Cleaning Cast Iron Cookware

One of the biggest areas of discussion amongst Dutch Oven cooks is how to clean their oven, and for that matter any other cast iron cookware. The number one item to remember is not use liquid dish soap on any iron cookware! However with that said, here are some of my recomended methods for both cleaning and sanitizing your cast iron cookware:

• Remove any food using a paper towl and if needed a plastic scaper. (Note only use the plastic scaper is the iron cookware is not hot!)
• In frying pans and dutch ovens, place some clean warm water and the heat to a light boil. Allow to boil for a few minutes. If you are using some cast iron flat ware, then place the flatware into a pot of warm water and bring to a boil.
• Drain the water, then wipe with a clean paper towel.
• Heat the ironware to dry it completely. Do not let it get too hot, just warm to the touch!
• Lightly coat the cast iron with some vegetable oil. Never use mineral oil or any other oil other than vegetable oil!
• Allow to cool before placing into storeage. If the oven or pan has a lid, place a folded paper towel between the lid and the pot before storing.