Cast-iron pans are great for tough cooking, so they might get really messy — but don’t stress, they’re tough enough for any cleaning method. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide.
Tools for Cleaning a Cast-Iron Skillet
- A heavy duty cast-iron scrubber
- Paper towels
- Kosher salt
- Nuetral oil
Step 1: Clean the pan while it’s still hot. Although you might want to relax and eat your meal first, quickly washing your cast iron right after using it will make cleaning easier later, as food gets harder to remove as it cools.
Step 2: Clean the pan with hot water and avoid using soap. Hot water helps loosen any stuck food. Scrub firmly with a cast-iron scrubber. While you might find different opinions online about using soap, traditional advice suggests it can remove the pan’s seasoning. Our tests confirm that even a little soap can strip the seasoning off cast iron. It’s best to steer clear of soap.
Step 3: For tough messes, sprinkle some salt and scrub with a dry towel. The rough texture of the salt helps scrape off the food, and using a towel adds more scrubbing power. If there’s still food stuck, boiling a little water in the pan can help loosen it.
How to Remove Rust from Cast Iron
To remove rust, scrub your pan with a steel wool pad and a bit of warm water. If you don’t have steel wool, or need extra scrubbing power, coarse salt works well too.
How to Dry a Cast-Iron Pan
Dry your pan completely with paper towels to prevent rust. For extra dryness, heat it on the stove until all moisture evaporates. Then, wipe the inside with an oiled paper towel. Use neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil for best results.
How to Store a Cast-Iron Skillet
Store your pan by hanging it on a sturdy hook, or stack it with paper towels between each pan to prevent scratches on the surface.