How To Get Fish Smell Out Of Cast Iron: Insider Secrets

Last Updated on September 12, 2024 by Shari Mason

When using a cast iron to cook, you can enhance the taste of your food with delicious flavors. However, it is important to note that using it to cook fish may result in an unpleasant smell.

Fortunately, I’ve learned through the years that you can take a few simple steps to eliminate that fishy smell from your cast iron. 

Today, you will learn how to get fish smell out of cast iron and keep your cookware smelling fresh and clean.

9 Steps On How To Get Rid Of The Fish Smell Out Of Cast Iron

1. Start by cleaning the cast iron with hot soapy water. 
2. Rinse the cast iron with hot water, making sure to get rid of any soapy residue. 
3. Dry the cast iron with a clean cloth. 
4. Place a few slices of lemon or orange on the bottom of the pan and add about a cup of white vinegar. 
5. Heat the pan over medium heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the vinegar to evaporate. 
6. Remove the lemon or orange slices and discard. 
7. Sprinkle a few tablespoons of salt over the bottom of the pan and use a clean cloth to scrub away any stubborn fish smells. 
8. Rinse the pan with hot water and dry with a clean cloth.
9. Place a few drops of essential oil, such as peppermint or lemon, onto a clean cloth and rub it over the pan’s surface.

Read: How To Get Garlic Smell Out Of Plastic Containers?

How To Get Fish Smell Out Of The House

The best way to eliminate the fish smell in your house is to start by airing out the area. Open windows and doors and turn on fans to help circulate the air. 

Next, mix vinegar and water to wipe down any surfaces that may smell fish. 

Additionally, use a deodorizing spray such as Febreeze to help neutralize the odors. 

Finally, use an air purifier to help clear the air and eliminate any lingering smells.

Read: How To Season Cast Iron Without Oven?

How To Season A Cast Iron Skillet

To season a cast iron skillet [1], start by scrubbing the skillet with a stiff brush and hot, soapy water. Then, rinse and dry the skillet completely with a clean cloth. 

“Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days.”

– Benjamin Franklin, Scientist/Statesman

Next, generously coat the skillet with oil or melted lard and use a paper towel to spread it around the entire skillet. Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the skillet upside down on the top rack of the oven. 

Cook the skillet for 1 hour, then turn the oven off and allow the skillet to cool. Once cooled, store the skillet in a dry place with the lid off and ready for use.

Read: How To Clean Cast Iron After Cooking Bacon?

How To Clean Cast Iron

Cleaning cast iron is a simple process that involves scrubbing the pan with hot water and a stiff brush or sponge, followed by drying the pan thoroughly and rubbing it with oil. 

Start by removing any rust or debris on the pan by scrubbing it with hot water and a non-metallic scrub brush or sponge. Then, rinse the pan with hot water and dry it with a clean cloth. 

Finally, rub the pan with a light coating of vegetable oil to protect it from rust.

Read: Can You Use A Brillo Pad On Cast Iron?

How To Remove Fish Smell From Non-Stick Pan

Removing fish smell from a non-stick pan [2] is relatively easy. Begin by filling the pan with warm water and adding a few drops of dish soap.

Allow the pan to soak for 10-15 minutes, and then scrub the pan with a non-abrasive scrubbing pad. 

Rinse the pan with warm water and then fill it with enough white vinegar to cover the bottom. Boil the vinegar for 5 minutes and then discard the vinegar and rinse the pan with warm water. 

Finally, fill the pan with a mixture of one part water and one part lemon juice and bring it to a boil.

Allow it to boil for 5 minutes, discard the liquid and rinse the pan with warm water.

Read: How To Make Salmon Taste Less Fishy?

How Do You Get The Smell Of Fish Out Of Your Oven?

To get the smell of fish out of your oven, you should turn the oven off and leave the door open to let the smell dissipate. 

Next, you should fill a shallow baking dish with a mixture of half vinegar and half water and place it on the center rack of the oven for 30 minutes. 

“Rescuing your beloved cast iron from the lingering aroma of fish is an art that combines science and kitchen wisdom, allowing the true essence of your trusty skillet to shine once more, free from the aquatic whispers of the sea.”

Eat Pallet Restaurant & Food Advice

The vinegar will help neutralize the smell of fish and help pull out any remaining odors. Afterward, you can wipe down the oven with a damp cloth to remove any residue from the vinegar and water mixture. 

Finally, you can use a deodorizing spray to help further reduce the fishy smell.

FAQs

In Conclusion

Removing fish smell from cast iron is a straightforward process, but it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure the smell is gone. 

Begin by scrubbing the cast iron with a stiff brush and dish soap, then rinse and dry the pan. If the smell persists, boil a mixture of water, vinegar, and baking soda in the pan for 10 minutes, then rinse and dry. 

For stubborn odors, use a combination of coarse salt and oil to scour the pan and then rinse and dry. Lastly, if all else fails, you may have to burn the smell away by heating the pan over a flame. 

With these steps, you should easily get the fish smell out of your cast iron.

References:

1. https://www.seriouseats.com/best-cast-iron-skillet
2. https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/shopping/product-reviews/best-nonstick-frying-pans