How to properly clean a cast iron or aluminum cauldron

Each dish has its own purpose, it is used for storing, cooking, heating food. In this connection, an individual approach to washing each type of tableware is required.

Often, after going out into the countryside, where they cooked pilaf or shurpa on a fire, a natural question arises of how to clean the cauldron. After all, soot is quite difficult to wash off, especially after using it on a fire. How to deal with this type of pollution, what the people advise and other important questions later in the article.

What is a cauldron, features of dishes

The cauldron's spaciousness and the thickness of its walls open up opportunities for preparing a huge variety of dishes. Indeed, many people prefer to cook meals on a fire in a cauldron, and not only in nature, but also at home. And what a delicious fish soup cooked right by the pond! But soot and fumes are faithful companions of this type of dish. Features are determined by the purposes of its use:

• dishes on the grill necessarily provoke the appearance of burning on the outer part of the cauldron;
• fatty foods lead to prolonged washing;
• dimensions (as a rule, cauldrons are spacious and large).

The method of cleaning will also be determined depending on the type of material. After all, a non-stick coating, for example, cannot be rubbed with a metal scraper.

The main differences between cleaning a cast-iron or aluminum cauldron

There are various materials for making cauldrons. The most popular are two: cast iron and aluminum. The methods of cleaning it after cooking will vary depending on the material. It is fair to consider both options for clarity.

Aluminum. The material is unpretentious, durable and lightweight. Due to its merits, it is popular. In addition, it is known about aluminum cauldrons and methods of washing them:

• cleaning can be carried out in a dishwasher;
• when removing serious dirt, you can use hard scrapers and brushes, abrasive materials;
• a very wide range of detergents and cleaning agents.

IMPORTANT! Almost the only prohibition on cleaning the cauldron is the use of detergents based on oxalic acid. This substance can cause tarnishing of the metal.

Cast iron. They are considered more whimsical and demanding in terms of washing. There are some nuances that need to be voiced:

• fragility (although cast iron is strong, but a prickly material);
• such products are heavier;
• for better functioning and creation of anti-corrosion protection, oil firing is used;
• does not tolerate the use of abrasives and hard brushes when washing.

Important! Do not use a machine wash, as this provokes the rusting process.

How to clean the cauldron from burning and grease, depending on the material

The correct approach is to select a cleaning method based on the material of the product of interest. In our case, the product means a cauldron. And although the purpose of this type of dish is the same, the rules for cleaning aluminum and cast iron products will differ. Let's consider what differences exist in practice, what are they.

Cleaning the cast iron cauldron

The cast-iron cauldron, whimsical to damage, requires careful cleaning. It is important not to use abrasive materials or hard brushes. Otherwise, the cleaning recommendations are as follows:

1. Inner surface. Sticky food residues, fat, carbon deposits are removed using a simple and proven method: pour water, add detergent and boil for at least 20 minutes. The main part of problematic contamination is self-eliminating during the boiling process. The rest will need to be wiped off with a soft sponge and rinsed with water.
2. Outer surface. The procedure for cleaning the external surface is complicated by the complexity of ingrained soot and burning. There is a desire to use radical cleaning methods, but it is better to refuse this. Immerse the cauldron in a larger container, boil with detergents. Then wipe with a soft sponge after cooling.

IMPORTANT! Scratches and surface damage caused by abrasives and hard brushes serve as a receptacle for grease and food residues. Subsequent washing becomes more difficult.

How to clean an aluminum cauldron

The aluminum cauldron is easier to clean, since both abrasive materials and hard metal scrapers can be used. It is also dishwasher safe. It is important to know that an oxide film forms on the porous surface of aluminum cookware. It needs to be cleaned off (brushes, scrapers, etc.). The only thing that can cause oxidation reactions and lead to negative consequences are cleaning agents with oxalic acid.

We clean the stainless steel cauldron

A more expensive option for a cauldron material is stainless steel. Strength, durability and ease of maintenance are the main advantages of stainless steel. Let's figure out how to wash such products:

• the coating can be scratched if abrasive cleaners and detergents are used;
• chlorine-containing substances cannot be used;
• it is recommended to use special liquid detergents intended for metal care;
• dishwasher safe.

The smooth surface allows you to quickly remove contaminants, even such as soot, fumes, grease. Tough dirt can be dealt with using boiling methods.

How to cleanse folk remedies at home

Kazan began to be in demand long before the appearance of detergents in the form in which they exist today. Therefore, there are a number of folk tips for the care of these dishes. And many of them are really effective and are actively used in practice. You should consider the most popular options for cleaning the cauldron using folk methods.

Lemon acid

Citric acid will help in the fight against carbon deposits. To prepare the desired solution, you will need to observe the proportion: 40 g of citric acid powder per 1 liter of water. The algorithm of action is simple:

• prepare the solution, pour it inside and put it on the fire (for external cleaning, the same steps, only the cauldron is completely dipped in the liquid);
• boil for 20 minutes and leave to sour for 2-3 hours;
• during this time, the water cools down, all that remains is to drain the water and wipe off the carbon residues.

