Why Cleaning Cast Iron is a Chore
Cleaning cast iron can feel like a serious chore, and it’s surprisingly easy to get it wrong. Reddit threads are full of people asking the same question, including people at the end of their tether after listening to differing viewpoints on the subject. But everyone seems to agree on what not to do, at least — you can’t treat your cast-iron pan like any other kitchen pan.
The Dangers of Soaking and Dishwashers
- Soaking your cast-iron pan can strip away its seasoning and nonstick patina.
- Running it through the dishwasher can also damage the pan’s seasoning and nonstick surface.
For really stuck-on bits, a simple pantry staple will have your skillet looking better than new. Guessed what it is yet? It’s salt.
How to Clean Your Cast-Iron Skillet Like a Pro
It doesn’t take more than a few minutes to clean a cast-iron pan. You also don’t need to give your pan a full, deep clean after every use. If you’ve only fried an egg or reheated some chicken breast, for instance, a rag soaked in warm water is likely all you’ll need to wipe it clean.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Clean your cast-iron skillet while it’s still warm.
- Scrape with a wooden spoon or soft bristle brush.
- Use salt to clean cast iron for stubborn, stuck-on foods.
- Dry your cast iron immediately.
- Give it a quick reseasoning.
Why Salt is the Answer
From a glance at your skillet, you should be able to tell what kind of cleaning task you have on your hands. After most uses, a dousing of warm water should do the trick. If things are extra sticky, sprinkle the cast iron with a bit of kosher salt and scrape it gently with a flat-ended wooden spoon or spatula. Dump the salt and add some water to get things moving.
Drying Your Cast Iron
Rusting is the most common problem folks face with cast iron, but it’s also easily avoided. It’s essential to dry your cast iron immediately and thoroughly. The best way is to use heat from the stovetop or oven, which will dry your skillet from the inside out, but you can also use a dry rag.
To dry a pan on the stove, just put it over low heat for a few minutes. You’ll see it release some steam and possibly some smoke too. When that starts to slow, your skillet is dry. Use medium heat to dry the pan in the oven if it’s still on. About 5 minutes at 325 F should be plenty.
A Quick Reseasoning
After it’s dry and while it’s still hot, you can (and should) feel free to season it more with a cast-iron seasoning wax or some other high-heat cooking oil. For more on that, check out this CNET guide to perfectly seasoning your cast-iron skillet.
Can You Use Dish Soap on Cast Iron?
The No. 1 cast-iron cookware cleaning question is whether or not you can use soap to clean a skillet or grill pan. The answer is yes, but you should try not to.
