SALT LAKE CITY — Dutch oven cooking is a staple for many Utahns when they camp. The thick-walled, cast iron pots are traditionally used for outdoor cooking, but models have also been created for kitchen use.

Anyone considering investing in a Dutch oven should realize that cast iron can’t simply be thrown into a dishwasher. The pots need specialized care and cleaning. Here are a few tips to keep your Dutch oven in good condition and to prevent rusting.

'Seasoning' the Dutch oven

Before you cook in your Dutch oven for the first time, you should wash it with warm water and mild dish soap, according to popular Dutch oven brand Lodge. You should thoroughly dry the Dutch oven with paper towels or dish towels. It is very important that you completely dry the Dutch oven before further use because prolonged water saturation can cause the cast iron to rust.

Next, you apply a thin layer of liquid vegetable oil all over the Dutch oven, inside and out. Then you place the Dutch oven upside down on a rack inside your oven. Put a few sheets of aluminum foil on the bottom oven rack to catch the dripping oil. Then bake your cast iron at 350 degrees for an hour. Let the Dutch oven cool sufficiently before you remove it from the oven. The Dutch oven will be properly treated and seasoned and will be ready for cooking.

This seasoning process “creates the natural, easy-release properties” for your Dutch oven, according to the Lodge website. It should be repeated occasionally to help maintain and preserve your cookware. Chemical non-stick coatings cannot be repaired and limit the lifespan of a Dutch oven, Lodge says.

Cleaning the Dutch oven

Dutch ovens should be cleaned immediately after use so the food is easier to remove. Food stuck to the bottom or sides of the cast iron can be scraped out with a pan scraper or spatula, according to the Camp Chef website. Then use warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap to remove the rest of the food. Don’t use a dishwasher, strong detergent or metal scouring pads to clean the Dutch oven because they can remove the seasoning, Lodge says.

Then completely dry the Dutch oven and oil the inside with a light layer of vegetable oil. Always use vegetable oil or a cast iron conditioner after cooking with or washing the Dutch oven. Regular oiling and conditioning will prevent the cast iron from cracking.

Storing the Dutch oven

Dutch ovens should always be completely dried and oiled before being stored. They should be stored in a dry area. Place a paper towel between the Dutch oven lid and the pot to prevent moisture build up, Lodge says. You can also leave the lid partially open to prevent rusting.

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