How to Clean Cast Iron Skillets and Pans

Well seasoned cast iron is an all natural non-stick cookware. If taken care of properly, it can last for generations. However, even good cookware can go bad if not cleaned properly after each use. Cast iron does require a little bit of special treatment, but remember people have been doing it for hundreds of years.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A few minutes
• Paper towels
• Stiff bristled brush
• Scraper
• Hot water
• Vegetable oil

1. Since no soap should be used on cast iron (and it should not be soaked in water for long periods of time), it is best to clean cast iron while it is still warm and before food dries onto the item. If you have used oil in the bottom of the skillet just wipe it out with some paper towels while it is still warm.

2. Using a stiff spatula to scrap any large chunks out of the skillet.

3. Pour very HOT water in the bottom of the skillet, about a quarter of an inch on the bottom is usually enough. Then use a stiff bristled brush to rub off any remaining chunks or carmelized goo remaining on the bottom. If you cooked spaghetti sauce (or any other high acid food) in the skillet try adding a small amount (1/2 teaspoon) of baking soda to the pan while scrubbing. This neutralizes the acids which can ruin the seasoning.

4. If this doesn't work, dump out the skillet, refill with hot water, use the spatula (or the scraper end of the brush) to scrap the bottom of the skillet before again scrubbing it with the brush.

5. Occasionally, if the cookware has a crust of brunt or dried food on the bottom of it you may need to boil a small amount of water in the pan. Boil the water for less than 30 second before using your brush to carefully scrub clean the bottom, often I can clean the pan out before the water even boils. Very little scrubbing should be needed at this point so be very carefully as to not burn yourself by splashing the boiling water. Do not boil the item for too long as the seasoning can be damaged.

6. When the skillet looks clean, it is. Immediately, use a towel to dry the pan. Then use a paper towel to throughly coat any part of the skillet you scrubbed with hot water (usually just the inside) with vegetable oil, canola oil, or lard.

Tips & Warnings

• Using soap on you cast iron can remove the "seasoning" from the pan causing food to stick and rust to form.
• Never use Brillo pads or a dishwasher to clean your cast iron.
• Do not allow cast iron to air dry as rust can form and the seasoning can be damaged (remember oil floats on water).
• Metal bristled brushes are not recommended for cleaning cast iron as the bristles tend to fall out and and get into food.
• Do not use olive oil to treat your cookware after cleaning as it can go rancid and burns at too low of a temperature.

[robertl6]

on 12/12/2008 I inharited a cast iron grill, my problem was how to clean it? After reading this set of instructions I can now enjoy my gift. Thank you for writing this set of instructions and posting on the web.

[Isolde]

on 8/1/2008 this was so helpful - my cast iron pans have been a bit of a mystery to me due to the fact I could never successfully clean them, but not anymore!

[SuzDoyleMusic]

on 7/30/2008 Excellent advice. A well-seasoned cast iron pot or skillet is wonderful! I've had good success seasoning cast iron by brushing with oil, and letting the pan sit in a warm oven for 5 or 10 minutes . . . :-)