Cody Casey
Cast-iron pans are beloved for their natural non-stick quality, which is built up over months and years of use. However, this also makes it easier for gunk to get lodged onto their cooking surface. While some people claim that soap will ruin cast-iron pans, this is a myth. Older dish soaps were made with lye, which would strip seasoning and even damage pans, but it is fine to wash cast iron with soap nowadays. In fact, even a little soap is unlikely to make a difference to a well-seasoned pan.
Can you put soap in a cast iron pan?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Will soap ruin a cast iron pan? | No, it will not ruin the pan. |
| Will soap remove the seasoning? | Yes, it may remove the seasoning, especially if the pan is new. |
| Is it necessary to use soap? | No, it is not necessary. |
| How to clean a cast iron pan without soap? | Use a pan scraper, scrub brush, or paper towel to remove stuck-on food and debris. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly. Re-season the pan if needed. |
| How to clean a cast iron pan with soap? | Use a small amount of soap and warm water. Use a nylon brush, sponge, or scrubber to clean the pan. Dry the pan thoroughly and re-season if needed. |
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What You'll Learn
It's fine to use soap, but re-season the pan afterwards
It is perfectly fine to use soap on cast iron pans. Older soaps were made with lye, which would strip the seasoning and damage the pan. However, modern soaps are gentler and will not destroy the seasoning or harm the pan. They will only rinse away surface oil and food debris.
That being said, it is important to re-season the pan after using soap. To do this, dry the pan thoroughly and then rub a light layer of cooking oil on the surface. You can use flaxseed, canola, vegetable oil, or any other high-temperature oil. After that, place the pan on the stove and turn the heat to medium. Let the pan heat up for about three to five minutes, and then let it cool completely. Wipe out any excess oil, and your pan is ready to be stored until its next use.
It is also important to note that while soap is okay to use, you should avoid soaking your cast iron pan in the sink or putting it in the dishwasher. This is because moisture is the enemy of cast iron, and it can lead to rusting. Instead, make sure to always dry your cast iron pan completely after washing it.
Additionally, when using soap, avoid using steel wool or metal scrubbers as these can also damage the seasoning. Instead, use a nylon brush, sponge, or scrubber to wash your cast iron pan.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your cast iron pan clean and well-seasoned for years to come.
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Avoid using steel wool to scrub the pan
While it is generally accepted that soap will not ruin cast iron pans, the use of steel wool to scrub them is more contentious. Some sources claim that steel wool will not remove the seasoning from cast iron pans, while others argue that it will damage the pan's seasoning and may even cause unseen damage.
Steel wool is designed for removing rust or uneven surfaces from cast iron. If used regularly to clean cast iron pans, it will likely remove the seasoning, and the pan may lose its non-stick properties. One user on Reddit noted that after using steel wool to clean their cast iron pan, the pan went from almost non-stick to extra-sticky. Another user observed that steel wool may cause unseen damage to the pan.
Cast iron pans are valued for the non-stick surface that develops over years of use, and this surface is created by the seasoning process, which chemically binds oil to the pan, creating a new layer of polymer. This polymer layer can be scrubbed off by steel wool, damaging the pan's seasoning. While it is possible to season the pan again after cleaning by coating it in oil and baking it, this is a time-consuming process.
Instead of using steel wool, it is recommended to use a nylon brush, sponge, or scrubber to clean cast iron pans. These alternatives will effectively remove food residue and oil without damaging the pan's seasoning.
In conclusion, while it may be tempting to use steel wool to quickly and effectively scrub a cast iron pan, it is advisable to avoid doing so to preserve the pan's seasoning and non-stick properties. Gentler alternatives, such as nylon brushes or sponges, should be used instead to maintain the integrity of the pan's surface.
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Don't let the pan soak in water
Cast iron pans are a durable and long-lasting option for cookware. However, they do require some care to keep them in good condition. One of the most important things to remember is to never let them soak in water. While cast iron is a resilient material, it is also porous, meaning it can absorb water, which can lead to rusting.
Even if your cast iron pan has developed rust, it is not a lost cause. You can restore it by using steel wool to scrape away the rust and then seasoning it thoroughly. However, it is best to avoid this situation altogether by ensuring your pan is completely dry before putting it away. Leaving water sitting in a cast iron pan or letting it sit in water can lead to rusting. So, it is crucial to clean, wash, and immediately dry cast iron pans after use.
