detergent on your cast iron. Soap will react with the metal and may strip the seasoned protective layer, causing the surface to eventually rust overtime.
Vinegar is a wonderful cleaning agent on its own too, but it also has a side effect of smelling like…well vinegar. If you don’t like the smell you can substitute it with citric acid. You can also mix vinegar(or citric acid) with baking soda to create a nice completely natural cleaning paste.
How To Clean Cast Iron Griddle On Gas Stove
This method works great for cast iron griddles that are used on a gas stove. You can use this to clean any cast iron griddle, but it’s especially helpful for using it on your gas griddle.
First, remove any food from the cast iron griddle. Then, use a scouring pad to scrub away any stuck-on food. Next, add in some vinegar and a bit of salt and turn the heat on low or medium. Once it’s heated, scrub the resulting mix and trow it away. This will effectively remove most of the food residue and make it easier for you to get the final cleaning of the griddle. Then, rinse out the cast iron griddle with clean water until all of the vinegar and salt has been removed from it. Turn off the heat and brush way the surface with a towel.
If you want a shining finish you can apply a mixture of vinegar( or citric acid ), salt and baking soda. Leave it to make it’s magic for about an hour (or a few hours if you are not using the stove that day). Then just wipe off the residue from your cast iron griddle. Finally, allow it to air dry completely before using it again.
How Often Do You Need to Clean Your Griddle?
A good rule of thumb is to wash your cast iron griddle after every use. However, if you notice that it’s not too greasy or dirty, it might not be necessary to clean it just yet. But if you notice that the pan is starting to get crusty or greasy, then you should go ahead and give it a good scrubbing. Ideally, you should clean it as often as you can, though you can skip washing once in a while if the food you cook isn’t leaving too much mess on the griddle.
How to Season a Cast Iron Griddle
First, you’ll want to clean your cast iron griddle by scraping off any old oil or loose chunks. I recommend using a grill brush for this step. Next, use coarse salt to thoroughly scrub the surface of the pan. This will help to remove any remaining dirt and food particles that may be stuck on the surface. Once you’ve finished scrubbing and wiped down the cast iron griddle with a damp cloth, it’s time to season it. Place one tablespoon of vegetable oil or vegetable seasoning in the pan and then heat it over medium heat until all of the oil is heated or melted in case you use a seasoning.
Now, pour one teaspoon of salt over the melted shortening while continuously stirring. Once you have a smooth and even coating on the griddle pan, turn off the heat and let it cool completely before removing from the heat source. You can repeat this process up to three times a year to ensure your cast iron griddle stays clean, shiny, rust free, and ultra-crisp!
Final Tips That Will Make Your Cast Iron Griddle Last
- Use a little soap and water or a cast iron cleaner to scrub the griddle after every use.
- Lubricate your griddle with oil before storing it in your cabinet.
- Always dry your griddle or pan thoroughly after washing it.
- Avoid using steel wool on the surface of the griddle, as it can cause scratches.
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