A frying pan in carbon steel with double handle is perfect for cooking where you need fantastic heat retention. You can prepare everything from tender braised vegetables to juicy steaks. Furthermore, the frying pan is super versatile, as it can be used on induction, ceramic, gas, grill, over direct fire and in the oven – yes, all heat sources. If you haven't read our guide on how to use the pan, you can find it here.
But how should the frying pan be cleaned after use? We will tell you this in this guide.
How to clean the frying pan after use
If you have other kitchen equipment in carbon steel, such as a frying pan, then it is likely that you already know the methods. The cleaning of the frying pan is namely identical to the methods used on frying pans in carbon steel and griddles - and fortunately it is quite easy.
Method 1: Wipe with paper towels
If you have prepared something on your frying pan that hasn't stuck, it is simple to clean the pan. All you have to do is remove excess fats and food debris with a piece of paper towel. After that, the pan is ready for storage.
Method 2: The salt method
If you have, for example, fried meat or vegetables, then it may happen that something has stuck to the frying pan. But fortunately, this is also easy to remove and also without removing your seasoning, which gives the pan its non-stick effect - and therefore should preferably remain intact.
What you should do is apply coarse salt to the frying pan and a little oil. Then rub the mixture around the pan with a sponge, a dry cloth or paper towel, until the stubborn food debris is gone.
Method 3: The simmering method
If method 2 has not been enough to remove the food debris, you can try the following procedure: Start by covering the surface of the frying pan with a little water and let it simmer while you gently scrape the surface with a wooden spatula to remove the last food debris. However, it is important that you ensure that the pan becomes completely dry afterwards and apply a thin layer of oil to prevent rust formation – this is also important if you have only chosen to rinse the pan. When these steps are completed, your frying pan is ready for storage.
How to deep clean your frying pan
If you have lent your frying pan to a friend who hasn't been quite punctual with our care guides, it may happen that burnt-on food debris or rust settles in the frying pan. Especially if the frying pan has been exposed to water or moisture, you risk rust formation.
But fear not!
With this method, you can get your frying pan to look like new:
NOTE. With both of these methods, it is necessary to give your frying pan a new seasoning afterwards, as these remove the existing seasoning. Find the guide here or further down.
Step 1: Scrub the frying pan
If there are food debris or small rust spots on the frying pan, you can scrub the surface with a brush, a coarse sponge or a ball of steel wool.
Step 2: Use vinegar
If there is still food debris or rust in the frying pan, we have another trick:
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Mix equal parts water and cooking vinegar in the frying pan and place it over medium heat on the stove or grill.
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Let the mixture simmer for at least 15 minutes – you can brush with a dish brush along the way to see if the spots have loosened (of course not a plastic one).
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Pour out the mixture.
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Scrub the pan thoroughly with hot water and soap to remove any food or rust debris.
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After cleaning, it is important to give your frying pan a new layer of seasoning by burning it in with a thin layer of oil. This helps rebuild the protective coating and non-stick effect.
Create a new seasoning by following our guide to carbon steel frying pans here.
