What's the best way to clean a cast iron pot ????

Answer 1

if it has rust either sand paper or a wire brush. after that oil it really well and set it the oven and bake it. you are basically burning the pot. you can also burn it in a fire. that will help remove some of the build up that accumulates on the outside then you use a putty knife and a hammer and basically knock all of the build up off. i know all of this sounds strange. i learned all of this from older people who only used cast iron cookware. things like bread pans are not supposed to be washed just wiped out really well I have never been able to do this myself(it needs washing) if you wash the pan after washing dry it throughly and wiped a thin layer of oil in it to keep it from rusting. never wash it in a dishwasher.

Answer 2

Hot water, soap, and a good scrubber. The key with cast iron isn't really in the washing, it's in the drying. Be sure to put the pot on the stove once it's clean, as this will dry off all of the water and avoid rust.

Answer 3

abfabmom had a good answer after everyday use.

if it is really old and corroded with rust, scrub it with a steel wool pad. rinse thoroughly, then dry with a towel (paper or cloth) then rub with vegetable oil. rub off excess with a paper towel.
if you are trying to get a good finish on the pot...after cleaning and oiling the inside, put it on one side of your propane grill and allow it to stay there until you need to use it! the heat will cook the pt and help you to get that old time coating on the inside (a fireplace is great in the winter)
hope this helps :)

Answer 4

Warning!
If your purpose is to remove the thin film of "cooked on" oil that gives the pot a "non-stick" surface, DON'T.
It is hard to re-cure the pot. That film is necessary for proper cooking characteristics and prevents rust.
When I was a kid I thought I'd be helpful and cleaned my mom's frying pan.
It took her HOURS to re-cure it. - NOT appreciated!

Answer 5

Convention says don't do it. It will take on the taste of whatever you use to clean it and the discoloration is has doesn't hurt anything.