Let's Talk BBQ

Tips, Tricks & Just Good Advice! => Tips, Tricks & Things of Interest => Cooking Equipment - Tips => Topic started by: drholly on May 14, 2015, 04:51:18 PM

Title: Cleaning Cast Iron
Post by: drholly on May 14, 2015, 04:51:18 PM
There are several threads and discussions around this topic - hard to choose which one to post this to, so I decided to start a new one.

It is interesting to read all of the completely contrary positions regarding using hot water, soap, how to oil, when to oil, what oil with, etc... There are those that say as soon as you take the food from the pan it is time to clean it... actually I find that as soon as I take the food out f the pan, it is time to eat it  ;) :D

I've been using CI for many years and DeBuyer Mineral Iron for several. I've screwed stuff up and do NOT represent myself as an expert. I've used plastic scrapers, bamboo scrapers, salt and hot water, just hot water, and even soap. And at various times, each of these has worked FOR ME.

Sorry for the long intro, but I wanted to set it up for this tool I found recently - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FKBR1ZG/ref=psdc_3737221_t3_B00462QP0W. I had a pan that had some stuff that was well adhered - plastic or bamboo weren't going to cut it. I had baked a pineapple upside down cake in it for my dad. YIKES  ??? there was a solid coat of burnt sugar on the bottom. I was about to pull out the Dremel and start over.

Then I found this. Using this "chain mail" and hot water I was able to completely remove the burnt sugars and other "stuff" without harming the pan's seasoning. After a rinse, dry and quick re-oil, I tried it with some eggs - it was still the pan I have used and loved for years!

So far I have only used it in "extreme" situations and it has not let me down. Not sure f it is appropriate for day to day use, but I am going to try it.

Sorry for the long post, just feeling "wordy" tonight...  ;) ;D ;D


[attachment deleted by admin]

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Cleaning Cast Iron
Post by: TwoPockets on May 14, 2015, 05:45:33 PM
Very interesting David. I will give this a try.
Title: Cleaning Cast Iron
Post by: Pappymn on May 14, 2015, 06:17:44 PM
I found those too. I hadn't bought it yet. Thanks for the upvote
Title: Re: Cleaning Cast Iron
Post by: hikerman on May 14, 2015, 09:56:02 PM
David good to hear that this works. I ran across it somewhere a while back and it caught my eye. I just remember thinking,  this might work.  Good post buddy, you could never be too long.....ah well maybe lol!  :D
Title: Re: Cleaning Cast Iron
Post by: drholly on May 14, 2015, 11:32:53 PM
David good to hear that this works. I ran across it somewhere a while back and it caught my eye. I just remember thinking,  this might work.  Good post buddy, you could never be too long.....ah well maybe lol!  :D
;) ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Cleaning Cast Iron
Post by: TwoPockets on May 14, 2015, 11:53:46 PM
David, I have been diagnosed with Adult Onset Attention Deficit Disorder. Long posts  on here usually lose me but this kept me interested and I will order one of these.
Title: Re: Cleaning Cast Iron
Post by: drholly on May 15, 2015, 01:32:33 AM
David, I have been diagnosed with Adult Onset Attention Deficit Disorder. Long posts  on here usually lose me but this kept me interested and I will order one of these.

Thanks, Ken!  ;D
Title: Re: Cleaning Cast Iron
Post by: akruckus on May 15, 2015, 09:52:25 AM
I found those too. I hadn't bought it yet. Thanks for the upvote

x2
Title: Cleaning Cast Iron
Post by: Northshore on May 16, 2015, 08:21:18 AM
David, I purchased one of those some time ago and it works great. Also works on stainless steel and Corning.


Paul
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
Title: Re: Cleaning Cast Iron
Post by: ACW3 on May 16, 2015, 08:31:25 AM
I bought one at the Lodge Factory store yesterday in South Pittsburg, TN.  $19.95.  Kind of expensive, but won't ever have to buy another one. 

