How To Clean Iron Tawa

Tawa(also known as a griddle or flat pan); is commonly used to prepare chapatis, omelets, dosa, pancake, and papads. Tawa or pan has been a part of our cooking and kitchens for their health benefits as it increases the iron quotient in our food. Over time with continued use, grease, and grime continue to accumulate on the surface, which prevents the nutrients to reach your food.

Because of that cleaning an iron tawa is essential to maintain its non-stick surface and to prevent the buildup of residue that can affect the taste and quality of your food. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean an iron tawa effectively:

Materials You’ll Need:

• Mild dish soap or detergent
• Warm water
• Soft sponge or brush (non-abrasive)
• Scraper or spatula (preferably made of wood or plastic)
• Baking soda (optional, for stubborn stains)
• Clean cloth or paper towel

Instructions:

Let it cool down: After using the tawa, allow it to cool down completely before starting the cleaning process. Cleaning a hot tawa can be dangerous and may damage the non-stick coating.

Scrape off excess food: Use a wooden or plastic scraper or spatula to gently remove any stuck-on food particles or residue from the tawa’s surface. Avoid using metal utensils or abrasive scrubbers, as they can scratch the non-stick coating.

Wash with warm soapy water: Fill your sink with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap or detergent. Submerge the tawa in soapy water and use a soft sponge or brush to gently scrub the surface. Make sure to clean both the top and bottom of the tawa.

Rinse thoroughly: Once you’ve scrubbed off the food particles and residue, rinse the tawa thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap or detergent.

Dry the tawa: Use a clean cloth or paper towel to pat the tawa dry. Make sure your tawa is completely dry before storing it to prevent rust.

Dealing with stubborn stains: If you encounter stubborn stains or residue, you can create a paste using baking soda and water and apply to the stained areas, let it sit for a few minutes and gently scrub with a soft brush or sponge. Rinse thoroughly afterward.

Seasoning the tawa (optional): If your iron tawa is not seasoned or if the seasoning is wearing off, you can re-season it after cleaning. To do this, heat the dry tawa on low to medium heat for a few minutes. Apply a thin layer of vegetable oil or cooking oil to the surface using a paper towel, and let it heat for a few more minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the tawa to cool down. You find any excess oil, wipe it off.

Tips to maintain your iron tawa:

• Avoid using metal utensils on the tawa to prevent scratching the non-stick surface.
• After each use, wipe the tawa with a paper towel or cloth to remove any excess oil or residue.
• Always store the tawa in a dry place to prevent rusting.
• Periodically re-season the tawa to maintain its non-stick properties.

By following these steps and maintaining your iron tawa properly, you can keep it in excellent condition and enjoy cooking on it for a long time.