3 Simple Tips on How to Clean Iron Tawa

There is something irresistibly comforting about food cooked on an iron tawa. Whether you like golden brown crispy dosas or warm, fluffy rotis, this classic kitchen essential adds life to your dishes. But let’s be honest. Although they offer delicious results, these tawas are extremely difficult to clean. 

It becomes even more challenging if you’re not sure how to take care of a greasy, rust-prone surface without ruining it. If you’re trying to figure out how to clean an iron tawa without taking off its seasoning or shortening its lifespan, keep reading this in-depth guide. 

3 Tips on How Cleaning Iron Dosa Tawa Can Be Easier Than You Think

Before diving into the tips, it’s worth knowing that cleaning an iron tawa isn’t a battle—it’s a ritual. Done right, it becomes a soothing part of your kitchen rhythm, preserving both flavour and function. Here are three reliable methods you can count on:

1. Clean With Salt and Lemon

If you’re wondering how to clean iron tawa, especially one with leftover bits of food or stubborn stains, coarse salt and lemon are your allies.

Sprinkle coarse salt generously on the surface of the cooled tawa. Slice a lemon in half and use it to scrub in circular motions. The salt lifts residue while the lemon’s acidity neutralises odours and kills bacteria. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly.

Avoid using soap on iron tawas.

2. Remove Rust with Vinegar Soak

Have you ever fretted over how to remove rust from iron tawa? Fret no more. White vinegar can gently but effectively handle surface rust.

Soak a paper towel or cloth in vinegar and lay it over the rusted area for about 30 minutes. Gently scrub with a soft brush or steel wool until the rust lifts. Rinse well and season the tawa again to build back the protective layer.

This tip is especially handy for those learning how to clean new iron tawa first time, where a light layer of factory coating or surface rust might be present.

3. Heat and Oil Reconditioning

When it’s time for a deep clean without losing that rich, seasoned surface, heat the tawa on low until warm and then wipe with a kitchen towel. Add a spoonful of oil and spread it over the surface. Let it smoke slightly, then cool and wipe clean.

This method is perfect for those who want to know how to clean iron tawa first time without overdoing it. It keeps the surface sealed and rust-free, ready for your next cooking adventure.

How to Maintain Iron Tawa?

An iron tawa is like a vintage treasure—it ages beautifully when well cared for. Knowing how to maintain iron tawa helps extend its life, preserve its non-stick nature, and elevate your meals.

Here are some everyday tips to maintain it well:

• Always dry it thoroughly after washing to prevent rust.

• After drying, apply a light coating of oil to maintain the seasoning.

• Avoid cooking acidic foods like tomatoes directly on a roti iron tawa to avoid wearing off the surface. 

• Never soak your tawa in water. Wash and dry promptly.

• Store it in a dry place with a paper towel placed on top to absorb moisture.

• For those using an iron tawa for roti, occasional re-seasoning keeps the tawa smooth and ensures that rotis never stick.

Top Iron Tawas from Milton ProCook's Collection

When functionality meets aesthetics, you get a Milton ProCook iron tawa. Crafted with quality and designed for Indian kitchens, these tawas are an excellent investment. Let’s get into the features of these options to help you understand whether the iron tawa price that you will be paying would be worth it. 

1. Non Stick Iron Concave Tawa (Milton ProCook)

For people who respect taste as much as their health, this Non-Stick Iron Concave Tawa is a great choice. Featuring a non-stick coating, it facilitates cooking with little oil. It’s ideal for health-conscious people. The tawa has a detachable ergonomic handle, which makes it a space-saver in smaller kitchens.

Its exterior is painted in a chic colour, complementing your kitchen décor effortlessly. Compatible with gas stoves, this tawa is as functional as it is beautiful. The handle, made of premium soft Bakelite, resists heat and makes it easy to manoeuvre the cookware.

Durable enough for daily high-heat use and simple to clean with warm water and mild soap, this tawa is a must-have for every household.

2. Cast Iron Concave Tawa with Enamel Coating (Milton ProCook)

Elegance meets endurance in the Cast Iron Concave Tawa with Enamel Coating. Crafted from durable cast iron, it provides even heat distribution and excellent heat retention for making perfectly crispy dosas and golden rotis.

The enamel coating makes this tawa special. It not only gives it a glossy finish, but also shields it from rust and decay. The coating keeps food from reacting with the surface, so it retains the natural flavour of your food.

It is compatible with both induction and gas stovetops. This tawa has wooden ergonomic handles that remain cool to the touch. If you're someone looking to blend tradition with modern flair, this is your go-to.

3. Non-Stick Iron Omni Tawa (Milton ProCook)

Combining style and functionality, the Non-Stick Iron Omni Tawa is specifically built for Indian kitchens. Be it chillas, dosas, or parathas, nothing sticks to this tawa as it comes with an exceptional non-stick coating.

It promotes healthier cooking by reducing oil use and maintaining hygiene with its easy-to-clean surface. The tawa’s simple yet durable design makes it a long-term companion, capable of standing the test of time and usage.

If you’re investing in an iron tawa for roti, this one delivers quality and ease in equal measure.

Conclusion

Caring for your iron tawa doesn’t have to be a chore—it can be a fulfilling part of your cooking journey. Once you know how to clean iron tawa correctly, maintain it well, and choose the right product, it becomes an indispensable part of your kitchen. Whether you’re flipping a dosa or puffing up a roti, a well-maintained iron tawa always delivers with grace, just like Milton ProCook’s trusted range.