How to clean a cast iron pan

It is becoming increasingly difficult to find a heavy cast-iron frying pan in shops. Now we sell lightweight dishes with a coating of Teflon, and even ceramics, that is, with non-stick coating. Such a dish, any sponge and detergent will give the original look. But if there is an old cast-iron frying pan in the farm, it is necessary to keep it clean, to make sure that there is no rust and deposits on it. This will make cooking a holiday.
Cast iron or Teflon: what to choose?
Cast iron is a very good conductor of heat. When heated, it warms up evenly. This frying pan does not require non-stick coating, so it is not necessary to add a large amount of vegetable oil when cooking. There is one more plus of such frying pans - they are suitable for any type of plates, both gas and electric.

Teflon coating is harmful to health, it is proven by specialists. And if the non-stick coating formed a chip, then chemicals can get into the body and hurt. Therefore, the cast iron helper needs to stay as long as possible in the kitchen, not allowing modern analogues to force themselves out.

Even cooked food on a cast-iron frying pan turns out to be more delicious. For example, pilaf, which is cooked though not in a frying pan, but in a cauldron, but also cast iron. And the crispy fried potatoes? In a pan with Teflon coating does not work this way.

How can I extend the life of a cast-iron frying pan?
In order to prevent the appearance of rust, it is necessary to warm up a small amount of oil immediately after purchase. In this case, it will last for many years and will not rust. The hot vegetable oil will clog microscopic pores in the pan, thereby forming a protective layer, and will prevent the appearance of rust for a long time. Do not recommend using soap and soap solutions and iron sponges, they help reduce the life of a cast-iron frying pan.

Cleaning of a cast-iron frying pan from rust
For cleaning from rust, it is necessary to rinse the frying pan thoroughly with a sponge or better with an iron sponge from dirt and other deposits. Then wipe and dry. Then you need to put the frying pan in the oven and burn it well for 40 minutes.

We take out the frying pan and cover it with a well oil solution, use vegetable oil more often. Then put it back in the oven for an hour. It is necessary to take it out again and cover it with oil again. Thus, a protective film appears on the frying pan, which protects the surface from rust and other types of corrosion. After such cleaning, the frying pan will serve you more than a dozen years.

Cleaning the frying pan from carbon deposits
As a rule, the deposit, that is burnt oil, is removed very hard from the surface of the dishes. But there are several rules that will help to clear and prevent the accumulation of it in a pan.

After cooking, pour the frying pan in hot water or in a soda solution. Then we clean the large deposit with an iron sponge. Here, you can apply a remedy that corrodes fat. You can apply even the means by which you clean the plates. Do not forget that with this cleaning you need to use rubber gloves, since this type of means corrodes not only fat, but also delicate skin of hands. Cast iron frying pan can also be burned with salt. And then remove the carbon with an iron sponge.

Immediately after cooking, you need to remove fat, otherwise it will be difficult to wash. It is necessary to rinse a cast-iron frying pan even before cooking.

With all the instructions, the cast-iron helper will delight you with delicious food and your appearance.