Step-By-Step Methods of Cleaning Cast Iron Skillets And Cookware (according to experts)
Whether you’re a cast iron newbie or you’ve inherited your grandmother’s skillet from 1964, here’s your stylish, step-by-step cheat sheet for cleaning it the right way:
🥄 1. Wipe It Down Immediately After Cooking
Once you’re done cooking, don’t let it sit around. Use a spatula or paper towel to scrape off excess food while it’s still warm.
Pro tip:
Got a few bits stuck? Pour in a little warm water (while it’s still warm, not hot) and loosen them gently.
🧂 2. Use Salt as a Natural Scrubber
Skip the steel wool. Instead, sprinkle coarse kosher salt into the skillet and scrub using a damp sponge or a designated cast iron brush. Salt acts like a natural abrasive that won’t strip the seasoning.
Expert tip from Lodge Cast Iron:
“Salt can scrub off the mess without compromising your skillet’s finish.”
🧼 3. Yes, You Can Use Soap (Mildly)
A little dish soap isn’t going to banish your pan to cast iron purgatory. Use a small amount with warm water and a soft sponge—not a scouring pad. Rinse it quickly and thoroughly.
Don’t:
- Soak it overnight
- Use harsh chemicals
- Put it in the dishwasher
- Leave it dripping wet
🔥 4. Dry It Immediately—No Exceptions
Drying your skillet right away is non-negotiable. Moisture is the fast track to rust. You can towel-dry it or heat it on low for a minute or two until completely dry.
🫒 5. Re-Season with Oil
Once dry, rub a light layer of oil (canola, avocado, or flaxseed oil) all over the skillet—inside and out. Buff it with a paper towel so it’s not greasy, then heat it for a few minutes to lock in that glorious sheen.
Chef’s tip from America’s Test Kitchen:
“Re-seasoning after every wash creates a durable, naturally non-stick surface that gets better over time.”
🧡 What If Your Cast Iron Is Rusted or Looks Like It’s Done For?
Don’t panic. Cast iron is tough. In fact, it’s one of the few things in your kitchen that can handle a glow-up after being neglected.
Here’s what to do:
- Scrub with steel wool to remove all rust.
- Wash with warm, soapy water.
- Dry it completely.
- Re-season like you would a brand-new pan: rub it with oil and bake it upside down in the oven at 450°F for an hour.
Voila! Good as new.
🧘♀️ Cast Iron Cleaning Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
We’re done overthinking cast iron, okay? It’s not some fragile diva—it’s a powerhouse. The key is to build a habit: cook, clean with care, dry fast, and oil lightly. That’s it. Your skillet will thank you by making everything from seared salmon to cornbread taste like you have a cooking show.
📎 Related Reads:
👉 6 Cast Iron Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
👉 Is That Rust? Here’s How to Save Your Skillet
🧵Final Words from One Home Cook to Another…
Your cast iron skillet isn’t supposed to stress you out—it’s supposed to elevate your cooking and remind you that good things get better with time (just like you). Trust the process, learn the rhythm, and toss the myths out with last night’s bacon grease.
🔖 Save This for Later & Share With Your Favorite Home Chef
Got your own cast iron ritual? Share it in the comments—because your grandma’s trick just might save someone’s skillet.
