How do I maintain my cast iron pan, Dutch oven, and campfire equipment?
Once you have acquired, for example, a nice cast iron pan or a Dutch oven, you have it for life.
The only thing it requires is that you maintain it properly, which fortunately is quite easy.
Read on to learn how to do it, and see how to save your cast iron if things have gone wrong.
There are two things you need to know when it comes to taking care of your Dutch oven or cast iron pan/pot; avoid soap and moisture, that’s about it.
When you clean your cast iron, you should use:
-A sponge or cloth
-Warm water
-Cooking oil (olive oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, any will do)
Personally, I prefer to clean my cast iron kitchen items in warm water with oil.
Some like to rub oil on it after cleaning, but you really have to be careful about how thick a layer you apply. Oil tends to go rancid, which can give an off-flavor to your campfire food the next time you use your Dutch oven or cast iron pan.
Whether you have used your Dutch oven for baking or grilled delicious steaks on your campfire pan, it’s quite easy to clean with warm water and oil, and maybe a bit of elbow grease.
If there are stubborn residues, let it soak a bit in water with a splash of oil, then scrub with a brush or sponge.
But as mentioned, avoid soap, as it tends to leave an unpleasant off-flavor.
Once your cast iron gear is clean and nice again, it is extremely important that it is COMPLETELY dry before you put it away.
Don’t put the lid on your Dutch oven or place a pot on top of your cast iron pan while it’s still damp, because then you can be sure it will be rusty when you take it out again.
Cast iron is in many ways a really solid material, but there is one thing it doesn’t like, and that is moisture. In fact, you might be surprised how quickly it can rust if the conditions are 'right'.
If the worst happens and your Dutch oven has rusted, don’t despair, just read on here
Rusty cast iron – How to easily restore it
My cast iron campfire gear has rusted, what do I do?
No need to panic, it’s easier than you think to get it nice and usable again.
Maybe you (as I have experienced) were a bit slow to clean everything after a cozy evening, or maybe you put it away before it was completely dry. Both can result in your cast iron gear, whether pans, pots, your Dutch oven, etc., being attacked by rust.
But don’t worry, it’s both quick and easy to restore.
Warm water, cooking oil, a coarse sponge, and some elbow grease is all you need.
When your cast iron pan or Dutch oven has rusted, it takes a bit more elbow grease and oil. The procedure is the same as when you clean it (again, avoid soap), it just requires a bit more time and effort, and probably a bit more oil.
Just put on gloves, give it a good scrub with warm water and oil, using a coarse sponge (not a gentle scrubber) or brush, and you’ll be surprised how quickly it looks good again.
Then just make sure it’s completely dry before you pack it away again.