The Best Way To Clean Your Cast Iron Pan

Cast iron pans are a must-have for any home cook, but keeping them clean can be a challenge. While there are many don'ts when it comes to cast iron care, such as avoiding the dishwasher, soap, and steel wool, a few simple steps can keep your skillet clean, rust-free, and well-seasoned for years. Firstly, wash your cast iron cookware by hand using hot water and a sponge or stiff brush. For stuck-on food, scrub with coarse salt and water, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Finally, apply a light coat of vegetable oil or cooking spray to the surface of your cookware. With proper care, your cast iron skillet will only get better with age!

Use hot water and a sponge or stiff brush

To clean a cast-iron pan, you'll need hot water and a sponge or stiff brush. It's important to clean the pan while it's still hot, as food stuck on the pan will harden as it cools.

First, fill the pan with hot water and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen any stuck-on food. Then, use your sponge or brush to scrub away any remaining food residue. Be sure to use tongs or gloves if the water is extra hot!

If there are any stubborn bits of food still stuck to the pan, you can try using a paste of coarse kosher salt and water to scrub them away. Alternatively, you can try boiling some water in the pan to loosen the residue.

Once the pan is clean, be sure to rinse or wipe it with a paper towel to remove any remaining salt or residue.

It's important to note that you should not use soap when cleaning a cast-iron pan, as it can strip the seasoning. You should also avoid using steel wool or putting the pan in the dishwasher, as these can also damage the pan's seasoning.

Avoid dishwashers, soap, and steel wool

When it comes to cleaning cast iron pans, there are a few key things to avoid: dishwashers, soap, and steel wool. Here's why you should steer clear of these and how to properly clean and care for your cast iron pan:

Avoid Dishwashers

Dishwashers should be avoided when cleaning cast iron pans. The harsh detergents and high temperatures in dishwashers can strip away the pan's seasoning, leaving it prone to rusting. Instead, hand wash your cast iron pan using the methods described below.

Avoid Soap

While modern soaps no longer contain lye, which would degrade the seasoning, it is still best to avoid using soap on cast iron pans. Soap can strip away the seasoning, which gives the pan its non-stick properties and rust resistance. Instead, use alternative methods to clean your pan, such as hot water, coarse salt, or a chainmail scrubber. If you do use a small amount of mild soap, be sure to rinse the pan well and re-season it afterward.

Avoid Steel Wool

Steel wool is too abrasive for everyday cleaning of cast iron pans. It can scratch the pan and remove the seasoning. However, steel wool can be useful for removing rust or for stripping the pan down to re-season it from scratch. If you need to remove stuck-on food residue, it is better to use a pan scraper, a nylon scrubbing brush, or a cast iron scrubber.

Cleaning and Caring for Your Cast Iron Pan

• Clean the pan while it is still hot or warm. Stuck-on food hardens as it cools, so cleaning it immediately will save you time and effort.
• Wash the pan with hot water and a sponge or stiff brush. Avoid using soap, as mentioned above. For stuck-on food, scrub with a paste of coarse kosher salt and water, then rinse or wipe with a paper towel.
• Dry the pan thoroughly. You can use a lint-free cloth, paper towel, or place the pan on the stove over low heat to ensure all water is evaporated.
• Apply a light coat of cooking oil, such as vegetable oil or canola oil, to the surface of the pan. Use a paper towel to wipe away any excess oil.
• Store the pan in a dry place. You can hang it or stack it with paper towels in between pans to protect the finish.

Dry the pan on the stove on low heat

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 on the stove, turn the burner to low heat and place the pan on it. Leave the pan on the burner until all the water has evaporated. You can then wipe the inside of the pan with an oiled paper towel. Neutral oils with high smoke points, such as vegetable, canola, grapeseed, or flaxseed oil, are best for this.

It is important to dry your cast iron pan promptly and thoroughly after washing. In addition to drying your pan on the stove, you can also use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to absorb any remaining water. Just be aware that you may notice some black residue on the towel—this is just seasoning and is perfectly normal.

Oil the pan with a cloth or paper towel

Oiling your cast iron pan is an important step in maintaining your cookware. After cleaning and thoroughly drying your pan, you can use a cloth or paper towel to apply a light coat of vegetable oil to the inside of the skillet. You can also use canola, grapeseed, or flaxseed oil. Make sure to buff and remove any excess oil with a clean paper towel. You do not want a thick layer of oil on your pan, as it will result in a sticky, gummy mess.

If your pan was very rusty, you may want to repeat the oiling process, reseasoning the pan 2 to 3 times. Each time you clean and season your cast iron, you will notice that it becomes easier to clean, increasingly non-stick, and less prone to rust.

Store the pan in a dry place

Once your cast-iron pan is clean, dry, and seasoned, it's time to store it in a dry place. You should avoid storing your cast-iron pan in a damp environment as this can lead to rusting. If possible, hang your pan to ensure that it is completely dry before putting it away. If you need to stack your pans, place paper towels between them to protect their finish.

When storing your cast-iron pan, it is also important to ensure that it is completely clean and dry. Any food residue or moisture can lead to rusting over time. Always take the time to clean your pan promptly after use and dry it thoroughly before putting it away.

Additionally, make sure to oil your cast-iron pan regularly to maintain its seasoning. This will help to create a rust-resistant, non-stick surface that will improve with age. Apply a light coat of vegetable oil, canola oil, or flaxseed oil to the inside of the skillet using a cloth or paper towel. Buff the pan to remove any excess oil, ensuring that only a thin coating remains.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your cast-iron pan in optimal condition and prevent rusting. Proper care and maintenance will ensure that your cast-iron skillet lasts for years to come.

Frequently asked questions