
Cleaning cast iron
Do you have a cast iron frying pan, pizza stone or skillet and you want to know how to look after it correctly? It makes sense to take care of them because they are durable enough to last a lifetime! Then keep on reading for all the details you need to know about caring for cast iron cookware.
How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet
Cast iron skillets are one of the most flexible pieces of cookware. Any homemaker is sure to prefer this especially that this cookware piece can do many things beyond just frying. Who will ever refuse a multi-cooker that sautés, fries, grills, bakes, braises and broils?
Very Reasonably Priced
Not only that. Cast iron skillets are not expensive. In fact, there are high-quality skillets on Amazon today that are priced $30 and below. At such a low price, one can already own a cast iron skillet that is guaranteed durable to last for decades. Compare this to a Teflon non-stick pan that you often have to replace every couple of years.
Will Last a Lifetime
Despite the fact that cast iron material promises 100 % durability in skillet, one should still know how to properly care for this particular cookware piece. Specifically, he or she should know the proper way of cleaning his skillet.
No Need to Use Soap
Unlike the other conventional cooking products, there is no need to use soap and tap water when cleaning a cast iron skillet. In this post, are a few simple steps of how to clean a cast iron skillet, the right way.
Never Put in the Dishwasher!
But before we proceed, it is important for one to remember that, as mentioned, NEVER use soap and NEVER put the skillet in the dishwasher for cleaning. Read on for:
Here are the materials you need to clean a cast iron skillet:
- The cast iron skillet
- A stiff brush or sponge (see recommendations for the best kitchen sink caddy)
- Paper towels or a dry and clean cloth
- Shortening or vegetable oil
- DO NOT use a knife to clean it. Gentle scrubbing will do.
Optional materials:
- Stove
- Kosher salt for cleaning
Here’s how to clean a cast iron skillet:
- Clean your skillet right after you use it or while still warm. Doing it while warm is ideal because the fat does not have a chance to congeal. Do not soak the pan as it may result in rusting.
- Using just your hand, wash the skillet with warm water. As mentioned, do not use your dish-washing machine, a steel wool or soap. Using any of these may affect your pan’s seasoning (if pre-seasoned). You can also use a soap plastic scrub brush that you use exclusively for this purpose and that never touches dish soap.
- If there is a need to remove the stuck-on ingredient, scrub the skillet using water and kosher salt. If there is still food left and sticking, loosen the residue with water boiling on the pan being cleaned.
- Towel- or cloth-dry the pan. You may also do the drying by leaving the skillet on the stove over very low heat.
- Using your paper towel or cloth, put a little amount of melted shortening or vegetable oil in the skillet. You should make sure the pan is hot when you do this or the oil may go rancid.
- When completely dry and cold, store your cast iron skillet in a dry area inside your kitchen. If you haven’t used it for a long time, consider heating it up and seasoning it with oil again before use.
Learn More About Cleaning Cast Iron
How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet: Let’s Sum It Up!
These are simple and easy steps to help you maintain the high quality of your skillet. If you don’t have one yet, you will need these tips still, to teach you how to clean a cast iron skillet effortlessly. This way, you are guaranteed of decades of use of this cookware piece.
Do you Need a Cast Iron Skillet at your House?
To give you an idea which skillet is ideal for your cooking needs see: The Top 5 Cast Iron Skillets. You’ll find all of our top recommendations for you to choose from.

Cleaning Cast Iron Correctly
Have your Say about Cleaning Cast Iron
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