November 6, 2015
How to Clean Cast Iron
Curious about the best way to clean cast iron? It’s not as difficult as you might think! Cast iron cookware use has been on the rise in recent years. It’s incredibly durable, versatile and non-stick, making it a true workhorse in the kitchen. Some people are scared off by the need for a little extra care compared to traditional pots and pans. With several cleaning techniques and tips, caring for cast iron doesn’t need to be anxiety inducing. You will be able to keep your cast iron free of rust, well-seasoned and clean.
Materials Needed:
- Cast iron cookware
- Sponge with scrubbing surface or a stiff bristled brush
- Paper towels
- Vegetable oil
- Coarse salt
In order to make your cleaning job much easier, it is imperative that you clean your cast iron as soon as possible, preferably while it is still warm from use. Unlike traditional cookware, cast iron will not benefit from soaking in your sink. Exposure to water for long periods of time can lead to rust issues.
How to Wash your Cast Iron
Wash your cookware by hand in hand with hot water and a scrubbing sponge or stiff bristled brush. There is no need for dish soap, just some extra elbow grease in order to remove most residue. Under no circumstances do you ever want to put cast iron in the dishwasher.
If you have stubborn food residue that needs a little extra care, sprinkle some coarse salt in the pan along with water to make a thick paste the consistency of toothpaste. The salt granules will work to loosen up those stubborn bits. If you need some extra care beyond the salt, try boiling some water in the pan.
Dry and Oil
When your cookware is clean, dry with a towel. Apply a light coat of vegetable oil to the inside of your cookware using paper towel. This step will help to enhance the non-stick nature that cast iron is so good at. In addition, it also helps to prevent rust. You can also wipe down the outside of the cookware with a light coating of vegetable oil for the same reasons. Just be sure not to saturate with too heavy of a hand of oil.
When All Else Fails
Despite following the above cleaning techniques, there are times when your pan may develop a little rust. In this event you can use steel wool or a halved raw potato and salt to remove the rust. Sprinkle some salt in the pan and use the cut side of the potato to gently yet effectively rid the pan of rust. It sounds like an odd cleaning combination, but the moisture from the potato combines with the gentle abrasive nature of the salt to do the trick. You may need to reseason your pan in order to restore the nonstick surface at this point.
With these cleaning and care techniques, your cast iron cookware should last for years to come, providing a durable and versatile cooking alternative to traditional pots and pans.
Here are a couple more ‘how to clean’ posts you might be interested in – just click on the images:
Lynda Joyner Says
Usually I agree with your posts; however this time, not so much. This is a topic in the South that is as important as what football team you pull for. Cleaning cast iron pans the way you describe will cause the pan to lose its “seasoning” and natural ability to be non stick. You may want to check out some “old tyme” cleaning methods for cast iron. As you said, we definitely do not use dish soap, but the only time we would consider scrubbing with salt is if we wanted to strip it down, re-oil it, and put it in the oven to bake a new coating on. We use a scraper if needed, wipe down with a hot, wet rag, and set it in the oven to dry out. You will NEVER have rust it you do the last step. It only needs to be in a warm oven for a few minutes. This may be old school, but we’ve done them this way in the South, my part anyway, for hundreds of years. It is why, at her passing, my 88 year old Grandmother still had pans from prior generations.
Becky Says
Post authorHi Lynda!
Thanks for your comment – if you notice in the post the salt is for:
If you have stubborn food residue that needs a little extra care, sprinkle some coarse salt in the pan along with water to make a thick paste the consistency of toothpaste. The salt granules will work to loosen up those stubborn bits. If you need some extra care beyond the salt, try boiling some water in the pan.
It’s not meant to be the only way you clean it, it’s for when you have stubborn stuck-on food 🙂
xo, becky
Leigh@ SimpleighOrganized.com Says
Hi Becky! This is great information. Now I know the correct way to clean my cast iron pans. It was all a mystery to me before. Thanks!
Chelle Fuller Says
HI. I just wanted to share that my husband and I search auctions, rummage sales, and estate sales for old cast iron pieces, many of which are in poor condition. We soak it overnight in Coke, and then boil water, salt, and baking soda in the vessel. This removes the rust and gives us a bare iron pan. We finally coat the entire piece with olive oil, and place it in a 450 degree oven, upside down. (We put a designated, seasoning use only cookie sheet underneath it). Bake for one hour and then turn the oven off. We leave the pan in the oven until cold. Then use like normal. I have been cooking on cast iron for over 20 years and love it!
Suzane Says
Hi Becky, great article. I came across a picture on Pinterest regarding cleaning of cast iron using Potato. Would you suggest cleaning of cast iron using potato ?
Becky Says
Post authorI haven’t tried it – sorry!