How to Clean Cast Iron

Cast iron skillet

Many items are made from cast iron including bells, door knockers, coin banks and doorstops. The most common item made from cast iron is undoubtedly cookware, skillets in particular. Cast iron skillets are extremely hard and durable. They can even be used in the oven. Cast iron can last a long time, as long as it's taken care of properly. Once the inside of a cast iron skillet is seasoned, you want to clean it so that protective coating remains.

Things You'll Need

• Non-abrasive sponge
• Coarse Kosher salt
• Stiff nylon brush
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Rinse the cast iron skillet out with plenty of hot water as soon as you're done cooking with it, while it's still warm. Clean it with a sponge to remove food particles.

2. Remove stubborn or burnt-on food by using a stiff brush. You can also sprinkle a little coarse salt in the cast iron skillet to add to the cleaning power of the brush.

3. Rinse the cast iron out thoroughly with hot water. Dry the inside completely with a paper towel so it doesn't rust. Dry the outside as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Paper towels are recommended to dry cast iron with so you don't get oil or black on dish towels.

• You can purchase brushes that are specially made to be used on cast iron.

• Never soak a cast iron skillet in water.

• Never place cast iron in the dishwasher; handwash it instead.

• Using dish detergent to clean it will remove the protective, oily coating.

• Don't use a brush with metal bristles to scrub a cast iron skillet.

References

• Real Simple: Cleaning and Seasoning a Cast-Iron Skillet
• The Kitchn: How to Clean A Cast Iron Skillet