Wipe the surface with a soft, damp sponge or cloth. Never use an abrasive material such as a brush or scouring pad. For unfamiliar surfaces test in small, inconspicuous area first. For stubborn stains, rust removal, and other deep blemishes, squeeze directly onto surface or a wet cloth or soft sponge.
For Deeper Cleaning
When restoring cast iron, mix 1 gallon of hot water with ¼ cup of baking soda and ¼ cup of ammonia. Ammonia is great for getting rid of heavier deposits of grease and soap scum. Use a non-abrasive sponge for scrubbing. Rough sponges or steel wool should be avoided, as they will scratch the surface.
Here's the magic formula to clean the nastiest, dirtiest, most iron-stained tub you have ever seen: White vinegar and Dawn dish soap (the blue kind is the best!).
Caring for Cast Iron
With soap if it needs it. Scrubbing with the rougher side of a sponge if it needs that to remove food particles. Don't use steel wool, and do dry it completely. Then, put another tiny bit of oil in and rub it all over, wipe it away, and put it over a burner for a few minutes.
A cast iron tub full of body-temperature water will stay comfortably warm for a lot longer than an acrylic or fibreglass one. The other benefit of cast iron is its longevity. Provided it's not abused or damaged, a cast iron tub should last several decades or more.
Cost. Cast iron tubs are generally more expensive and can cost around two to four times more than their acrylic counterparts. This cost does not only include the tub itself, but also the tub's installation. For some homeowners, however, this is money well invested because cast iron tubs have superior durability.
Clean your cast-iron skillet each time you use it. Doing so prevents stuck-on food from staying on the skillet between uses. If the skillet is only slightly dirty, a quick wipe after cooking in it will work. If dirtier, or food is stuck, then scrubbing it is best.
Decades ago, soaps were made with lye and vinegar, and they were too harsh for use on cast iron pans. They would indeed strip away oil and could remove seasoning. But today's soaps, especially ones that are made with eco-friendly solutions, are often too mild to remove seasoning.
What oils can I use to season cast iron? All cooking oils and fats can be used for seasoning cast iron, but based on availability, affordability, effectiveness, and having a high smoke point, Lodge recommends vegetable oil, melted shortening, or canola oil, like our Seasoning Spray.
The process involves sandblasting off the old finish, then baking on a new enamel coating at 1,475 degrees Farenheit for about four hours. “It's genuine porcelain enamel, the same glass coating used on bathtubs you buy in stores,” says owner Kara Kopplin.
It's important to not use anything too aggressive such as steel wool, sponges or other abrasive cleaning methods as these will strip your seasoning. For particularly difficult to clean messes, fill your pan halfway full with water and heat over the stove.
A damp Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is an excellent tool for wiping down the inside of the tub.
With proper care, your cast iron bathtub will last for decades, often 70 years or more. They are notorious for requiring less maintenance than an acrylic bathtub, which makes cast iron the perfect choice for a bustling bathroom.
Then fill the cast iron bath with hot water. Remember, your skin needs to sweat if the detox is going to work. Here comes the magic. Add two cups of Epsom salts to your bath.
Firmly press your hand against the side of your bathtub. If it has a little give, it is made of acrylic or fiberglass. These materials have a little give or flexibility. Meanwhile, steel or cast iron will not have any give when pressed on.
Oil, especially canola oil (bad, unhealthy oil), should not be used. If a quick oiling (not seasoning) in between is desired, it's best to use a high temperature oil like avocado. A quick rub can do the trick, if your pan looks a bit dry. I have one pan that is about 100 years old!
You can generally use whatever oil you prefer, as long as the cooking temperature is below the smoke point of the oil. Olive oil, vegetable oil, sunflower oil, and grapeseed oil are all great multipurpose cooking oils—you can use them for everything from sautéing to baking.
🤔 Myth: You can't use soap to clean cast iron. 🤯 Fact: You can use mild dish soap to clean cast iron. The seasoning on our cast iron is fairly resilient and can withstand a little bit of soap, water, and a good scrub with a brush.
Common cooking oils like olive oil will gradually produce seasoning, but won't be as effective as grapeseed oil. Canola, other vegetable oils, and shortening are a little better.