Cleaning An Iron Pan: A Step-By-Step Guide

Cast iron pans are a great addition to your kitchen, but they can be a little tricky to clean. The good news is that it's not as difficult as some people make it out to be. Here's a simple guide on how to clean your cast iron pan and keep it in top shape.

Use hot water and a sponge or stiff brush

When cleaning a cast-iron pan, it's important to remember that, contrary to popular belief, a small amount of soap can be used without damaging the pan. However, it is still possible to effectively clean your cast-iron pan using just hot water and a sponge or stiff brush.

First, clean the pan while it is still hot. Food residue will harden as it cools, making it more difficult to remove. Using hot water will help to loosen any food that is stuck to the pan. Scrub the pan firmly with your sponge or brush. If you find it difficult to remove stubborn bits of food, you can leave water in the pan overnight to soften the debris. Alternatively, try adding boiling water to the pan to loosen the residue.

If you are struggling to remove stuck-on food, you can also try using salt and a dry towel. The abrasion of the salt will help to lift the food away, and working it in with a dry towel will amplify your scrubbing power.

Once you have removed all the food residue, rinse the pan with water and pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. It is important to ensure that the pan is completely dry before putting it away, as water droplets can cause rusting. To make sure the pan is really dry, place it on the stove and gently heat it until all the water evaporates.

Avoid dishwashers, soap, and steel wool

When it comes to cleaning cast iron pans, there are a few things you should avoid: dishwashers, soap, and steel wool. Here's why:

Dishwashers

Cast iron pans should never be put in the dishwasher. The harsh detergents and high temperatures in dishwashers can strip away the seasoning from your pan, leaving it vulnerable to rust. Cast iron is also quite brittle, so a sudden change in temperature, like being washed with cold water and then placed in a hot dishwasher, can cause it to warp or crack. It's best to wash cast iron pans by hand with warm water.

Soap

While modern dish soaps are mild and unlikely to strip away seasoning, it's still best to avoid using large amounts of soap on your cast iron pan. A small amount of soap can be used if needed, but it's important to re-season the pan afterward. The reasoning behind this is that soap can remove the natural oils and seasoning that give cast iron its non-stick properties and protective coating. Instead of soap, you can use coarse salt, a scrubber, and neutral oil to scrub away any mess.

Steel Wool

Steel wool and metal scrubbers are designed for removing rust or uneven surfaces from cast iron. Using them regularly to clean your cast iron pan can strip away the seasoning, making it less non-stick. They can also scratch the pan's surface. Instead, use a pan scraper, nylon scrubbing brush, or a Lodge Chainmail Scrubber to remove stuck-on food. If you need to remove rust, use steel wool sparingly and only when necessary, followed by re-seasoning the pan.

Dry the pan on the stove or with a towel

Drying your cast iron pan is a crucial step in the cleaning process. Leaving water droplets on your cast iron pan can cause rusting, so it is important to dry it thoroughly.

Firstly, use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to pat the pan dry. You can also use a kitchen towel, but be aware that it may get stained. Make sure to use a towel that you don't mind getting dirty.

Secondly, to ensure that your pan is completely dry, place it on a stovetop flame for a minute or two. This step will help evaporate any remaining water droplets and ensure that your pan is completely dry.

It is important to note that you should not leave your cast iron pan to dry on the stove for too long, as it can cause discolouration. If you notice any discolouration, such as a silver spot in the middle, it is still safe to use, but try to avoid leaving it on the stove for extended periods in the future.

Once your pan is dry, you can proceed to the next step in the cleaning process, which is usually rubbing the pan with oil to season it.

Oil the pan with a cloth or paper towel

Once your cast iron pan is clean and thoroughly dry, it's time to oil it. Oiling your pan will help to maintain its seasoning—a layer of oil that polymerises to the metal surface, creating a rust-resistant, non-stick layer.

To oil your pan, you'll need a cloth or paper towel. Some sources recommend using a lint-free cloth or paper towel, as lint can get stuck to the pan. One source suggests using a microfiber cloth, while another recommends blue shop towels. You could also use a flour sack cloth, a bar towel, or a paper towel, followed by a cloth towel to remove any fibres. An old T-shirt can also be used to oil your pan.

Whatever you use, make sure it's clean and dry. Take a small amount of cooking oil—vegetable, canola, grapeseed, or another neutral oil—and rub it into the surface of the pan. You only need a very light layer of oil, so wipe the surface with a paper towel until no oil residue remains.

Re-season the pan after cleaning

Re-seasoning your cast iron pan is a simple process that will help to prevent rusting and create a non-stick surface. It's a good idea to re-season your pan a couple of times a year or whenever you notice the surface drying up or rusting.

First, scrub your pan well in hot, soapy water. It is okay to use a small amount of soap in this instance as you are preparing to re-season the pan. Use a nylon brush or fine steel wool scrubber to remove any rust. Once the pan is clean, dry it thoroughly inside and out.

Next, apply a thin, even layer of cooking oil to the pan, inside and out. Oils with a high oleic index, such as safflower or canola, are best, but otherwise, you can use shortening. You can also use vegetable oil, melted shortening, or canola oil. Make sure not to use too much oil, as this can make your pan sticky.

Now, place the pan upside down on the top rack of your oven. Place a large baking sheet or some aluminium foil on the bottom rack to catch any excess oil that may drip off. Preheat your oven to between 450 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the pan for one hour. Then, turn off the oven and leave the pan inside to cool down.

You may need to repeat this process up to three times to achieve the desired finish. After the pan has cooled, wipe away any excess oil with a paper towel. When you are ready to cook with your pan again, wash it with hot water (no soap) and dry it thoroughly.

Frequently asked questions