Art
Title: Re: Cleaning Cast Iron
Post by: Smokin Don on May 16, 2015, 01:50:48 PM
I have done pretty well over the years with just a brush and blue scotch pads but I think I will give this a try. TFS David! Don
Title: Re: Cleaning Cast Iron
Post by: akruckus on May 18, 2015, 07:43:42 AM
Funny this was brought up earlier this week, because my wife just got it for me for my birthday.  I can't wait to give it a try.
Title: Re: Cleaning Cast Iron
Post by: ACW3 on May 18, 2015, 07:45:53 AM
Used mine yesterday.  Works as advertised.  What's not to like!

Art
Title: Re: Cleaning Cast Iron
Post by: drholly on May 21, 2015, 10:18:49 PM
Has anyone tried this for restoring cast iron? My first thought was Tend-a-Rub...  ??? ??? ???

But there seems to be a lot of support for it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bz0_mcWzz-U

Title: Re: Cleaning Cast Iron
Post by: Big Dawg on May 23, 2015, 07:36:28 PM
Has anyone tried this for restoring cast iron? My first thought was Tend-a-Rub...  ??? ??? ???

But there seems to be a lot of support for it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bz0_mcWzz-U

So, is there a challenge in the offing????





BD
Title: Re: Cleaning Cast Iron
Post by: drholly on May 23, 2015, 09:05:57 PM
Has anyone tried this for restoring cast iron? My first thought was Tend-a-Rub...  ??? ??? ???

But there seems to be a lot of support for it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bz0_mcWzz-U

So, is there a challenge in the offing????

BD

I am not suggesting it for regular or tough cleaning - I love my "chain mail" for that. Emma and the BF were using my favorite skillet the other night and scorched on a bunch of gunk - of course, left it for me to clean the next day. The "chain mail" did a great job and did not hurt the seasoning!

However, I do find old CI from time to time, and there are some pieces that sit in the garage because they don't get used often and collect some or a lot of rust. I've looked at a variety of options to remove the rust - this looks so easy (not cheap), I almost have to try it. Supposedly, it is safe to use on pans, etc. My only concern is, when I look for local dealers - they are all automotive shops!  ??? ??? Just wondering if there are residual chemicals... That's why I ask if anyone has heard about it or had any experience?

Thanks!

D
Title: Re: Cleaning Cast Iron
Post by: TwoPockets on May 23, 2015, 09:45:59 PM
David, believe it or not, one of the best ways to remove rust from cast iron is to soak it in Coca Cola. Soak it overnight but not too long or it will start to eat the iron.
As soon as you take the iron out of the Coke, wash it very well and dry it very well an then begin to reseason it before rust has a chance to start again.
Title: Re: Cleaning Cast Iron
Post by: drholly on May 23, 2015, 10:29:09 PM
Ken, I have a large pan (about 20") that we like to use for frying tacos, etc. Well, an occasion is approaching, and once again, the pan has been in the garage collecting rust. Last time I spent a day with my dremel cleaning it out and another 2 days re-seasoning. I am up for a new process and will give your Coca-Cola method a try. Thanks!

BTW - If I am planning to make some Tex-Mex, should I use Coke with Lime?...  ;) ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Cleaning Cast Iron
Post by: Smokin Don on May 24, 2015, 11:05:16 PM
I got my chain mail a few days ago David and I will sure give it a try. Videos show it works great. I am not sure about the Evapo Rust, the video shows it does work. I checked their site and nothing in the FAQ's says it's safe for using on cast iron you cook with. But The slide show at the top does show and old rusty griddle and then shows shrimp being cooked on it. I will stay with the self-cleaning oven for my method. One thing I know it cooks all the old grease out but not too good on the rust. I like this video on using the self-cleaning oven and then he uses steel wool to take the rust off & works if it's not too deep. I used grape seed oil but like this guy says he uses Crisco, if it was good enough for Mom it's good enough for me! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6Tz3HnnCFs
The guy also has a site that has a lot of info on cast iron. I liked one video he shows two Finex skillets he bought, one he was letting develop the patina of seasoning on it's own and the other he seasoned, here is the link to his site.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpDkBZeJxpjAjdpqA5x6K6Q

