Cast iron utensils are popular for many reasons, including their dependability and resilience. One of the main benefits of using cast iron utensils is that they distribute heat evenly, allowing for more thorough cooking. Additionally, cast iron utensils can handle high temperatures, making them an excellent choice for cooking and storing various foods. Below are some common tips/steps for cleaning these utensils and some home-based cleaners for deep cleaning.

Cast iron utensil cleaning process/tips
Most people, especially those cleaning cast iron utensils for the first time, may wonder how long the cleaning process takes.

Simple cleaning takes about 2 to 3 minutes at most. Re-seasoning pans and other utensils can take up to 2 to 3 hours. On the other hand, deeper cleaning, which involves removing several layers of rust, stuck-on build-up, and stains, may take anywhere from 5 minutes to typically 24 hours.

Step 1
When cleaning cast iron cookware, there are three main steps to follow. Firstly, wash the cookware using water and hands. A small amount of soap and a pan scraper can remove any stuck-on food. For stubborn bits of food, simmer a little water in the pan for about 5 minutes before using the scraper once the pan has cooled down. Synthetic scrubbers, usually found on the back of many kitchen sponges, can be used for tough burnt-on bits. These scrubbers are not as abrasive as steel wool and won’t leave any marks on the utensil.
If burnt food remains on the cookware, pour some salt, put it over high heat, and slowly rub out the charred bits using paper towels. Salt is a safe and effective abrasive agent for seasoning cast iron utensils, and the heat helps carbonize the remaining bits of charred food, making it soft and easy to remove. Finally, clean the salt from the utensils using soapy water.

Step 2
When cleaning cast iron utensils, water can be a real cause. It is essential to avoid leaving the utensils dripping wet after cleaning them, as this can cause rust to form in the future due to oxidative reactions between the iron and water. Although the seasoning on the utensils can prevent rust from forming immediately, it is paramount to take all possible measures to ensure that the utensils remain dry after washing.
Users should use a paper towel or a lint-free cloth to dry the cookware effectively. Some black residue is expected on the towel after drying, indicating the seasoning is intact. However, simply using a towel or cloth for drying may not be enough. It is recommended that users place the cookware over a high flame to ensure complete drying. The heat generated by the flame helps speed up the evaporation process and eliminates every last bit of water droplets or moisture from the surface of the utensils.
Washing and drying are just two aspects of thoroughly cleaning cast iron utensils, and users should follow all necessary steps to ensure complete cleanliness. After following the above steps, users can rest assured that their cast iron utensils will be perfectly spick and span.

Step 3
The third step involves oiling the washed cookware with cooking oil or seasoning spray. One can then use a paper towel to wipe the surface until no oil is left on it. Oiling is done to add a coating of protective seasoning on the utensils before one can put them away. One can use a variety of oils for the purpose. For example, unsaturated cooking fat, corn oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil are all perfect alternatives for oiling cast iron utensils.
Perfectly clean cast iron utensils have a unique sparkle, yet they are free of visible grease.
After oiling the pan, one can set it over a high-heat burner for about 2 minutes. Alternatively, people can place their utensils in an oven for more evenly spread heating. Seasoning is critical for cast iron utensils and helps further increase their life.

Home-based cleaners to clean cast iron utensils
One can find these products in their kitchen, which is why people do not have to spend a lot of money to purchase these cleaners/cleaning components:

Steel wool scrubber
This scrubber is known for its abrasive and strong nature. If users find it too abrasive, they can also use softer scrubbers.

Scrub brush or sponge
Removing any water residue is vital in the cleaning process. A sponge or scrub brush achieves that objective smoothly.

Soft cloth
Drying or wiping utensils after cleaning them is a must for cast iron cookware. A clean, soft cloth is more than adequate for this task.

Kosher salt
Salt is another abrasive cleaning agent to deal with stubborn burnt or charred food matter on the utensils.

Baking soda
Soda is an efficient cleaning agent for most surfaces and is no different for cast iron utensils.

Apart from these, some other potent cleaning agents include white vinegar, canola oil, vegetable oil, dish soap, and regular vinegar.