Many people leave cast iron cookware on the stove for storage. If you don’t mind having a pot or pan out all the time, this is generally safe. However, remove cast iron cookware when using the stove. You do not want steam or water to accidentally get cast iron cookware wet. You can also store cast iron cookware in a cabinet or cupboard somewhere in your kitchen, as long as you make sure the area you choose is generally dry. Under the sink, for example, may be a bad idea. Leaky pipes could get a cast iron skillet wet, causing rust.
When removing cast iron cookware from the oven, make sure to use oven mitts. Cast iron cookware will get very hot inside the oven.
You can use a sponge or a stiff, non-metal brush to clean a cast iron pan after use. If there is a lot of set on food mess, add a cup of kosher salt to the pan. Take a pair of tongs and wrap a towel around them. Fill the pan with warm water, and scrub with the salt until the food comes unstuck. Then, rinse the pan thoroughly. If there is something stuck to the pan, you can also put some hot water into the pan and let it boil on the stove. Then dump the water out of the pan and add some salt. Dry out the pan with salt and scrape the pan with a spatula or a rag. You will notice that the salt will start to turn brown, picking up the grime.
After a few minutes have passed, use a paper towel to rub the pan or pot with a small coating of lard, grease, or oil. Heat for 5 to 10 more minutes. Allow the pan or pot to cool. Wipe away any excess oil. Now, your pan or pot should be safe to store.
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Make enough to fully submerge your pot and pan. You can soak the pan in a bucket or in your sink. Check the pan about once an hour. As soon as most of the rust is gone, you should remove the pot or pan from the vinegar. If you let cookware soak after the rust is gone, the vinegar will eat into the cast iron surface. Once you remove the pot or pan, rinse and dry before storing again.
Place a piece of aluminum foil in the oven and then preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Rub vegetable oil over the entire pot or pan. Set the pot or pan upside down over the foil. This will catch any oil that drips down during cooking. Let the cookware bake for an hour, and then cool for 45 minutes.
