How To Clean And Care For Your Cast Iron Pan

Cast iron pans are a must-have for any home cook, but they can be a little tricky to clean. The good news is that they're pretty indestructible, so they will likely last much longer than any non-stick pan with just a few simple cleaning tips. It's important to note that you should never soak your cast iron pan or put it in the dishwasher as this can cause rust. To clean your cast iron pan, simply scrub away any food residue with hot water and a scrubbing brush, steel wool, or a copper cleaning cloth. You can also use a small amount of mild dish soap if needed, but make sure to rinse well and season the pan again afterward. After rinsing, pat the pan dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel, and then rub it with vegetable oil, canola oil, or flaxseed oil to keep it looking like new.

Use hot water and a sponge or stiff brush

To clean a cast-iron pan, you should use hot water and a sponge or stiff brush. It is important to clean cast-iron pans by hand, as putting them in the dishwasher will strip the pan's seasoning. The hot water will help to loosen any food that is stuck to the pan. You can also use a small amount of mild dish soap, but this is not necessary. If you do use soap, make sure to rinse the pan well.

After scrubbing the pan with hot water, it is important to dry it thoroughly. You can do this by placing the pan on the stove over low heat until all the water has evaporated. Once the pan is dry, you can apply a light coat of vegetable oil or cooking oil to the inside of the skillet using a cloth or paper towel.

It is also worth noting that you should clean your cast-iron pan immediately after use while it is still hot or warm. Do not leave the pan to soak in the sink or leave it in the sink, as it may rust.

Dry the pan with a towel or on the stove

Drying your cast iron pan is an important step in the cleaning process, as rusting is a common problem with this type of cookware. There are two ways to dry your pan: with a towel or on the stove.

Using a Towel

Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to thoroughly dry your cast iron pan. If you notice black residue on your towel, don't worry, it's just seasoning. You can also use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to apply a light coat of vegetable oil to the inside of the skillet after drying.

Drying on the Stove

Place your cast iron pan on the stove over low heat for a few minutes to ensure all the water evaporates. You'll see it release some steam and possibly some smoke. Once the steam and smoke start to slow down, your skillet is dry. You can also use medium heat to dry the pan in the oven if it's still on; about 5 minutes at 325°F should be enough.

Oil the pan with a cloth or paper towel

Once your cast iron pan is dry, it's time to oil it. Using a cloth or paper towel, apply a light coat of vegetable oil or melted shortening to the inside of the skillet. Some people also like to oil the outside of the skillet. Buff to remove any excess oil residue. You can also use a paper towel to wipe the surface until no oil residue remains. Make sure to use neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil.

If your cast iron looks "dry," lightly oil it. The final step is to put a small dab of canola oil and use a folded paper towel or clean cloth to rub it in, ensuring no excess oil remains on the skillet.

If you want to season your cast iron pan, coat its interior and exterior with a few drops of vegetable oil, spreading the oil with a clean paper towel. You can also use a cleaning cloth or dish towel, but note that it may stain.

Don't use soap, steel wool or put it in the dishwasher

When it comes to cleaning cast iron pans, there are a few key things to avoid: soap, steel wool, and the dishwasher. While it may seem convenient to throw your cast iron pan into the dishwasher, this can actually cause more harm than good. The high temperatures, powerful jets of water, and harsh detergents used in dishwashers can strip away the seasoning on your cast iron pan, leaving it dull and less non-stick. Not only that, but the excess moisture in a dishwasher can cause your cast iron to rust, which is the last thing you want.

So, instead of reaching for the dishwasher, roll up your sleeves and get ready to wash your cast iron by hand. But be warned, this doesn't mean you should reach for that soap! While modern dish soaps are milder and less likely to strip away seasoning, it's still best to avoid them when cleaning your cast iron. Instead, opt for hot water and a sponge or stiff brush to gently clean your pan. If you're dealing with stubborn, stuck-on food, a paste of coarse kosher salt and water can work wonders.

Now, what about those tough, burnt-on bits that just won't budge? This is where some people may be tempted to reach for the steel wool. However, this is another big no-no when it comes to cast iron care. Steel wool can be too abrasive and will likely damage the seasoning on your pan, leaving it sticky and uneven. Instead, try using a stainless steel chainmail scrubber or a nylon brush to gently remove any stubborn residue. Remember, cast iron is a porous material, and the seasoning is embedded within it. You don't want to strip away all that hard-earned seasoning with harsh cleaning methods.

By avoiding soap, steel wool, and the dishwasher, you'll be able to keep your cast iron pan in tip-top shape for years to come. Just be sure to dry it thoroughly after washing and apply a light coat of vegetable oil to maintain its seasoning and prevent rust. With proper care, your cast iron pan will become a treasured family heirloom, passed down for generations.

Remove rust with steel wool or half a potato and baking soda

Removing rust from cast iron pans is a simple process, but it does require some elbow grease! There are two popular methods for removing rust with household items: steel wool and half a potato with baking soda.

Steel Wool

Steel wool is a popular method for removing rust from cast iron pans. First, wash the pan by hand using hot water and a sponge or stiff brush. Avoid using the dishwasher, soap, or steel wool. Next, scrub off any stuck-on food or residue with a paste of coarse kosher salt and water, then rinse or wipe the pan with a paper towel. Thoroughly dry the pan on the stove over low heat. Finally, apply a light coat of vegetable oil to the inside of the pan using a cloth or paper towel. Buff to remove any excess oil.

Potato and Baking Soda

To remove rust with a potato and baking soda, cut a potato in half and dip the exposed side in baking soda until it is well coated. Then, rub the potato over the affected areas of the pan. You may need to cut the end of the potato and reapply baking soda between scrubbing intervals. Continue to scrub until the rust is gone, then rinse off the baking soda and wipe the pan dry.

Other Rust Removal Methods

Other household items can also be used to remove rust from cast iron pans, including vinegar, lemon and salt, citric acid, and dish soap and a salted potato. For light rust, baking soda can be sprinkled onto damp areas of the pan and left for an hour before being scrubbed with steel wool or a scouring pad.

Frequently asked questions