Ella Walter
Cast iron pans are easy to clean, season, and care for. However, there are many conflicting opinions on the best way to scrub a cast iron pan. Some sources claim that you should never use soap, while others say that a small amount of mild dish soap is acceptable. Most sources agree that you should not use a dishwasher to clean your cast iron pan, as it will remove the seasoning and likely cause rust. Instead, it is recommended to scrub your cast iron pan by hand with hot water and a scrubbing brush, steel wool, or a copper cleaning cloth. For stuck-on food, you can simmer some water for 3-5 minutes and then use a pan scraper after the pan has cooled. It is also important to dry your cast iron pan thoroughly after washing to prevent rusting, and then rub it with a light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray.
Can you scrub a cast iron pan?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use of soap | Some sources advise against using soap as it can strip the seasoning off the pan. However, others claim that a small amount of mild dish soap is acceptable. |
| Cleaning tools | Recommended tools include a pan scraper, a Lodge Chainmail Scrubber, a steel wool scouring pad, a scrubbing brush, a copper cleaning cloth, a wooden spatula, a cast iron scrubber, and a scouring pad. |
| Cleaning products | Kosher salt, coarse salt, and oil can be used to scrub the pan. |
| Cleaning process | It is recommended to clean the pan while it is still hot, as food stuck on the pan will harden as it cools. After scrubbing, the pan should be rinsed with hot water, dried thoroughly, and rubbed with a thin layer of cooking oil. |
| Rust removal | To remove rust, scrub the pan with steel wool and warm water. Rinse, dry, and rub with vegetable oil or another neutral oil. |
| Dishwasher use | Cast iron pans should not be cleaned in the dishwasher. |
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What You'll Learn
Use a small amount of mild dish soap
While some people believe that using soap to clean a cast-iron pan is a sin, it is perfectly fine to use a small amount of mild dish soap to wash your cast iron pans. In fact, even Lodge, an iconic cast-iron brand, endorses the use of a small amount of soap on its website. However, it is important to note that you should not use large amounts of soap as it can strip the seasoning off your pan. If you do use soap, make sure to re-season your pan afterward.
To use mild dish soap to scrub a cast-iron pan, start by filling the pan with hot water and a small amount of mild dish soap. Use a non-abrasive sponge, such as a Dobie sponge or the soft side of a Scotch-Brite sponge, or a scrub brush to gently scrub away any food residue and stains. You can also use the scrubbing side of a sponge to loosen up any stuck-on food. If there are any super stubborn bits, you can add boiling water to the pan to loosen them.
Once you have scrubbed the pan, rinse it clean with water and dry it immediately with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. It is important to get your pan completely dry before storing it, as water can quickly cause rust. You can also place the pan over low heat on the stovetop or in the oven (at 200 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit) to ensure all the moisture evaporates.
After the pan is completely dry, rub a very light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray onto the surface of the pan. Use a paper towel to wipe the surface until no oil residue remains. Your cast-iron pan is now clean and ready to be stored away!
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Scrub with salt or a pan scraper
If you're looking for a natural way to scrub your cast iron pan, coarse salt is an effective solution. It can be used alongside a scrub brush or pan scraper to remove stubborn, stuck-on food. It is also possible to use salt with a thin layer of oil to help "season" a new cast iron pan.
To use salt for cleaning, sprinkle a generous amount of kosher salt or coarse salt onto the affected areas of the pan. Then, use a scrub brush or pan scraper to gently scrub away the residue. The salt will dissolve as you scrub, and it won't damage the seasoning of your pan. After scrubbing, simply rinse the pan with warm water and dry it thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel.
If you're dealing with particularly stubborn stuck-on food, you can simmer a little water in the pan for 3-5 minutes before using the salt and scraper method. This will help to loosen the residue, making it easier to remove.
It is important to note that while salt is a great natural alternative, it may not be as effective as using a mild dish soap with your scrubber or scraper. Soap can be used in small amounts and won't harm your pan as long as it is well-seasoned. However, some people prefer to avoid using soap on their cast iron pans altogether.
In addition to salt and soap, another option for scrubbing your cast iron pan is to use a pan scraper. Pan scrapers are designed to remove stuck-on residue without damaging the pan's surface. They are particularly useful for removing stubborn, burnt-on food that doesn't come off easily with salt or soap. Lodge, for example, offers a pan scraper as part of their Seasoning Care Kit, which includes everything you need to wash and care for your cast iron pan.
Whether you choose to use salt, soap, or a pan scraper, always remember to dry your cast iron pan promptly and thoroughly after washing. Applying a light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray after drying will help maintain the pan's seasoning and keep it looking like new.
