How To Clean Cast Iron Dutch Oven

An iron Dutch oven is one of the most versatile pots you can own. It is an innovative slow cooker that makes the most nutritious and delicious comfort foods at home. It works efficiently on both stovetops and ovens. You can use it for baking, frying, stewing, and a lot more. It is important to learn how to clean cast iron Dutch oven so you can use it for many years and even pass it on to generations.

Cleaning a Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Materials needed:

• Cooking oil
  
• Soft sponge or scrubber
  
• Plastic scraper
  
• Paper towels
  
• Water

Instructions:

Step 1: The first step on how to clean cast iron Dutch oven is to wash off bits of food leftovers on your cookware. Use a minimal amount of dishwasher soap, preferably the mild one, and gently scrub the pot’s inside part using the soft sponge. Keep in mind that your cast iron Dutch oven is not suitable for dishwashers.

Step 2: If food bits are too sticky, fill your pot with water and boil it. It will loosen the stuck food leftovers. After boiling, let it cool a bit, and use a plastic scraper to remove the food bits. Wash the pot in soapy water using the soft sponge.

Step 3: Rinse thoroughly and dry it using paper towels. Let it completely dry to ensure that there’s not a single drop of water that may cause rust to set in.

Step 4: Once dried, it’s time to season your cookware. Seasoning or conditioning with oil is part of the process of how to clean cast iron Dutch oven. To do this, apply a sufficient amount of cooking oil to the interior portion of your pot. Remove extra deposits with a paper towel.

Step 5: Store your cast iron Dutch oven in a safe and dry area, away from the stove or your kitchen sink. Avoid covering the pot with its lid when storing it. It is best to put the lid next to the pot, so air circulation is present.

Why Use Cast Iron Dutch Oven?

• Even heat. A cast iron Dutch oven can distribute even heat in the entire pot once it is warmed up. It means that the food in the middle and sides of the cookware is cooked the same way. The even heat is also excellent for cooking steaks and patties. It is especially helpful when you are making soups or thick sauces because it prevents excessive food burning. Cast iron discharges heat like an original convection oven, so hot air is all around the food within the cast iron pan.
  
• Versatile. A cast iron Dutch oven adapts to any heating element; it can be used either on a stovetop or in the oven; it also got no problem when used in grills or even over a campfire. You can cook a variety of food on it that ranges from food to pizza. Also, expect it to be heavy as it is also designed for heavy-duty use.
  
• Lasts for Generations. It is a type of cookware that is of heirloom quality. It is made of high-quality materials that will last for decades as long as you know how to clean cast iron Dutch oven. As to how frequent you are using, it does not matter a lot when it comes to its service life.
  
• Nonstick property. Cast iron Dutch ovens gradually develop their nonstick properties as you they are used often. The surface of a new cast iron cookware is not smooth, but as it gets into cooking more often, the tiny crannies are filled with heat-altered food oils and fats, creating a smooth nonstick finish. It’s good to know that your nonstick cookware is naturally made without the presence of any chemical.
  
• More tasty meals. It’s no secret that food cooked in a cast iron Dutch oven is yummier. In reality, the older and more seasoned your cookware is, the more it can cook tasty food. Food that tastes better is always a good thing.

Conclusion

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