An unbridled cast iron may seem impossible to recover, but with some simple and natural tricks it can be brought back to its original beauty. Discover the most effective methods to eliminate stubborn dirt without ruining the surface.
Resistant, porous, longeva. There cast iron It is one of those materials that love each other and hate themselves at the same time. It is perfect for cooking, maintaining heat and giving a rustic touch to fireplaces, barbecues or stoves, but just use it once in the wrong way to find yourself with a dark and unbridled patina that seems to not want to go away. And here is the question spontaneously: is it really worth keeping the cast iron at home? Yet despite everything, we continue to choose it. It will perhaps be for that slightly ancient charm or for its ability to resist time. But when the time comes of the cleaninga strategy is needed. And it serves that it works, without going crazy.
It is interesting to note that despite the many chemicals on the market, the grandmother’s remedies continue to be the most loved. It will be that they are cheap, or perhaps because they are more “human”. The fact is that the dirty cast iron He can return to shine with a few right moves. No magic, only common sense and some natural ally.
How to clean the unborn cast iron without ruining it
When you are in front of a pan or a barbecue plate completely incrustedthe temptation to use an abrasive sponge is strong. But be careful: scratching too much risks ruining the surface irreparably. The cast iron needs care.
It is often believed that it is indestructible, but it is only appearance. The Incrustations on cast iron They must be treated with patience and constancy. One of the simplest but surprisingly effective tricks is the one that combines White vinegar and bicarbonate. You spread a little baking soda on the encrusted area, pour a few drops of vinegar and let it rest for half an hour good. At that time, a sort of skating is formed that seems almost to dissolve dirt alone. Then just a soft sponge to remove everything without effort. It really works, even if at the beginning it seems too easy to be true.
A slower alternative but equally valid? Leave the object to soak in warm water with baking soda all night. The next day, a pass with a wooden spatula (yes, it is better to avoid metal) and you’re done.
But that’s not all: for those who have to do with grids or stove plates, you can also try a mixture of lemon, hot water and coarse salt. The degrease lemon, the salt acts as a natural abrasive and the hot water dissolves fat.
Curious as sometimes the simplest solutions are also the most effective, right?
Unbridled cast iron of the barbecue: the most useful tricks
Cleaning the cast iron of the barbecue is one of the most discouraged challenges after a grill. The fat is incrusted, it is charred, it is firm to the grill as if it were cement. Yet here too, the key is in the temperature and oil.
First rule: no cold water on the still hot cast iron. There is a risk of damaging the structure. Better to take advantage of the residual heat and, with one metal brusheliminate the most obvious residues. Immediately afterwards, it is advisable to pass some kitchen paper soaked inolive oil: Create a protective patina and slows down the formation of rust.
If the incrustations are really stubborn, you can turn on the barbecue for a few minutes empty: the heat will burn the residues, making them easier to remove. It is a sort of Natural self -culturesimilar to that of the most modern ovens.
And for the most meticulous, there are natural pastes based on ash of wood and water. At one time they were also used to wash the clothes. Today they seem strange, but they work.
Keeping the cast iron clean longer
Cleaning is one thing, keep clean It’s another story. The cast iron, to remain beautiful and functional, must be treated with respect even after cleaning. Once dry, it is always good practice slightly grease the surface With a cloth soaked in oil (olive, but it is also good for seeds). This creates a protective film that keeps rust, humidity and dust away.
It is often thought that it is enough to wash it and restore it, but it is really residual humidity which over time creates those annoying incrustations. A passage in the oven at a low temperature can help to dry it completely. It is not a mandatory passage, but it is one of those details that make the difference.
Finally, it is better to keep away from those too aggressive detergents And, even more, from the dishwasher. The combination of hot water, strong soap and prolonged washing is a deadly mix for the surface of the cast iron. It ruins, loses adherence, opacies. In short, the risk is to find itself with an unusable object after a few washes. Better to be on the safe side and use only delicate methods.
So, it is still worth keeping one in the kitchen cast iron or barbecue pan with heavy grid? Well, considering that they last decades, they cook from God and they are also beautiful to see … maybe yes. Just knowing how to treat them properly.
Photo © Stock.adobe
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