A double-handled carbon steel frying pan is perfect for cooking where you need great heat retention. You can cook everything from tender braised vegetables to juicy steaks. In addition, the frying pan is super versatile as it can be used on induction, ceramic, gas, grill, direct fire and in the oven - yes, all heat sources. If you haven't read our guide to using the pan, you can find it here.
But how should the frying pan be cleaned after use? We'll tell you in this guide.
How to clean the frying pan after use
If you have other carbon steel cookware, such as an iron frying pan, it's likely that you already know the methods. Cleaning the frying pan is identical to the methods used on carbon steel frying pans and griddles - and fortunately, it's quite easy.
Method 1: Wipe with paper towel
If you've cooked something on your frying pan that hasn't stuck, cleaning the pan is simple. All you need to do is remove excess grease and food residue with a paper towel. Then the pan is ready for storage.
Method 2: The salt method
If you've cooked meat or vegetables, for example, something may have stuck to the frying pan. Fortunately, this is also easy to remove without removing your seasoning, which gives the pan its nonstick effect - and should therefore remain intact.
What you need to do is apply coarse salt to the frying pan and a little oil. Then spread the mixture around the pan with a sponge, dry cloth or paper towel until the stubborn food residue is gone.
Method 3: The simmer method
If method 2 hasn't been enough to remove the food residue, you can try the following procedure: Start by covering the surface of the frying pan with a little water and let it simmer while gently scraping the surface with a wooden spatula to remove the last bits of food. Importantly, make sure the pan is completely dry afterwards and apply a thin layer of oil to prevent rusting - this is also important if you've chosen to simply rinse the pan. Once these steps are complete, your frying pan is ready for storage.
How to deep clean a frying pan
If you have lent your frying pan to a friend who has not been completely punctual with our care guides, it is possible that burnt-on food residue or rust may settle 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 make your frying pan look like new:
ATTENTION. With both of these methods, it is necessary to give your frying pan a new seasoning afterwards, as these will remove the existing seasoning. Find the guide here or further down.
Step 1: Scrub the frying pan
If there are food residues or small rust stains on the frying pan, you can scrub the surface with a brush, coarse sponge or a lump of steel wool.
Step 2: Use vinegar
If there is still food residue or rust in the frying pan, we have another trick:
Mix equal parts water and stock vinegar in the frying pan and place it over medium heat on the stove or grill.
Let the mixture simmer for at least 15 minutes - you can brush with a dishwashing brush to see if the stains have loosened (not a plastic one of course).
Pour out the mixture.
Scrub the pan thoroughly with warm water and soap to remove any food or rust residue.
After cleaning, it's important to give your frying pan a fresh coat of seasoning by searing it with a thin layer of oil. This will help rebuild the protective coating and nonstick effect.
Make a new seasoning by following our guide to carbon steel frying pans here.
