Introduction
Cast iron is tough. It lasts forever if you care for it right.
I’ve used my Lodge cast iron skillet for over 10 years. It still looks great. Why? I learned the right way to clean it.
Many people think cast iron is hard to clean. That’s not true. You just need to know a few simple tricks.
This guide will show you exactly how to clean your cast iron skillet. You’ll learn what works and what doesn’t.
Let’s start.
Why Cast Iron Needs Special Care
Cast iron is different from other pans. It has a natural coating called seasoning.
Seasoning is a layer of baked-on oil. It makes your pan non-stick. It also stops rust.
Regular soap can strip this coating away. That’s why you need special cleaning methods.
When you care for cast iron correctly, it gets better with age. The seasoning builds up. Your frying pan becomes more non-stick over time.
Daily Cleaning After Cooking
What You Need
- Hot water
- Stiff brush or sponge
- Paper towel or clean cloth
- Thin layer of oil
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Clean While Warm
Clean your skillet right after cooking. Don’t let it sit.
The pan should be warm, not hot. This makes cleaning easier.
Step 2: Rinse with Hot Water
Run hot water over the pan. Use a stiff brush to scrub away food.
For stuck-on bits, add coarse salt. Scrub with the salt. It acts like a gentle scraper.
Step 3: Skip the Soap (Usually)
Most times, you don’t need dish soap. Hot water and scrubbing work fine.
If your pan is really greasy, a tiny drop of mild dish soap is okay. Just rinse well.
Step 4: Dry Completely
Water is cast iron’s enemy. Dry your pan right away.
Use a paper towel or cloth. Wipe every spot.
Want to be sure? Put the pan on low heat for 2 minutes. This evaporates any hidden water.
Step 5: Add Oil
While the pan is warm, add a thin layer of oil. Rub it all over with a paper towel.
This protects the seasoning. It keeps rust away.
Use vegetable oil, canola oil, or flaxseed oil.
Removing Stuck-On Food
Sometimes food really sticks. Don’t worry. You can fix it.
The Salt Scrub Method
This works great for stuck food.
- Pour coarse salt into the warm pan
- Add a little water to make a paste
- Scrub with a sponge or brush
- The salt acts like sandpaper
- Rinse and dry
The Boiling Water Method
For really tough spots, try boiling.
- Fill the pan with water
- Put it on the stove
- Bring water to a boil
- Let it boil for 5 minutes
- The stuck food will loosen
- Scrub, rinse, and dry
Chain Mail Scrubbers
Chain mail is a special scrubber made of metal rings. It’s safe for cast iron.
It scrubs away stuck food without hurting the seasoning. I use mine all the time.
Just scrub in circles. Rinse the pan. Done.
How to Remove Rust from Cast Iron
Rust happens. Don’t panic. You can save a rusty cast iron skillet.
Light Rust
For small rust spots:
- Make a paste with baking soda and water
- Scrub the rusty spot with the paste
- Use a sponge or brush
- Rinse and dry completely
- Re-season the pan
Heavy Rust
For a badly rusted cast iron pan:
- Fill your sink with equal parts water and white vinegar
- Soak the pan for 1 hour (no longer!)
- Scrub with a stiff brush
- For tough spots, use steel wool
- Rinse thoroughly
- Dry immediately
- Re-season the entire pan
Using Baking Soda
Baking soda is gentle but effective. It won’t scratch your iron cookware.
Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water. Scrub the rust away. Rinse well.
Important Tips
- Never leave cast iron soaking overnight
- Always dry completely after removing rust
- Re-season right away to prevent new rust
- Store in a dry place
What About Dish Soap?
This is a hot topic. Can you use dish soap on cast iron?
The short answer: Yes, but rarely.
Modern dish soap won’t hurt your seasoning. Old soaps had lye. They stripped the coating. Today’s soaps are milder.
Here’s my rule: Use soap only when really needed. Like after cooking fish or very greasy food.
Use just a drop. Rinse well. Dry and oil the pan.
For daily cleaning, hot water works fine.
Cleaning Different Cast Iron Items
Iron Grill Pan
Grill pans have ridges. They trap food.
Use a stiff brush to clean between ridges. The salt scrub method works great here.
For stuck bits, use the boiling water trick.
Lodge Cast Iron
Lodge is a popular brand. Their pans come pre-seasoned.
Clean them the same way as any cast iron. The pre-seasoning is tough. Regular cleaning won’t hurt it.
Old or Inherited Cast Iron
Found an old pan at a yard sale? It might be crusty or rusty.
First, check for cracks. If it’s cracked, don’t use it.
For surface issues, do a deep clean. Remove all rust. Strip old seasoning if needed. Then re-season from scratch.
Re-Seasoning Your Pan
Sometimes you need to re-season. This restores the non-stick coating.
