How to Clean Cast Iron Skillet

What You'll Need

• Hot water
• Coarse salt
• Stiff brush or chain mail scrubber
• Paper towels
• Cooking oil (flaxseed or vegetable)
• Soap-Man Lemon Glow Dish Soap (for heavy buildup only)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Clean while still warm

   Clean your cast iron while it's still warm (not hot) from cooking. Run hot water over the surface and use a stiff brush to scrub away food residue.

2. 2

   Use the salt scrub method

   For stuck-on food, pour a tablespoon of coarse salt into the pan and scrub with a paper towel or brush. The salt acts as a gentle abrasive without damaging seasoning.

3. 3

   Rinse and dry completely

   Rinse the pan under hot water and dry it immediately and thoroughly with a clean towel. Never let cast iron air-dry -- moisture causes rust.

4. 4

   Apply a thin oil coating

   Place the dry pan on a burner over low heat for 1-2 minutes. Apply a very thin layer of cooking oil with a paper towel and wipe off the excess.

Pro Tips

• TIPContrary to popular belief, a small amount of mild dish soap is fine for cast iron -- it won't destroy well-built seasoning.
• TIPStore cast iron with a paper towel between stacked pans to absorb moisture and prevent rust.
• TIPIf your pan develops a sticky residue, you used too much oil during the coating step -- wipe off more next time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• XSoaking cast iron in water, which strips seasoning and causes rust within hours.
• XPutting cast iron in the dishwasher, which destroys the seasoning and can cause warping from the heat.
• XUsing excessive oil when re-seasoning after cleaning, which creates a sticky, gummy surface instead of a smooth one.

Frequently Asked Questions