The Best Tool to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet
We’ve discovered the best tool for easily cleaning a cast iron skillet. It works wonders on not only cast-iron pans, but also those stubborn messes that are hard to remove from any cookware.
Who knew cleaning cast iron would be such a controversial subject, but apparently it is. Some people swear by using soap and water, while others advocate for the use of salt and oil to scrub off the residue. Additionally, there are differing opinions on whether to use metal utensils or stick to wooden or silicone ones to avoid damaging the seasoning. Amidst all the conflicting advice, one thing is for sure – maintaining a well-seasoned cast iron skillet is essential for ensuring its longevity and optimal cooking performance.
In our household, we use the soap and water method and have for many years with great success. This traditional approach has proven to be effective in keeping our cookware clean and well-maintained. The combination of soap and water ensures that our cast iron pieces remain free from any residual food particles and grease, without compromising their seasoned surface. Interestingly, some of the top makers of cast iron even recommend cleaning their pieces with this method, highlighting its reliability and time-tested nature. As a result, we have found that this simple, yet dependable method is not only suitable for our daily cleaning needs, but also aligns with the recommendations of industry experts.
So, no matter how you decide to clean your cast iron cookware, we have discovered the ideal tool that simplifies the process even more.
Introducing the Escobeta, a traditional and sustainable cleaning tool deeply rooted in Mexican culture. This scrubber is crafted from the durable roots of the zacaton grass and the Escobeta’s natural bristles offer powerful scouring capabilities, making it ideal for tackling tough stains and grime without the worry of plastic bristles melting on hot pots.
This little tool was traditionally used to clean a molcajete, also known as a mortar and pestle, however, we have found it to be a staple in our kitchen for cleaning many things. Inexpensive and practical, it can effectively tackle various kitchen cleaning tasks with ease. Its gentle yet durable bristles make it suitable for scrubbing delicate kitchenware without causing any damage. It is a versatile cleaning tool that can also be used to scrub vegetables, fruits, and other household items. The pack of three brushes for around ten dollars offers great value, and they do not deteriorate quickly even with frequent use.
Her are the steps we use to easily clean our cast iron skillets and griddles:
Step 1: After the pan has cooled, add a little bit of water to the surface.
Step 2: Add soap to the Escobeta (we prefer this soap since it isn’t full of harsh chemicals) and start to scrub the food particles off the bottom and sides of the pan.
Step 3: Rinse and repeat if necessary to remove any stubborn food off the skillet.
Step 4: Pour out any excess water from the pan and place it on the stove.
Step 5: Turn stove to high and allow the heat to dry the pan thoroughly. This usually only takes a minute or two so don’t walk away from it.
Step 6: Remove the pan from heat and add a very small amount of your oil of choice. I use avocado oil or olive oil, but you could use coconut oil, tallow or lad to season yours.
Now your skillet is ready for its next use, which in our household is daily!
If you’re looking for the perfect cast iron skillet, here are three of our favorites.
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This is my favorite skillet to cook in and the one I use the most due to its large base and sides. It also has a lid which is an added bonus.
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This Skillet has a smaller base than the one above, but the sides are nice and high, and it works great for dishes like my Easy Homemade Chicken Pot Pie.
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This Cast Iron griddle is my favorite to use for pancakes and fried eggs. Here is how I use it to make the perfect fried egg.
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Find all of my other favorite kitchen items HERE or shop this post below.
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