Marianne Martinez
Cast iron pans are popular among cooks due to their versatility, durability, and ability to develop a natural, non-stick finish over time. However, they do require special care when cleaning to maintain their seasoning and prevent rusting. While some people believe that soap should be avoided when cleaning cast iron, modern dish soaps no longer contain lye, which was the ingredient that stripped seasoning and damaged pans. Today, it is generally accepted that cast iron pans can be washed by hand using a small amount of mild dish soap, as long as they are thoroughly dried afterward to prevent rust.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can cast iron pans be hand-washed? | Yes, cast iron pans can be hand-washed. |
| How to hand-wash cast iron pans? | Use a small amount of mild dish soap and a non-abrasive sponge or nylon brush. Rinse and hand dry thoroughly. |
| How to remove rust from cast iron pans? | Make a slurry of Bar Keepers Friend and water, scrub with a stainless steel scrubber, and re-season the pan. Alternatively, submerge the pan in a solution of vinegar and water. |
| How to remove carbon buildup from cast iron pans? | Use an oven cleaner solution in a well-ventilated area. |
| How to prevent rusting in cast iron pans? | Avoid soaking the pan in water or leaving water sitting in the pan. Completely dry the pan after washing. |
| How to season cast iron pans? | Apply a thin layer of cooking oil to the pan, wipe out any excess, and store until ready to use. |
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What You'll Learn
Using soap to hand wash cast iron pans
It is perfectly fine to use soap to hand wash cast iron pans. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best results and maintain the pan's seasoning. Firstly, always allow the cast iron pan to cool down completely before washing it with soap to avoid warping or damaging the seasoning. Use a mild dish soap, avoiding harsh detergents with degreasing agents or powdered abrasive cleaners as these can strip away the seasoning. A small amount of soap goes a long way, so use just a teaspoon of soap with warm water. Apply the soap with a soft sponge or brush, gently scrubbing the pan to focus on any stubborn residue or stuck-on food.
Make sure to rinse the pan thoroughly after scrubbing, ensuring that all soap residue is removed. Leftover soap can affect the flavour of your food and potentially degrade the seasoning over time. After rinsing, use a clean towel to thoroughly dry the cast iron pan immediately. Leaving the pan wet can lead to rust development, compromising the seasoning and longevity. If you notice any loss of seasoning or dull spots on the pan after cleaning, you may need to re-season it by applying a thin layer of oil with a high smoke point and neutral flavour, such as vegetable, flaxseed, grapeseed, avocado, or canola oil, and heating it in the oven or on the stovetop.
While soap can be used safely, some people prefer alternative methods to clean their cast iron pans. One method is to use oil and kosher salt, which can be more effective than soap and a sponge. Pour a few tablespoons of oil and salt into the still-warm skillet and scrub with a paper towel until the pan is shiny and the salt is nearly black. Then, rinse out the salt and thoroughly dry the pan. Another method is to simply wipe the pan clean with a paper towel after cooking, removing any large food bits, and then rinsing the pan under hot water, scrubbing it with a long-handled scrub brush. After rinsing, dry the pan and place it back on the stove over medium heat, continuing to wipe the surface if any oil beads up. This allows a small amount of oil to heat up and bond smoothly to the pan's surface.
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How to hand wash without damaging the pan's seasoning
Yes, you can hand wash cast iron pans, and it's actually recommended over using a dishwasher, which can remove the seasoning and cause rust.
Step 1: Allow the pan to cool down
Before cleaning, it's important to let the cast iron pan cool down completely. A drastic temperature change can cause the pan to warp or crack.
Step 2: Use a mild soap
It is safe to use a small amount of mild dish soap to clean cast iron cookware. Avoid harsh detergents with degreasing agents or powdered abrasive cleaners, as these can strip away the seasoning. Large amounts of soap can also strip the seasoning, so use sparingly.
Step 3: Use a soft sponge or brush
Gently scrub the pan with a soft sponge or brush. Avoid using steel wool or abrasive scrubbers, as they can damage the seasoning. If you need to remove stuck-on food, use a nylon scrubbing brush or a pan scraper. You can also use coarse salt to help scrub away stuck-on food.
Step 4: Rinse and dry thoroughly
Rinse the pan under warm water, ensuring that all soap residue is removed. Leftover soap can affect the flavour of your food and potentially degrade the seasoning over time. Use a clean towel to thoroughly dry the pan immediately after washing. Leaving the pan wet can cause rust to develop, compromising the seasoning and longevity.
Step 5: Re-season if needed
If you notice any loss of seasoning or dull spots on the pan after cleaning, you may need to re-season it. Simply apply a thin layer of oil with a high smoke point and a neutral flavour, such as vegetable oil, flaxseed oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil, or canola oil, to the pan's surface and heat it in the oven or on the stovetop.
Additional Tips:
- Avoid using citrus juices and citrus-based cleaners, as they can dull the exterior gloss.
- Do not soak the cast iron pan in water, as this can cause rust.
- Store the cast iron pan in a dry place to prevent moisture accumulation and rusting.
