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How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet

By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Created August 26, 2024
Pan on a stove
Master the art of cast iron care with step-by-step tips for cleaning, maintaining, and restoring your cast iron skillet. Proper maintenance and cleaning is the trick to the longevity of these kitchen work horses.

Cast iron skillets are a kitchen workhorse, but they need a little TLC to stay in tip-top shape. Here’s your step-by-step guide to cleaning and maintaining your cast iron skillet, including removing rust and storing properly. These tips are for non-enamel skillets, which are the most common and can be tricky to maintain.

General Cleaning

Wash by Hand: Always wash your cast iron skillet by hand. Use hot water and a stiff brush or sponge. Avoid using soap unless it's mild and sparingly used.

Scrub Stuck-On Food: For stubborn food residues, use a paste of coarse kosher salt and water to scrub the pan, or simmer a little water in the pan for a few minutes to loosen the debris.

Dry Thoroughly: After washing, dry the skillet immediately and thoroughly with a lint-free cloth, paper towel, or by placing it on the stove over low heat to evaporate the moisture. This prevents rust, so it's an important step.

Post-Cleaning Maintenance

Oil the Skillet: Once the skillet is dry, apply a very light layer of vegetable oil or another food-safe oil to the inside (and optionally the outside) of the skillet. Wipe off any excess oil to avoid a sticky residue.

Buff to Finish: Ensure the oil is evenly spread and the surface doesn’t look greasy after wiping with a cloth or paper towel. This helps maintain the seasoning and protects the skillet from rust.

Deep Cleaning and Rust Removal

For Rusty Pans: Scrub the rusty areas with steel wool and soapy water. Afterward, rinse and dry thoroughly, then re-season the skillet by applying oil and baking it upside down in the oven at 450-500°F for an hour. Repeat this process as needed. This seasoning will help to maintain the non-stick surface and extend the life of the skillet.

Do’s and Don’ts

Don’t Soak or Dishwash: Never soak your cast iron skillet or put it in the dishwasher, as this can cause rust.

Avoid Abrasives: Refrain from using steel wool or other abrasive scrubbers regularly as they can strip the skillet’s seasoning.

Do Use Salt for Tough Cleaning: For tough cleaning without soap, kosher salt can be used as a gentle abrasive. Scrub with salt and oil to remove stuck-on food. Other tips for cleaning caked on food include using dried crushed up egg shells or heating the dirty pan on the stove with a thin layer of water.

Storage Tips

Store in a Dry Place: Ensure the skillet is completely dry before storing. You can place a paper towel or paper plate inside the skillet to absorb any remaining moisture and prevent rust.

Common Questions

Can It Go in the Oven? Cast iron is extremely durable and tolerates high temperatures well. These pans are also good at enduring drastic temperate changes to avoid warping. So yes, these qualities make it an excellent option for oven cookware.

Can I Use It on Ceramic-glass Stovetops? Yes, but do so cautiously to prevent scratching. Due to their weight, you should place it gently on the cooktop surface and pickup the pan or use utensils to stir contents rather than shaking or sliding it along the surface as you might do with other pans.

Can I Use Metal Utensils? Metal utensils can be used, but avoid harsh scraping to prevent damaging the seasoning.

How Often Should It Be Seasoned? We recommend a light seasoning after every major meal once the pan is cleaned. This helps prevent sticking when you use it next time. However, a well cared for pan with a deep quality seasoning only needs to be seasoned a few times a year. You'll know it's needed if food sticks frequently or the pan looks dull and flat prior to use.

Should I Use Soap? While using soap is traditionally discouraged, mild soap is fine if needed, as long as you re-season afterward.

Are you ready to put your well cleaned and prepared cast iron skillet to the test? Here are some of our favorite skillet recipes you can try!

With these tips from Betty, you can enjoy the longevity and reliability of your cast iron skillet and the delicious meals it will help you create for years to come!