If you need to remove stuck-on food or debris, it is better to use a pan scraper or a nylon brush to loosen it before washing. While some people advocate using salt and oil as a scouring agent, others suggest bringing the pan to a boil with a small amount of water, which will help loosen the mess. You can then dump the water and gunk and clean, dry, and oil the pan as usual.
It is also worth noting that while cast iron pans can be washed with soap, it is not necessary. Some people prefer to use the natural oils and fats left in the pan after cooking to season the pan. Additionally, it is important to avoid using steel wool and metal scrubbers regularly, as they can remove the seasoning and affect the pan's non-stick properties.
In summary, while cast iron pans are durable, it is crucial to avoid letting them soak in water to prevent rusting. With proper care and maintenance, cast iron pans can last for decades and become treasured heirlooms passed down through generations.
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Dry the pan thoroughly to prevent rust
It is important to dry your cast iron pan thoroughly to prevent rust. Leaving water sitting in a cast iron pan will likely lead to rusting. If you have washed your cast iron pan with soap, be sure to dry it thoroughly inside and out. You can do this by placing the pan back on the stove and turning the heat to medium. Let the pan heat thoroughly for about three to five minutes, and then let it cool completely.
You can also dry your cast iron pan in the oven. Place the towel-dried pan in the oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 10 to 15 minutes. Turn off the oven and then wipe the pan down with oil. Put the pan back in the oven and leave it there until it cools.
If you are drying your cast iron pan on the stove, you can also rub a very light layer of cooking oil on the surface of the skillet after it has cooled down. Use flaxseed, canola, vegetable oil, or shortening. Wipe out any excess oil and store the pan until you are ready to use it again.
If your cast iron pan has already developed rust, you can try to remove it by scrubbing the pan with fine steel wool or a nylon brush. Once the pan is clean, dry it thoroughly inside and out. You can also try immersing your pan in equal parts vinegar and water. Keep checking the progress of the skillet. The rust may be gone within an hour, but you can soak it for up to eight hours if needed.
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You can use salt to clean the pan
While it is perfectly fine to wash cast iron with soap these days, you can also use salt to clean the pan. Salt is a great alternative to clean cast iron skillets without compromising their hard-earned seasoning. Salt is a common cleaning method for removing unwanted food and residue without scratching the iron itself. Although salt is hard, it is still softer than cast iron, so it doesn't risk scratching the surface of your skillet.
To clean your cast iron pan with salt, start by sprinkling a layer of coarse salt in the pan. Then, use a clean kitchen rag, folded paper towel, or a brush to gently scrub the surface and scour away any food or residue. When the pan is clean, discard the salt and rinse the pan with a little warm water. Dry the pan with a rag or paper towel, and then place it on the stovetop on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, or until you see the first wisp of smoke coming off the surface. Let the pan cool until it is safe to touch, and then wipe it down with a thin layer of oil.
Salt is a great option for cleaning cast iron pans, but it is important to note that it should not be used as a substitute for regular soap and water cleaning. While salt can help remove stubborn food particles and residue, it is still important to regularly wash your cast iron pan with soap and water to ensure it is thoroughly cleaned.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use soap to clean your cast iron pan. However, you should only use a small amount, and it is important to thoroughly dry the pan afterward to prevent rust.
Older soaps were made with lye, an ingredient that strips the seasoning from cast iron pans. However, most modern soaps are milder and do not contain lye, so they are safe to use.
First, allow the pan to cool slightly, then use a pan scraper or hard-bristle brush to remove any stuck-on food. Next, add a small amount of soap and warm water to the pan and use a sponge, nylon brush, or scrubber to clean the pan inside and out. Dry the pan thoroughly with a towel, then place it back on the stove and heat it until the water has evaporated. Finally, rub a light layer of cooking oil on the surface of the pan, wipe away any excess, and store until ready to use.
Washing a brand-new cast iron pan with soap may remove the first layers of oil that were applied in the factory. If you choose to wash your new pan with soap, be sure to season it again before use.
In addition to soap, you can use kosher salt or a chainmail scrubber to clean your cast iron pan. You can also try boiling water in the pan to loosen any stuck-on food before cleaning.
