How to Clean Cast Iron the Right Way

If you take care of a Lodge cast iron pan, it can last for many years. It can last longer than most other cookware. Jinhong fans know this: if you care for your pan, it gets better each time you use it.

Key Takeaways

• Clean your cast iron pan with coarse salt and a soft brush. These tools help clean well and do not hurt the seasoning.

• Dry your cast iron pan fully after you wash it. This stops rust from forming. Put it on the stove to make sure it is dry.

• After cleaning, put a thin layer of oil on your cast iron cookware. This keeps the non-stick surface good and helps stop rust.

How to Clean Cast Iron

Supplies for Cleaning Cast Iron

Before you start, gather the right tools. Using the best supplies makes cleaning cast iron easy and keeps your pan in great shape. Here are some top picks from kitchen experts:

• Blackstone Griddle and Cast Iron Conditioner: This product helps maintain the seasoning on your pan.

• Bamboo dish scrub brushes: These brushes clean well but do not scratch the surface.

• Chainmail scrubber: This tool removes stuck-on food without harming the seasoning.

• Coarse salt: Use this as a gentle scrub for tough spots.

• Grapeseed oil: This oil works well for seasoning after cleaning.

• Nylon brush: A nylon brush is gentle and protects the coating.

You do not need fancy cleaners. Simple tools like salt and a soft brush work best for most jobs.

How to Clean a Cast Iron Pan

You might wonder how to clean a cast iron pan after cooking. The process is simple if you follow these steps:

1. Scrape off food: While the pan is still warm, use a flat spatula to remove leftover food. If you see burnt bits, pour a little hot water into the pan and let it sit for a minute. Use a non-metallic scraper to lift off the residue.

2. Let the pan cool: Never run cold water over a hot pan. Sudden temperature changes can cause thermal shock. This can warp or crack your cast iron cookware.

3. Wash with hot water: Rinse the pan under hot water. Use a soft washcloth or a nylon brush. Avoid harsh scouring pads. If you need extra scrubbing power, sprinkle coarse salt into the pan and scrub gently. Salt acts as a safe abrasive and will not damage the seasoning.

4. Dry the pan completely: Place the pan on the stove over medium heat. Wait until it starts to smoke. This step removes all moisture and helps prevent rust.

5. Season the pan: After drying, rub a thin layer of grapeseed oil or cast iron conditioner over the surface. Wipe away any excess oil with a paper towel.

Note: Many people worry about using soap on cast iron. Modern dish soap will not ruin a well-seasoned pan. You can use a small amount if needed, but avoid soaking or putting your pan in the dishwasher.

Here is a quick look at how different cleaning methods affect flavor:

If you follow these steps, you will know how to clean a cast iron skillet the right way every time.

Stuck-On Food and Rust

Sometimes, food sticks or you spot rust on your pan. Do not worry. You can fix both problems with a few simple tricks.

For stuck-on food:

• Sprinkle coarse salt over the stuck area. Use a damp sponge or bamboo brush to scrub in circles. Rinse and repeat if needed.

• Try ketchup for burnt spots. Spread a thin layer on the area, let it sit for 30 minutes, then wipe clean. The vinegar in ketchup helps break down the residue.

• For stubborn bits, soak the pan in a mix of baking soda, white vinegar, and lukewarm water. This loosens tough food without harming your cast iron skillet.

For rust:

• Rust forms when iron, water, and oxygen mix. If you see rust, act fast. Scrub the rusty area with coarse salt or steel wool. For heavy rust, soak the pan in a 50/50 mix of vinegar and hot water. Do not soak for more than an hour.

• After removing rust, wash the pan with hot water and a little dish soap. Dry it right away on the stove.

• Always reseason your pan after removing rust. Rub a thin layer of oil over the surface and bake it in the oven. This step protects your cast iron cookware from future rust.

Tip: Always dry your pan completely and oil it after each use. This habit keeps your pan smooth and rust-free.

Now you know how to clean a cast iron skillet, how to clean a cast iron pan after cooking, and how to handle stuck-on food and rust. With these steps, cleaning cast iron becomes easy and stress-free.

Drying, Seasoning, and Mistakes to Avoid

How to Dry and Season Cast Iron

Drying your cast iron pan the right way keeps it in top shape. After you wash your cast iron cookware, grab a clean towel and dry it right away. Never let it air dry. Air drying can cause rust to form quickly. Place your pan on a burner over low heat for a minute or two. This step helps remove any leftover moisture. You want your cast iron to be bone dry before you store it.

Once your pan is dry, it is time to season. Seasoning a cast iron pan means adding a thin layer of oil to protect the surface. Flaxseed oil works best because it forms a hard, durable layer when heated. Grapeseed oil is also a good choice. Use a paper towel to rub a small amount of oil all over your cast iron cookware. Make sure you do not use too much oil. A thick layer can turn sticky and ruin the finish. Thin coats work best for seasoning a cast iron pan.

Tip: Regular seasoning keeps your cast iron cookware non-stick and helps prevent rust. If you ever need to know how to remove rust from cast iron, always dry and season it after cleaning.

Mistakes When You Clean a Cast Iron Pan

Even if you know how to season cast iron, mistakes can happen. Here are some common ones to watch out for:

• Using too much soap. Modern dish soap is safe, but too much can strip the seasoning.

• Soaking your pan in water. Cast iron cookware is porous and can rust if left wet.

• Forgetting to dry your pan right after washing. Moisture leads to rust and damage.

• Skipping the oil step after cleaning. This leaves your pan unprotected.

• Over-scrubbing with harsh sponges. This can remove the seasoning and make it harder to cook.

• Storing your pan with the lid on. Trapped moisture can cause rust.

If you ever spot rust, do not worry. You can remove rust from cast iron by scrubbing with salt or using a vinegar soak. Knowing how to remove rust from cast iron and how to season cast iron will keep your cookware in great shape for years.

You can keep your cast iron in great shape by following a few simple steps:

1. Wash, dry, and oil your pan after each use.

2. Store it in a dry place.

3. Cook with it often for a better non-stick surface.

In the South, people treat their skillets like family treasures. Why not start your own tradition? Try these steps and share your results!