Don
Title: Re: Cleaning Cast Iron
Post by: highball on May 29, 2015, 11:24:37 PM
I have been using a KnappMade chainmail scrubber for a few years and highly recommend this for anyone who cooks with cast iron or carbon steel . I also use the plastic scrappers that lodge makes

[attachment deleted by admin]

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Cleaning Cast Iron
Post by: aliengriller on May 31, 2015, 08:20:59 PM
Interesting to say the least.   I volunteer at our local historical society, and one of our projects each spring is tours for the 4th graders in our local schools.   One of the "stops" for the kids we call "History's Mysteries."   One of the items is a "scrubber" made of smallish chains pulled together and bound on top, with a wooden handle.   Maybe it will have to "disappear" and I'll try it.    Naw, I wouldn't do that, but same principle.    One thing that works well for me is salt--especially coarse salt.  Enough abrasiveness to scrub it, but not take the seasoning out of the cast iron.   
Title: Re: Cleaning Cast Iron
Post by: drholly on November 18, 2015, 02:25:39 PM
Been a while...

Made a ham steak in my favorite CI skillet last night... included a butter / brown sugar glaze. Added some mashed potatoes, green beans, biscuits, and GRAVY. Was a nice meal.

However, a teenage romance drama broke out soon after dinner and the clean up was left for today...  ??? ???

Most dishes / plates, etc. were no problem. BUT, my favorite CI skillet that cooked the ham and the brown sugar glaze was still sitting on the stove this morning, and I had an early client meeting. I didn't get back until about 1pm... YIKES!

I ran some very hot water in the sink and pulled out the "chain mail." Less than 5 minutes the skillet was clean! I dried it with paper towels and put it on a low burner to make sure it was very dry. Then rubbed some grape seed oil into it, let it warm for a bit and wiped it out. I repeated this 2 more times. It looks like it is ready for eggs to make biscuits and gravy this weekend. This is a very cool tool!

Pictures show the skillet with the ham and glaze, after cleaning and after oiling and drying.


[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Cleaning Cast Iron
Post by: akruckus on November 18, 2015, 02:42:32 PM
Chain mail is the best cleaning tool for CI.... in my opinion.  Where are some more pictures of this ham steak!?!?!
Title: Re: Cleaning Cast Iron
Post by: drholly on November 18, 2015, 03:04:56 PM
ak - I agree, best thing for CI. I also use it on my mineral iron and even stainless pans - works great.

Sorry no more pictures of the ham - was just a simple weeknight dinner with family, and boyfriends (led to the drama...)

It WAS a pretty good ham, but to my taste a bit salty (I didn't add any salt and the butter was unsalted.) Just browned it in the skillet (no oil) and then sprinkled a bit of Super Pork. Flipped a couple of times and added the butter and brown sugar. Added enough to make a glaze and let it melt and the ham get hot.

Only took the one picture cause it looked kinda tasty...  ;) :D Most of my cooks are for family, unless it is something unique or special, they have very little patience for photos... I keep trying...  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Cleaning Cast Iron
Post by: spuds on November 18, 2015, 04:03:55 PM
David,thats one darn good looking griddle,can see why its a favorite.
Title: Re: Cleaning Cast Iron
Post by: muralboy on November 18, 2015, 05:29:33 PM
And when you're not using it you can hang it in your dungeon or make it a part of your Renaissance Fair costume. 8)

Interesting product.  I have a Lodge griddle pan and it's always a pain to clean between the ridges.  Bet this would work just fine.

Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Cleaning Cast Iron
Post by: drholly on November 18, 2015, 06:13:16 PM
And when you're not using it you can hang it in your dungeon or make it a part of your Renaissance Fair costume. 8)

Interesting product.  I have a Lodge griddle pan and it's always a pain to clean between the ridges.  Bet this would work just fine.

Thanks for sharing.

I have the griddle pan as well, and YES it does an excellent job. Never thought of adding this to my dungeon - good idea, thanks!