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Remove rust with steel wool
Cast iron cookware is prone to rusting, especially if left wet or neglected for long periods. However, it is possible to clean and restore rusty cast iron pans to their original condition. The process is straightforward and can be completed in an afternoon.
Firstly, use fine-grade steel wool to scour the rusty areas until the cast iron is exposed. Steel wool is an effective abrasive that can remove rust without damaging the cast iron. It is important to wear gloves when handling steel wool to protect your hands. Be sure to scour the entire pan, inside and out, to remove all traces of rust and debris.
After scrubbing, wash the pan with warm, soapy water to remove any remaining rust particles and residue. Use a mild dish soap and a bristle brush, gentle scouring pad, or mesh sponge for this step. Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to ensure no soap residue remains.
Once the pan is clean, it is crucial to dry it immediately and thoroughly. Use a clean lint-free cloth or paper towel to absorb any moisture, then place the pan on the stove over low heat to ensure all water has evaporated. You can also place the pan upside down in the oven to dry.
Finally, reseason the pan by applying a light layer of cooking oil, such as vegetable oil or olive oil, to the entire surface, including the bottom and handle. Use a paper towel to rub the oil into the cast iron, then wipe away any excess. This step helps to protect the pan from future rust and creates a non-stick cooking surface.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove rust from a cast iron pan using steel wool and restore it to its original condition.
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Dry with a lint-free cloth or paper towel
Drying your cast iron pan with a lint-free cloth or paper towel is an important step in the cleaning process. Leaving water droplets on your cast iron pan can cause rust, so it is important to dry it promptly and thoroughly. If you notice a little black residue on your towel, this is normal—it is just seasoning.
After drying, you can rub a light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray onto the surface of your cookware. Use a paper towel to wipe the surface until no oil residue remains. This will keep your cast iron skillet looking like new. You can use any food-safe cooking oil, such as olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, flaxseed oil, or grapeseed oil.
If your cast iron pan has developed rust, you can remove it by scouring the rust off, rinsing, drying, and then rubbing the pan with a little vegetable oil. To ensure your pan is completely dry, you can place it on the stove and gently heat it until all the water evaporates.
It is important to note that while some sources recommend using a small amount of soap to clean your cast iron pan, others advise against it, as soap can strip the seasoning. If you do use soap, make sure to rinse the pan well and then season it again.
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Season with cooking oil
Seasoning a cast-iron pan is a simple process that involves adding a layer of oil to the pan and heating it. This process, known as polymerization, creates a protective coating that prevents the pan from rusting and makes it non-stick.
To season a cast-iron pan with cooking oil, start by scrubbing the pan with warm, soapy water to remove any residue or rust. Rinse the pan with water and dry it thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. It is important to ensure that the pan is completely dry before moving on to the next step.
Once the pan is dry, apply a thin, even layer of cooking oil to the surface of the pan. You can use any food-safe cooking oil, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, flaxseed oil, grapeseed oil, or olive oil. Avoid using too much oil, as it may cause the pan to become sticky. Use a paper towel or clean cloth to rub the oil into the surface of the pan, ensuring that it is evenly distributed and that there is no excess oil residue.
After the oil has been applied, place the pan in an oven upside down on the top rack. Place a large baking sheet or aluminium foil on the bottom rack to catch any oil drippings. Set the oven temperature between 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the pan for about an hour. This process allows the oil to polymerize and form a tough coating.
Once the pan has been seasoned, it is important to maintain the seasoning by regularly using the pan. Each time you cook with oil, you add another layer to the seasoning. However, certain activities can remove the seasoning, such as cooking acidic foods, using excessive heat, or scrubbing with abrasive utensils. To maintain the seasoning, simply rub oil into the pan after each use.
By following these steps and regularly maintaining the seasoning, your cast-iron pan will develop a smooth, slick, and non-stick surface that will enhance your cooking experience.
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Frequently asked questions
It is generally recommended not to use soap on cast iron pans as it can strip the seasoning. However, some sources say that using a small amount of mild soap is fine, as long as you season the pan again afterwards.
You can use a pan scraper, a chainmail scrubber, steel wool, or a scouring pad to scrub your cast iron pan. Do not use metal scrubbers unless you are removing rust before reseasoning.
To remove rust, scrub your pan with steel wool and warm water. You can also use coarse salt if you don't have steel wool. Rinse and dry the pan, then rub it with vegetable oil or another neutral oil.
To remove stuck-on food, fill the pan with water and heat it on the stove until it boils. Use a wooden spatula to scrape off the food as it boils. Alternatively, you can simmer some water in the pan for 3-5 minutes, then use a scraper after the pan has cooled.
