Are you tired of your cast iron cookware smelling like fish after cooking seafood? You’re not alone! The porous surface of cast iron makes it easy for the smell of fish to linger, even after being washed. But don’t worry. There are some simple solutions to help get rid of that unwanted odor.
Cooking with cast iron has many benefits: its durability and versatility make it a great addition to any serious cook’s kitchen. But, sometimes, these coveted pans can leave behind an unpleasant smell after cooking fish or other items with strong odors. If you are looking for ways how to get fish smell out of cast iron without having to replace them, this article is the perfect read.
We’ll provide some helpful tips so that you can enjoy all the positives of cooking with cast iron without suffering from annoying odor issues!
What Will You Need?
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Lemon juice
Once you have these four easy to find ingredients, you’re all set to eliminate that unwanted fish smell. These household staples are natural and safe for cast iron cookware.
10 Easy Steps on How to Get Fish Smell Out of Cast Iron
Step 1. Wash Your Cast Iron Pan Thoroughly
First things first, clean your cast iron pan as you usually would. Use hot water and a small dish soap to scrub away any leftover food particles. Be careful not to scrub too hard or use any abrasive materials, as this can damage the seasoning of your cast iron. Rinse it well and make sure there’s no soap left.
Step 2. Create a Cleaning Mixture
In a small bowl, mix equal parts of baking soda and vinegar until it forms a paste. The combination of baking soda and vinegar is excellent for breaking down foods and strong smells, like fish, that linger in cast iron. It’s important to note that this mixture will bubble a bit due to the chemical reaction of the baking soda and vinegar, which is ordinary and necessary for the cleaning process.
Step 3. Apply the Cleaning Mixture
Next, coat your cast iron pan with the baking soda and vinegar paste. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the pan, both inside and out, paying extra attention to the areas where the fish smell is most potent. Let the mixture sit on the pan for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the solution to penetrate deep into the pores of the cast iron, effectively targeting and neutralizing the fish odor.
Step 4. Scrub the Pan
After the mixture has had time to sit, it’s time to do a bit of scrubbing. Use a non-abrasive scrub brush or sponge to scrub the pan gently. This helps the mixture to penetrate the cast iron’s pores further and remove any lingering fish smell. Be sure to clean all pan areas, not just the inside, where the fish was cooked. Rine thoroughly with warm water once you’ve finished scrubbing.
Step 5. Rinse and Dry
After thorough scrubbing, rinse the pan well with warm water. It is essential to ensure that all the baking soda and vinegar mixture is thoroughly rinsed off. If any residue remains, it can affect the taste of your future dishes. Once rinsed, dry the pan immediately with a clean, dry towel. Cast iron can rust quickly if left to air dry, so dry it thoroughly.
Step 6. Apply Lemon Juice
Now that your pan is clean and dry, the next step involves using lemon juice. Lemon juice is known for its deodorizing properties and will help further eliminate any lingering fish smell. Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice all over the cast iron pan’s surface. Spread the juice evenly using the cut side of the lemon, scrubbing it gently into the surface. Let the pan sit with the lemon juice for about 5-10 minutes.
Step 7. Rinse the Pan Again
After letting the pan sit with the lemon juice, rinse it with warm water. Ensure you remove all the lemon juice to prevent it from affecting the taste of your next dish. As before, immediately dry the pan thoroughly with a clean towel to avoid rusting. Your cast iron pan should now be free of lingering fish smells, ready for your next culinary adventure.
Step 8. Re-season Your Pan
Now that your pan is clean and free of any unwanted fish smell, it’s time to re-season it. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the pan, inside and out. Place the pan upside down in the oven and bake for an hour.
This step will help seal the pores of your cast iron, preventing future odors from sticking. After an hour, turn off the oven and let the pan cool in the oven before removing. Your pan is now re-seasoned and ready for use again.
Step 9. Regular Maintenance
Once your pan is clean and re-seasoned, maintaining it properly can help prevent future fish smells. After each use, wash your pan promptly and thoroughly. Avoid letting it soak, as this can lead to rust. Always dry it immediately after washing, and consider applying a light layer of oil after each wash to maintain the seasoning. This routine will ensure your cast iron pan remains odor-free for the long haul.
Step 10. Know What to Cook
Lastly, not all foods are suitable for cooking in cast iron. Foods with strong odors, like fish, can sometimes leave a lingering smell. If the odor continues to be a problem, consider using your cast iron for other dishes, and keep a separate pan for cooking fish. Your cast iron cookware is versatile, but knowing what to cook can help maintain its longevity and keep it odor-free.
By following these ten easy steps, you’ll no longer have to worry about the unwanted fish smell in your cast iron pan.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Use Baking Soda and Water: One of the most effective methods to remove the fish smell from your cast iron is using a baking soda and water paste. Apply this paste to the affected areas and let it sit for about an hour before scrubbing gently and rinsing with warm water.
- Try Boiling Citrus Peels: Another natural solution is to boil citrus peels in water and then use this mixture to scrub your cast iron pan. The acidic properties of the citrus will help neutralize the fishy odor and leave a refreshing scent behind.
- Season Your Cast Iron Regularly: A well-seasoned cast iron pan is less likely to absorb strong odors, so make sure to season your pan regularly with oil or bacon fat after each use. This will also help prevent rust and keep your pan in top condition.
- Avoid Soap: While it may be tempting to use soap to remove the fish smell, it can actually damage the seasoning of your cast iron and make it more prone to future odors. Stick to natural methods, or simply use hot water and a scrub brush to clean your pan after cooking fish.
- Oil Your Cast Iron Before Storing: Before storing your cast iron, oil lightly with a high smoke point oil like vegetable or canola oil. This will help prevent any lingering fish smell from seeping into the pan and allow for easier cleaning when you use it again.
With these additional tips and tricks, you can quickly eliminate any lingering fish smell from your cast iron pan.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals: Cleaning products such as bleach can damage the cast iron and its seasoning. Avoid using these harsh chemicals to eliminate the fish smell from your pan.
- Avoid Food in Cast Iron: Storing food in your cast iron, especially fish, can intensify the smell and make it harder to remove. Always transfer leftover food to a different container.
- Avoid Excessive Scrubbing: While you want to remove the fish smell, excessive scrubbing can damage the seasoned surface of your pan. Always scrub gently, and preferably use a non-metallic brush.
- Avoid Letting the Pan Soak: It might seem like a good idea to let the smelly pan soak overnight, but this can encourage rust. Clean the pan promptly after use to preserve its quality.
- Avoid Cooking Smelly Foods in Unseasoned Cast Iron: If your pan isn’t properly seasoned, cooking smelly foods like fish can cause the smell to permeate the material. Make sure your pan is well seasoned before you start cooking.
Avoiding these common mistakes prevents the fish smell from lingering in your cast iron pan.
Conclusion
All in all, the key to getting a fish smell out of cast iron is to avoid letting it occur in the first place. Scrub down your tools and pans with kosher salt and hot water after each use, and be sure to store them in a dry environment. This will help prevent the absorption of strong odors and preserve your cast iron for years.
Additionally, make sure to season your cookware adequately. If you are faced with a fish smell, don’t worry—simply follow the steps we’ve outlined above, and you’ll have that pan smelling like new in no time!
With these tips on how to get fish smell out of cast iron, you’re now equipped for even the smelliest kitchen adventures. Now, put that knowledge into practice and get cooking!
