Cast Iron Pans: Dishwasher Safe?

So, can you put cast iron pans in the dishwasher? In short, no. Cast iron pans are durable and nearly indestructible, but their effectiveness will be destroyed by cleaning them in the dishwasher. The dishwasher's jets of hot water and detergent will strip away the seasoning on the pan, and the heat used to dry dishes will leave moisture behind, causing the pan to rust. Cast iron pans should be washed by hand with warm water and dried thoroughly.

Are Cast Iron Pans Dishwasher Safe?

Cast iron pans should not be washed with soap or detergents

The process of seasoning is important because it creates a non-stick surface, making food less likely to stick to the pan. It can also help to prevent the pan from rusting. Washing a cast iron pan with soap or detergents can remove this layer of seasoning, which is why it is not recommended.

In addition, cast iron pans should not be washed in a dishwasher. The combination of scrubbing action, warm water, and detergent will effectively remove the seasoning in the pan. The dishwasher can also cause the iron to rust, as it is in a raw, unprocessed state.

Instead, cast iron pans can be cleaned by simply wiping them out with a paper towel or cloth. For chunks of food and excess oils and juices, the pan can be soaked in warm water for a brief period, as long as the pan is thoroughly dried afterward.

The dishwasher can cause cast iron pans to rust

Cast iron pans are durable and nearly indestructible. However, they are not dishwasher-safe. The dishwasher can cause cast iron pans to rust, which will ruin the pan's seasoning and leave the pan vulnerable to rust. Cast iron cookware rusts easily when exposed to moisture, and the prolonged exposure to water in a dishwasher is too much for cast iron. The jets of hot water and detergent will strip away the seasoning, and the heat-dry setting does not fully dry the pan, leaving excess moisture behind.

Cast iron pans are best washed by hand with warm water and a non-abrasive sponge or stiff brush. It is recommended to clean the pan shortly after cooking, allowing it to cool first to avoid thermal shock. Food scraps can be removed with a metal spatula, and for stuck-on food, a paste of kosher salt and water can be used. The pan should then be dried with a towel or on the stove on low heat. A thin layer of vegetable oil can be applied to the inside of the pan, buffed with a cloth or paper towel, and stored in a dry place.

If a cast iron pan is put in the dishwasher, the seasoning will be removed, and the pan will need to be re-seasoned. This process involves removing any rust, using vinegar, baking soda, or coarse salt, and then re-seasoning the pan with oil and heat. However, if the pan is a family heirloom, it will never regain the same level of seasoning and flavour. The pitting and scarring in a used pan will result in uneven seasoning.

Cast iron pans will lose their seasoning in the dishwasher

Cast iron pans are durable and nearly indestructible. However, their effectiveness will be destroyed by cleaning them in the dishwasher.

Cast iron pans need to be seasoned when they are new. Once well-seasoned, food slides right out of the pan and cleaning is simple. Seasoning requires oil to be rubbed into the pan, which is then cooked in the oven at a low heat for an hour. After cooling, any excess oil can be wiped out and the pan is ready to use.

The dishwasher will ruin the seasoning on a cast iron pan. The combination of the scrubbing action, warm water, and detergent effectively removes the seasoning in the pan. The dishwasher will also cause the pan to rust as cast iron is in a raw, unprocessed state. Cast iron cookware rusts easily when exposed to moisture. The high temperatures in the dishwasher can also melt the adhesive that holds the two pieces of a hollow-handled knife together, causing the handle to fall apart.

It is unnecessary to use the dishwasher to clean cast iron pans as the wipe method is so efficient. To clean a cast iron pan, simply wipe out the pan with a paper towel. Chunks of food and excess oils and juices are easily removed in this way. For really baked-on food, the pan can be soaked in warm water briefly, as long as the pan is thoroughly dried afterward.

How to clean a cast iron pan without a dishwasher

Cast iron pans should never be cleaned in a dishwasher. The combination of the scrubbing action, warm water, and detergent will strip away the seasoning and leave the pan vulnerable to rust. So, how do you clean a cast iron pan without a dishwasher?

Firstly, it's important to clean the pan shortly after cooking. You should wait until the pan has cooled to avoid causing thermal shock, which can lead to cracking, weakening, or warping of the pan. Use a metal spatula to scrape off any loosely attached food scraps. Avoid soaking the pan in the sink, as this will also cause rust.

Next, fill the pan with a small amount of warm water and mild dish soap, and use a soft sponge or non-abrasive scrub brush to gently scrub the pan. Contrary to popular belief, using a small amount of soap is perfectly safe and will not strip away the seasoning. For stuck-on food, you can use a pan scraper or a plastic scrubbing brush. Rinse the pan well and dry it thoroughly with a clean, dry towel.

Finally, to maintain the seasoning, rub a light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray onto the surface of the pan. Use a paper towel to wipe away any excess oil. Place the pan on the stovetop over low heat for 10 minutes to ensure that all moisture is gone and to maintain the pan's seasoning.

How to restore a cast iron pan after putting it in the dishwasher

Putting cast iron pans in the dishwasher is not recommended as it ruins the seasoning and can cause rusting. However, if you've accidentally put your cast iron pan in the dishwasher, there are several steps you can take to restore it.

First, assess the state of the pan. If it has rusted, you will need to remove the rust before re-seasoning the pan. To remove rust, you can use a vinegar/water soak, a baking soda/water paste, coarse salt, or a Lodge Rust Eraser. Once you've loosened the rust, use steel wool to scrub it away, then rinse, wash, and dry the pan thoroughly.

Next, you'll need to re-season the pan. Apply a thin layer of vegetable or cooking oil to the entire surface of the pan, using a cloth or lint-free paper towel. Be sure to use just a thin layer of oil to avoid making the pan sticky. Preheat your oven to 350-500°F, placing aluminium foil on the bottom rack to catch any dripping oil. Place the pan upside down on the centre or top rack and bake for about an hour. Turn off the heat and allow the pan to cool in the oven, which will help the seasoning to cure and adhere to the iron. You may need to repeat the seasoning process several times, depending on how the pan is looking and performing.

If your pan has lost its seasoning but hasn't rusted, you can follow the same re-seasoning steps outlined above.

In the future, it's best to avoid putting your cast iron pan in the dishwasher and instead, wash it by hand with warm water and a mild dish soap, then drying it thoroughly and applying a thin layer of oil to maintain its seasoning.

Frequently asked questions