Note! After the procedure, you can use detergents (for washing dishes or cleaning metal surfaces).

Vinegar with salt and soda

Another effective method, but involving boiling. The procedure looks like this:

• we fill the cauldron with water and put it on the fire;
• bringing to a boil, add salt and vinegar, stir thoroughly to dissolve completely;
• we make the fire minimal, and gradually add soda;
• the reaction will be immediate - foam will rise;
• when the vinegar and soda have reacted, you need to let the liquid boil for a few minutes (10-15).

Upon completion, let the water cool (so that it becomes warm), and right in it three walls of the container until the desired effect.

Glue and soap

Preparation of a solution for washing metal dishes, including a cauldron, possibly using laundry soap and office glue. The effect meets expectations: shine returns, fumes and grease are removed. The whole process takes place in this way:

• we put the cauldron inside the container in which the washing will be carried out;
• fill in with a special solution, for which you need 1 bar of soap and a PVA package (50-60 g);
• in order for the soap to dissolve faster, it must be grated;
• the boiling process takes place within 1.5-3 hours.

The purpose of this method is to soften soot and soot, established fat.

Note! The glue can emit harmful vapors when heated, so it is better to use a cooker hood or open a window in the room where the procedure will be carried out.

Activated carbon

The effectiveness of activated carbon in practice can be observed in the fight against burnt food. The pills are inexpensive and most people have in their home medicine cabinet. You will need 1-2 plates, depending on the size of the cauldron and the degree of dirt. Apply as follows:

• knead 1 pack of activated carbon until smooth;
• put the rest of the tablets on the bottom, fill with hot water and leave for 2 hours;
• a homogeneous mass of tablets should be poured onto a washcloth and rubbed into the walls of the dishes.

Existing dirt will lag behind the surface without much effort. At the end, rinse and wipe dry so that no water streaks remain.

Other effective methods

In addition to the above methods, there are also those that deserve special attention. For example, using river sand. They fill the dishes to the brim, and then put on a fire (slow) and stir for 5-8 minutes. The piercing procedure will allow you to easily remove contamination.

Cleaning rules with special chemicals

Household chemicals will help get rid of unwanted contamination of the cauldron. Manufacturers have filled the market with products for the care of specific types of surfaces, taking into account the characteristics of the material and possible chemical reactions. Recommendations for the use and choice of funds:

• choose profile detergents (the corresponding instruction is contained on the packaging);
• pay attention to universal means (for example, Domestos, etc.);
• rinse the dishes thoroughly after using household chemicals.

The last point is especially important.Household chemicals form a film that must be washed off with water. Otherwise, it can cause food poisoning.

IMPORTANT! For washing, it is better to use natural formulations with a minimum content of harmful substances.

How to remove rust

Rust can form on the walls of the cauldron if stored improperly. This problem occurs with cast iron products. There are many ways to remove unwanted contaminants, including rust.

Let's take a look at some of the most popular ones:

1. We use household chemicals. There are special products designed to fight rust. They dissolve the damaged layer, make it soft and as a result, it is easy to clean.
2. Sandpaper. A radical method, but effective. It is important to use a fine-grained cloth and to clean in successive circular motions. This method can damage the surface, but if there is already rust, then this is not a big deal.
3. With a drill. This method of mechanically removing rust is similar to the previous one. But it is much simpler, because the tool works for you. You will need a metal drill brush.
4. Soap and glue will help to cope not only with carbon deposits, but also rust.

It is not recommended to use solid metal objects. They can leave deep scratches in which dirt, grease, rust, and fumes will accumulate.

Basic rules for caring for the product

Frequent use of the cauldron for cooking makes it necessary to regularly perform a number of steps to take care of this type of utensils. Simple recommendations will help maintain the original state of the cauldron for many years.

Let's list some of them:

• After washing, the surface of the cauldron must be wiped dry to avoid the formation of smudges and rust.
• Calcining is necessary to restore the non-stick layer. It is recommended to hold it twice a year.
• Before cooking, you need to pour oil in such a way that it flows down the walls, forming a protective layer and preventing food from burning.
• Calcination must be carried out before the first use. This can be done in the oven.

Particular attention should be paid to the procedures before and after cooking.

How to wash properly after cooking

No one is safe from accidental burning of food. Especially in a cauldron. But there are some helpful tips on how to clean the dishes after cooking:

• immediately after cooking, fill the cauldron with water, preferably with a detergent;
• if carbon deposits and other types of dirt are present on the outside of the product, it must be completely immersed in water with detergent;
• after washing, be sure to wipe dry and put in a storage place.

Proper care allows metal utensils to serve indefinitely.

Video: how to clean a cauldron from carbon deposits, grease and rust