Dutch Oven Mistakes You Didn’t Know You Were Making

By Arizona Coffea Editorial Team

Dutch ovens have been used for hundreds of years and in some families, passed down through generations. It is an essential cooking tool and great for large dishes such as casseroles and roasts. They also come in handy during the holidays and make a great gift. That is why Dutch ovens remain popular in the kitchen, centuries after the first Dutch oven was used (via Oven Spot).

In order the preserve this dish, it’s important to know the proper handling techniques, especially if you want longevity and to protect it from rust. Unlike most cooking utensils, Dutch ovens require unique techniques when cleaning them. Bare cast iron Dutch ovens don’t have a protective finish and should be cleaned just like your cast iron skillet (via Taste of Home).

Before cleaning, you want to make sure that the oven is cool to room temperature. While you’re cooling it down, it’s important to note that you should not let it soak in water. Sitting it in the water can wear away at the enameled finish (via Taste of Home). Learn how to take care of your Dutch oven and prevent rusting in just a few steps.

Related articles: Myths About Cast Iron Skillets You Need to Stop Believing.

Seasoning your Dutch oven is one of the best ways to prevent rusting (via Allrecipes). To do this, you must coat the complete oven with oil and let it bake in the oven for about 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Once you do that reapply the oil and lower the temperature to 200 degrees and bake it again for another hour (via Allrecipes).

Another way to prevent rusting is to avoid using the dishwasher and wash it by hand. The dishwasher’s high heat and harsh atmosphere can wear away the protected enamel and can quickly cause rusting (via Taste of Home).

If you do have rust on your cookware, there are specific tools that can help you to clean it off. You will need; a heat source, wire brushes, scourers, aluminum foil, towels, salt, potato, carb soda, and vinegar (via Oven Spot). You don’t need them all at once, but if you have them at home, they will come in handy when preserving your favorite cooking utensil.