The cast-iron stoves are really excellent heating systems because once you are perfectly lit produce a strong heat. Furthermore, this type of stoves adapt to any type of furniture and represent a winning choice in terms of design, not to mention the fact that in terms of consumption it is possible to save considerable amounts. Unfortunately, cast iron takes longer than other metals to heat up, but it also takes longer to cool. Cast iron stoves are commercially available in large and medium sizes; moreover, they can be simple or equipped with a hob. IS? It is important to carry out careful maintenance of these stoves, as with their prolonged use, they inevitably tend to get dirty. In this guide, step by step, I will give all the useful information on how to clean a cast-iron stove in the best way.
How to clean a cast iron stove
You will need:
- Degreaser
- Lemon
- White vinegar
- Sponge
- Buckskin cloth
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Toothbrush
- Olive oil
- Abrasive cloth
- Antirust product
Use baking soda
The first method to clean a cast iron stove is to make a DIY abrasive paste with baking soda. To do this, mix about 1/2 cup of baking soda with a couple of tablespoons of hot water in a small bowl. Then adjust the ratio of both until you get a spreadable paste. Then spread the dough over the entire surface of the stove. Let it sit overnight for at least 12 hours. Remember to use a plastic or silicone spatula to better scrape the paste. Spray some vinegar on the cast iron surface. The vinegar itself will have to be placed in a spray bottle and then sprayed everywhere. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, forming a degreasing and delicate foam at the same time. Now take a damp cloth and wipe off the foamy mixture. Repeat this process until all the residues of the dough have been removed. Put water and vinegar on the cloth (as an alternative to vinegar, you can use lemon) to polish the stove which will be practically as good as new. Solve: why fridge smells like dead animal?
Use vinegar with water
Another method to clean a cast-iron stove is to take a brush or a dry paper towel and remove all the dirt on the surface. Spray the stovetop generously with a mixture made up of equal parts of vinegar and water, remembering to put the same mixture in the spray bottle; let it rest for about a minute. Then clean the solution with a clean cloth or paper towel and, finally, polish the stove as usual.
Use dish soap
If the stove is particularly dirty, especially where the chimney is present, you need to take the dish soap and apply it on a small brush (a toothbrush is ideal for this technique). Then rub the brush on the cast iron surface with small circular movements and then rinse with cold water, using a chamois cloth. In case the stove is large and also has a hob, the burners must be removed. To do this, simply lift them upwards to make them come off easily. Then, with a small pin or a needle, any residues present in the holes are eliminated. Now wash the burners in hot water with a degreaser, dry them thoroughly and install them again.
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Use olive oil
Over time, rust inevitably forms on a cast iron stove and is more difficult to remove. In fact, it is not always enough to use baking soda with water or lemon. It follows that you will have to equip yourself with a special absorbent cloth that will be greased with olive oil. Olive oil itself is the ideal solution to remove rust without damaging the cast iron in any way. In fact, through the olive oil, the porosity of the cast iron will be nourished, also protecting it from all possible future attacks. In case of stubborn rust, on the other hand, after using olive oil, you will also have to apply the abrasive cloth on the affected area and then paint the whole with an anti-rust product.