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Removing rust from cast iron pans
Cast iron pans are a versatile and inexpensive addition to your kitchen, but they do require some care to maintain their non-stick coating and prevent rusting. Firstly, it's important to note that cast iron pans should never be washed in a dishwasher or left to soak in water, as this will cause rust. You should also avoid using citrus juices or citrus-based cleaners as these can dull the exterior gloss.
If your cast iron pan has developed rust, there are several methods you can use to remove it:
Using Bar Keepers Friend:
Make a slurry of Bar Keepers Friend and a couple of tablespoons of water in the pan. Scrub the rust off using a stainless steel scrubber, wearing rubber gloves. Wash, dry, and re-season the pan afterward.
Vinegar and Water Solution:
If the pan is coated in a thick layer of rust, you can remove it by submerging the pan in a solution of equal parts distilled white vinegar and water. Keep an eye on the pan and remove it once most of the rust is gone or when the rust is manageable enough to scrub off.
Steel Wool and Soapy Water:
Scour the rusty sections with steel wool and warm, soapy water. Rinse and hand-dry thoroughly. This step may remove portions of the seasoning, but that's okay as you will be re-seasoning the pan afterward.
Lodge Rust Eraser:
Lodge Cast Iron also offers a product called the Lodge Rust Eraser, which can be used to scour the rusty sections of your pan before following the same steps of washing with warm, soapy water, drying, and re-seasoning.
Oven Cleaner:
Using an oven cleaner solution is another method to strip rust from cast iron, but it is highly toxic and requires numerous safety precautions. This method should only be used outside or in a well-ventilated space, and you must wear rubber gloves to avoid chemical burns.
After removing the rust from your cast iron pan, it is important to re-season the pan to maintain its non-stick coating and prevent future rusting. To do this, apply a very thin layer of cooking oil to the entire surface of the pan, inside and out. Place the pan upside down on the top rack of an oven preheated to 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a baking sheet or aluminum foil on the bottom rack to catch any excess oil. Bake for one hour, then allow the pan to cool before repeating as necessary to achieve the desired finish.
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Drying cast iron pans after hand washing
Cast iron pans cannot be put in the dishwasher or left in a sink full of water, as they will rust. They are also quite brittle, so a drastic temperature change could cause the pan to warp or crack.
To dry cast iron pans after hand washing, first, wipe out most of the water with a towel or paper towel. Then, place the pan over a medium flame for about 5 minutes until it is completely dry. Let it cool, and then wipe it out one more time before putting it away.
Some people prefer to dry their cast iron pans on the stove, heating them on low heat until they are completely dry. You can also add a drop of oil and wipe the pan with a paper towel or cloth until no oil residue remains. This baked-on cooking oil, or seasoning, will react to foods and will disappear with regular use and care.
It is important to note that cast iron pans should be dried thoroughly after washing to prevent rust. If rust does occur, it can be removed by making a slurry of Bar Keepers Friend and water in the pan and scrubbing with a stainless steel scrubber. You can also use the rough side of a dry Scotch-Brite sponge to gently rub off the rust.
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How to hand wash enameled cast iron pans
Enameled cast iron cookware is a favourite of chefs and home cooks due to its beauty and durability. While enameled cast iron is dishwasher-safe, handwashing is recommended to avoid wearing down the enamel finish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to hand wash enameled cast iron pans:
Step 1: Allow the pan to cool
Always let the pan cool down completely before cleaning it. Plunging a hot pan into water can cause cracks due to thermal shock.
Step 2: Scrape off excess food
Use a spatula or a silicone/plastic scraper to gently remove any large pieces of stuck-on food.
Step 3: Soak the pan
If there is burnt-on food residue, fill the pan with warm water and a gentle dish soap and let it soak for 2 to 3 hours. Avoid using chlorine bleach or citrus-based cleaners as they can damage the finish.
Step 4: Wash the pan
Use a non-abrasive sponge or brush to gently scrub the pan and remove any remaining food deposits or residue. You can also use a nylon scrubbing brush or a pan scraper for more stubborn residue.
Step 5: Dry the pan
After washing, thoroughly dry the pan with a towel before storing it in a dry place. This will help prevent the edge of the pan from rusting.
Removing Rust
If your enameled cast iron pan has developed some rust, there are a few methods to remove it:
- Sprinkle a damp dishcloth with baking soda and scrub the rusty area.
- Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a container and submerge the pan in the solution for a few minutes. Keep an eye on it and remove it once the rust looks manageable.
- Scour the rusty pan with warm, soapy water and steel wool. Rinse and dry the pan thoroughly, then rub it with vegetable oil.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cast iron pans should be washed by hand. Dishwashers will likely strip seasoning off the pan and cause rust.
You can use a small amount of mild dish soap, a nylon brush or sponge, and hot water. Be sure to dry the pan thoroughly afterward to prevent rust.
Steel wool and metal scrubbers are designed for removing rust or uneven surfaces on cast iron. Regular use of these tools will cause a loss of seasoning and the pan's non-stick properties.
Do not let cast iron pans sit in water or leave water sitting in the pan. This will likely lead to rusting. Also, avoid using citrus juices and citrus-based cleaners as they can dull the exterior gloss.
For everyday cleaning, set aside one to two minutes to wash your pan. Deeper cleans can take up to 24 hours, depending on the amount of buildup or rust that needs to be removed.
