(Q) How Do I Care for My Cast Iron?

(A) The following article contains several tips and ideas for caring for your cast iron in ways that will keep your cookware as good as new for years to come.

What is Camp Chef's Cast Iron Conditioner?

Camp Chef's Cast Iron Conditioner is a natural formula that protects cast iron from rust while conditioning and seasoning your cast iron. This revolutionary conditioner uses plant products to season your cast iron and does not go rancid and allows for tastier meals.
This Conditioner system is the best way to "season"and maintain your cast iron. Recommended by world champion Dutch oven chefs. Made of all-natural ingredients to protect your cast iron. It only takes a little of the mixture to properly care for your cast iron with this simple system to ensure years of use. The unique properties of cast iron make it very easy to care for and cook with.
 

Preparing Cast Iron for Seasoning

Some cast iron cookware brands come with a wax coating, which protects the product during transport between the manufacturer and you. This coat helps minimize rusting. Cast iron is very sensitive to changes in temperature, making it an excellent cooking material, but also making it susceptible to rust if not properly cared for. Camp Chef cast iron comes with a True Seasoned ready to cook finish. If your iron is not seasoned, do the following. Place your cast iron upside down on your Camp Chef outdoor cooker, in a barbecue or in your home oven. If using a oven use a cookie sheet under your cast iron to catch any wax drippings. Set your heat source to medium heat to melt off wax coating. When burning off the wax on your cookware, the wax will smoke. This step is best done outside to avoid excess smoke in the kitchen. When smoking stops, your cast iron is ready for seasoning. Remove from heat source and let cool. Wash and dry thoroughly with hot water to eliminate any deposits.

Seasoning Technique #1

When your cast iron is prepared for seasoning, follow these easy steps:

1. Saturate a clean cloth rag with Camp Chef Cast Iron Conditioner
2. Coat all surfaces of the cast iron with conditioner
3. Place in heat source upside down and heat to between 400° and 450° F. in oven or on medium setting of a low pressure Camp Chef burner
4. As the cat iron begins to smoke remove carefully from heat (be sure to wear protective clothing at all times while working with hot cast iron)

Your cast iron cookware is now ready for use or let cool, then store for next use. After each use, apply a small amount of Camp Chef Cast Iron Conditioner, about a dime's diameter worth, and thinly coat all surfaces of the cast iron. Over time, this will make your cast iron black, creating a finish called a "patina." This patina will enhance your cast iron by creating a glasslike finish, which also creates a nonstick surface.

Seasoning Technique #2

**BE SURE TO WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND THICK LEATHER GLOVES WHEN HANDLING HOT CAST IRON**

Using a thick leather work glove, saturate a clean cloth rag with Camp Chef Cast Iron Conditioner. Coat all surfaces of the hot cast iron as soon as the wax coating stops smoking. Cookware will smoke as the seasoning bakes. As smoking stops, remove from heat. You can use your oven, or let cool for storage. Note: Your oven is extremely hot and should not be touched as it will easily burn your skin.

Have a Rusty Oven?

Though there are many methods for cleaning rusty ovens, the one that we have found to be the easiest to use is a can of Cola. If the inside is rusty pour the Cola in and let it do its job. Depending on how rusty the oven is will depend on how long you will need to leave the Cola on the rusty spot. If you have an issue with the outside of an oven use a sponge to apply the Cola, or place the cast iron in a large bowl or bucket with enough Cola to dissolve the rust (some rotating may be necessary). After rust is removed be sure to wash and re-season you cast iron.

How to Clean Cast Iron?

Many people feel comfortable using hot water and soap to clean their cast iron. This  is fine but remember to rinse thoroughly to remove soap residue from cast iron pores. Some soaps and acidic dishes often will cut through and remove seasoning from your cast iron. The iron will appear to look dry and gray. Simply rub a small amount of Camp Chef Cast Iron Conditioner on the iron, re-heat the iron until you see it begin to smoke, remove the iron from the heat source and allow to cool completely. Your iron will be ready for use the next time you cook.

Recommended Cleaning

1. Remove all food particles from cast iron cookware using a plastic pan scraper.
2. Fill pot or an half full of hot water, allow to sit for a period of time. If you have burnt food in it, it may require the water to be boiled to help loosen the food.
3. With a stiff bristled long handled brush, scrub the remaining food residue away and off of the iron. Rinse thoroughly, pat dry with a towel. If the finish looks healthy or black and shiny you can store your oven. If it is dull, gray or marble looking you may have to touch it up following the directions under the “How To Clean Cast Iron” you previously read.

Tip - Leaving your lid cracked open by inserting a piece of bent cardboard between the lid and  the lip of the dutch oven will allow air to circulate during storage. This keeps the cast iron from creating moisture within the pot during temperature changes.