The Best Way To Clean Your Cast Iron Pan

Cleaning a cast-iron pan is easy, but there are a few important things to keep in mind. Firstly, cast-iron pans should not be soaked or washed in a dishwasher as this can cause rusting. Instead, they should be washed by hand using hot water and a sponge or stiff brush. While some sources advise against using soap, others say a small amount of mild soap is acceptable and will not strip the pan's seasoning. Stuck-on food can be removed by scrubbing with a paste of coarse salt and water, or by boiling water in the pan. After washing, the pan should be dried thoroughly and then seasoned by rubbing a light layer of cooking oil on the surface.

Use hot water and scrub the pan while it's still warm

Cleaning a cast-iron pan is easy, but it's important to follow a few key steps to keep your pan in good condition. Firstly, always clean your cast-iron pan while it's still warm, as food residue will harden as it cools, making it much more difficult to remove.

To clean your pan, start by filling it with hot water. You can also add a little mild dish soap if you like, but this is not necessary, and some sources advise against it, as it can strip the seasoning from your pan. Use a stiff brush or scrubbing pad to scrub away any food residue. For stuck-on food, you can also use a pan scraper or a wooden spatula to help lift it away. If you're having trouble removing stubborn bits, try adding a few spoonfuls of salt to the pan along with the hot water. The salt will act as an abrasive and help to loosen the food. You can also try boiling some water in the pan to loosen stuck-on food.

Once you've scrubbed away all the food residue, rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining debris or soap residue. It's important to dry your cast-iron pan thoroughly after washing to prevent rusting. You can use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to absorb any remaining water, then place the pan on the stove and heat it gently until all the water has evaporated.

Finally, once your pan is clean and dry, it's a good idea to season it with a light coat of oil to create a rust-resistant, non-stick surface. Simply rub a thin layer of vegetable oil, canola oil, or flaxseed oil onto the surface of the pan using a paper towel, then wipe away any excess oil with a clean paper towel.

Avoid using the dishwasher, soap, or steel wool

When cleaning a cast iron pan, it's best to avoid using the dishwasher, soap, or steel wool. Cast iron pans are typically seasoned, which creates a rust-resistant, non-stick surface. Using a dishwasher will remove the seasoning and likely cause rust. Similarly, while a small amount of soap can be used to clean cast iron, large amounts can strip the seasoning off the pan. If you do use soap, you will need to re-season the pan.

Instead of using steel wool, it is recommended to use a pan scraper or a chainmail scrubber to remove any stuck-on residue. Steel wool is only recommended if you need to remove rust before re-seasoning.

Use salt and a dry towel to remove stuck-on food

To clean a cast iron pan, you'll need to use a few specific tools and techniques to avoid damaging the pan's seasoning and avoid rust. One way to remove stuck-on food is to use salt and a dry towel.

Firstly, it's important to clean your cast iron pan while it's still warm, as stuck-on food will harden as it cools. The abrasion of the salt will help to lift the food away, and working it in with a dry towel will amplify your elbow grease. Add a generous amount of salt to the pan, and use a dry towel to scrub the salt into the stuck-on food. The towel should have lots of surface area to help scrub the food away.

If the food is still stuck, try boiling a little water in the pan and scrubbing again with salt and a towel. You can also use a wooden or bamboo spatula to help scrape the food away.

Once the food has been removed, be sure to dry the pan thoroughly with paper towels or a lint-free cloth. If any moisture remains, the pan may rust. You can also place the pan on the stove and gently heat it until all the water evaporates.

Dry the pan thoroughly with a paper towel

Drying your cast iron pan is an important step in the cleaning process, as any remaining water droplets can cause rust. To dry your pan, use a paper towel to pat it dry. You can also use a clean kitchen towel, but be aware that it may get stained. Make sure to get the pan really dry—you can place it on the stove and gently heat it until all the water evaporates.

If you notice a little black residue on your towel, don't worry, it's just seasoning and is perfectly normal.

Apply a light coat of vegetable oil to the pan

After drying your cast iron pan, it's time to apply a light coat of vegetable oil to the inside of the pan. You can use a cloth or paper towel to apply the oil. Make sure to buff the pan until there is no oil residue remaining and only a thin coating of oil all over the pan. This will ensure that your pan does not become sticky.

If you are using a new pan, it is recommended to preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the cast iron for 45 minutes. Then, turn off the oven and let the cast iron cool slowly inside. This process will create a rust-resistant, non-stick surface on your pan.

It is important to note that you should not use too much oil when seasoning your cast iron pan. If you do, you will need to wash the pan with soap and hot water to remove the excess oil and then reseason it with a thin coating of oil.

Frequently asked questions