How to Clean a Cast-Iron Skillet So It Lasts Forever
Proper cleaning and maintenance ensure your cast-iron skillet will last a century or more. Learn how to clean a skillet with these strategies.
Cast-iron skillets are a true workhorse in the kitchen. The benefits include even heat distribution and retention, a nonstick cooking surface, cooktop-to-oven versatility, and many lifetimes of utility. If you're wondering how to clean a cast iron skillet, it's not as difficult as you might think. Three simple steps—rinse, dry, and oil—are easily outweighed by cast iron's many attributes.
A cast-iron skillet and other cast-iron pans perform best when frequently used and regularly maintained. With that said, cast iron's benefits rely on surfaces retaining their seasoned coating (oil baked into the finish at a high temperature), which depends on specific cleaning methods. The methods aren't complicated but work best when put into play right after cooking. Use this guide to learn how to clean a cast-iron skillet and enameled cast-iron cookware.
Related: Is it Safe to Put a Skillet Other Than Cast Iron in the Oven?
Before You Clean a Cast-Iron Skillet
Seasoned cast-iron skillets should have smooth, shimmering, rust-free surfaces that quickly release cooking foods and post-cooking grime. The ideal method for how to clean a cast-iron skillet is to begin cleaning directly after cooking to prevent rust from forming and enhance its nonstick character.
Never use strong detergents, metal scouring pads, or the dishwasher to clean cast-iron skillets. Dish-washing soap removes oiled finishes and might leave a residue that will cause your cooked foods to taste soapy. The experts at Lodge Manufacturing, a maker of cast-iron cookware, remind cooks that cast-iron skillets are sterilized during the cooking process, reaching 400 degrees Fahrenheit in 4 minutes at medium heat; at 212 degrees Fahrenheit, the surface becomes sterile, so germs should not be an issue.
Related: You'll Want to Make These Cast-Iron Skillet Recipes Immediately
How to Clean a Cast-Iron Skillet
A good scrubbing with hot water is all you need to clean a cast-iron skillet. If you're wondering how to clean a cast-iron skillet that's rusty, reach for kosher salt instead of soap. Follow these steps to keep your cast iron in top shape.
Step 1: Rinse and dry.
Place still-warm-from-cooking cast-iron skillets and pans in the sink and rinse with hot water. Wipe all surfaces clean using a non-abrasive sponge. Rinse surfaces again. Then, thoroughly dry the skillet with a clean cloth.
Step 2: Oil the interior.
When the pan is completely dry, apply a thin coat of cooking oil to the interior with a paper towel. This will help restore its sheen and reenergize its quick-release qualities. Be judicious with the application; too much oil can result in sticky surfaces.
Step 3: Remove stuck-on bits.
Grab kosher salt and a wet sponge for hard-to-remove food bits and rusty patches. The salt will act as a mild abrasive that can gently buff away cooked-on foods and small bits of rust. You can also loosen stubborn food residue by boiling water in the pan for a few minutes. Next, rinse the pans under warm water, dry thoroughly, and coat with cooking oil.
Step 4: Store in a dry place.
Maintain the cleaned and seasoned finish by keeping cast-iron pots and skillets away from moisture. Store the pans without their covers in a dry area away from cooktops, sinks, and dishwashers. If you notice the pan's surface rusting, graying, or dulling, or if food starts to stick, you will need to re-season the surface.
How to Season a Cast-Iron Skillet
To restore your cast-iron skillet's seasoning, start with the steps above to clean, dry, and lightly oil the pan. Line the bottom rack of your oven with aluminum foil to guard against oil drips, then preheat the oven between 350 and 400°F. Set the skillet upside down on the oven's top rack and bake for an hour. Turn off the oven and let the pan cool inside before removing and storing it in a dry place. Continue to use your cast-iron skillet often and re-season as necessary to maintain the slick coating.
Related: Cast-Iron Skillet Calzone
How to Clean Enameled Cast Iron
Enameled cast-iron cookware, including Dutch ovens, is generally easier to clean than regular cast-iron skillets. In addition to adding a shiny, often colorful glaze, the enamel coating forms a protective barrier around the cast iron, so you don't have to worry about re-seasoning the pan or avoiding soap. However, you must be careful not to crack or scratch the surface while cleaning enameled cast iron. Some pieces are labeled dishwasher-safe, but following these instructions for hand-washing your enameled cast-iron cookware is best.
Step 1: Cool and wash with soap.
Always let enameled cast iron cool completely before cleaning, or the sudden temperature change could cause the enamel to crack. Use a non-scratch sponge to wash the pan with warm water and dish soap. Avoid using steel wool or abrasive tools that could damage the surface.
Step 2: Remove stuck-on bits and stains.
Loosen stuck-on messes by filling the pan halfway with water and bringing it to a boil for two to three minutes. Use a wooden spatula or silicone pan scraper to remove the stuck bits, and wash again with soap if needed. If stains remain, mix baking soda with water to form a thick paste. Apply to the stained areas, wait a few minutes, then gently scrub in a circular motion to lift stains.
Step 3: Dry and store.
After the final rinse, thoroughly dry your enameled cast-iron cookware before storing in a dry place. Take care not to let these pieces scrape or bump against metal pans or utensils, as this could cause the enamel to chip or crack.
Regardless of the work involved, remember as you sear burgers, bake crunchy crusted cornbread, or rinse, dry, and oil your cast-iron skillet, you're creating an heirloom that your kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids will put to good use.
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Cast-Iron Skillet Recipes with Big Flavor
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