When to Re-Season
- After removing rust
- When food starts sticking
- If the pan looks dull or gray
- After using soap multiple times
How to Re-Season
Step 1: Clean Thoroughly
Wash the pan with warm water and soap. Dry completely.
Step 2: Apply Oil
Rub a thin layer of oil all over. Cover every inch, inside and out.
Use a paper towel to wipe off excess. The layer should be very thin.
Step 3: Bake
Put the pan upside down in your oven. Place foil on the bottom rack to catch drips.
Bake at 450°F for 1 hour.
Step 4: Cool and Repeat
Let the pan cool in the oven. Repeat the process 2-3 times for best results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Soaking in Water
Never soak cast iron. It causes rust fast.
Clean it right after use. Dry it immediately.
Mistake 2: Using the Dishwasher
The dishwasher will ruin your pan. It strips the seasoning. It causes rust.
Always hand wash.
Mistake 3: Not Drying Properly
Water left on cast iron = rust.
Dry with a towel. Then heat the pan to remove hidden moisture.
Mistake 4: Storing While Damp
Store your pan in a dry place. Make sure it’s bone dry first.
If you stack pans, put paper towels between them. This prevents moisture buildup.
Mistake 5: Using Metal Utensils Too Roughly
Metal utensils are okay. But don’t scrape aggressively. This can damage the seasoning.
Be gentle when stirring or flipping food.
Tips for Long-Term Care
Cook with Fat
Cooking with oil or butter maintains the seasoning. Each time you cook, you’re adding to the non-stick layer.
Use It Often
The more you use your frying pan, the better it gets. Regular use builds up seasoning.
Store Properly
Keep your pan in a dry cabinet. If you live in a humid place, put a paper towel inside the pan. It absorbs moisture.
Check for Rust Regularly
Look at your pan every few weeks. Catch rust early. It’s easier to fix small spots.
What Products Actually Help
Chain Mail Scrubbers
These are worth buying. They clean without damaging seasoning. They last forever.
Coarse Salt
Regular table salt works, but coarse salt is better. It scrubs more effectively.
Stiff Brushes
Get a brush with stiff bristles. Nylon or natural fibers work well. Avoid soft sponges for stuck food.
Quality Oil
For seasoning, use oils with high smoke points. Flaxseed, grapeseed, or vegetable oil work best.
Baking Soda
Keep a box handy. It’s great for removing rust and tough stains. It’s gentle on iron cookware.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Problem: Food Keeps Sticking
Solution: Your seasoning needs work. Re-season the pan. Cook with more fat for a while.
Problem: Black Residue on Paper Towel
Solution: This is normal when seasoning is building. Keep using the pan. It will stop eventually.
Problem: Rust Keeps Coming Back
Solution: You’re not drying the pan enough. Or you’re storing it in a damp place. Fix these issues.
Problem: Pan Looks Dull
Solution: The seasoning is wearing thin. Re-season the pan. Use it more often with fatty foods.
Problem: Strange Smell
Solution: Old food oils have gone rancid. Clean thoroughly. Re-season the pan.
FAQ
Can I use steel wool on cast iron?
Yes, but only for removing heavy rust. Steel wool strips seasoning. After using it, you must re-season the pan.
How often should I season my cast iron?
Season it whenever the surface looks dull or food starts sticking. With regular use and care, you might only need to season it once or twice a year.
Can I cook acidic foods in cast iron?
You can, but limit it. Tomatoes, vinegar, and citrus can break down seasoning. If you do cook acidic foods, don’t let them sit in the pan. Clean and oil immediately after.
Is rust on cast iron dangerous?
A little rust won’t hurt you. But it affects the taste of your food. Remove rust before cooking. The process is simple and safe.
Can I clean a rusted cast iron skillet in the dishwasher?
No. Never put cast iron in the dishwasher. It will make rust worse and destroy the seasoning.
What’s the best way to store cast iron?
Store in a dry cabinet. Keep the lid off or slightly ajar for air flow. Place paper towels between stacked pans.
Can I remove rust from cast iron with just salt?
For very light rust, yes. Salt and scrubbing can work. For heavier rust, use baking soda or vinegar solution.
Do I need to oil my cast iron after every use?
Yes. A thin layer of oil after each cleaning protects the seasoning and prevents rust. It takes just 30 seconds.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning cast iron is simple. You just need the right steps.
Hot water and a brush handle daily cleaning. Salt helps with stuck food. Baking soda removes rust.
Dry your pan completely every time. Add a thin layer of oil. Store it in a dry place.
Do these things, and your cast iron will last forever. It will cook better every year.
I’ve been using my Lodge cast iron for a decade. It’s more non-stick now than when I bought it. That’s the beauty of iron cookware.
Your skillet can be the same. Start taking care of it today.
Happy cooking!