3 Simple Way to Clean Your Cast Iron

There is a misconception that everything you cook with needs hot soapy water to properly clean up from cooking. While I agree with most modern cookware that soap and hot water are the way to go, my personal preference when it comes to my cast iron is to stick to the traditional methods of cleaning.

However, there is nothing wrong with using soap and hot water to clean your cast iron with the soaps made today! The main reason this became a thing was back in the “good ol’ days” soaps were made with lye and vinegar which would remove the beautiful seasoning you worked so hard to establish, modern soaps are soft enough that you do not have to worry about it.

So it is your preference on how you choose to clean them, just always make sure your cast iron is dried immediately after cleaning and coated with oil.

Method #1 – Slightly dirty Cast Iron

I use this method after cooking with my cast iron each and every time. It works best for pans that are lightly soiled from cooking. ** Allow your pan to cool to warm before doing this.

1^st – run the pan under hot water to remove all of the loose food particles from cooking.

2^nd – Use a paper towel or dishcloth to immediately dry the pan and to loosen any food particles that might be stuck.

3^rd – Heat up the pan again and add some oil. You do not have to get the oil hot to the touch, just get the oil and the pan warm.

4^th – Remove the pan from the heat and spread the oil around the pan with a paper towel; Adding a nice thin coat to it.

That’s it for the first one, and because you have coated it with oil, it is ready for the next time you need it.

Method #2 – Medium dirty Cast Iron

I use this method when I have a lot of food particles stuck. This also tells me it’s about time for a good seasoning. Need to season your pan? I’ve got you covered: How to Season Your Cast Iron Skillet

1^st – Use a paper towel or dishcloth to wipe away any of the already loose food.

2^nd – Add some coarse sea salt to your pan, this acts as an abrasive agent.

3^rd – Use a paper towel or dishcloth with the sea salt and scrub the stubborn stuck-on food.

4^th – Heat up the pan again and add some oil. You do not have to get the oil hot to the touch, just get the oil and the pan warm.

5^th – Remove the pan from the heat and spread the oil around the pan with a paper towel; Adding a nice thin coat to it.

Pretty simple huh? It may take a little bit of elbow grease on some of the particles, but for those really stuck on ones, let’s get out the big guns.

Method #3 – Honey, I Made a Mess!!

This method is used when I either burnt my food (happens more than you think) or the food is generally really sticky anyway. My secret? Steel wool! It will do wonders to stuck on food particles and make them run in fear!

Now steel wool isn’t for everyone, I get it; however, if you prefer a scrubbing pad, that will work too. These cast iron scrubbers work great too: Cast Iron Scrubber  (affiliate link)

1^st – Put your pan in the sink and add some hot water. Just a thin layer, no need to fill the sink or fill the pan.

2^nd – Get to scrubbing! With the steel wool, the food particles should come off really easily. You may need to concentrate on a few areas but all-in-all it shouldn’t take you too long.

3^rd – After all of the food particles are loose, rinse the pan under hot water to make sure you get it all off.

4^th – Heat up the pan again and add some oil. You do not have to get the oil hot to the touch, just get the oil and the pan warm.

5^th – Remove the pan from the heat and spread the oil around the pan with a paper towel; Adding a nice thin coat to it.

There you go! 3 simple ways to properly clean your cast iron pans. I cannot state this enough: Do not leave your pan with water on/in it for any length of time as it will make it rust!

Need to get rid of the rust on your pan? Well, I will be writing about that soon so please stay tuned!

Until Next Time.

What easy ways have you found to clean your cast iron? Please let me know in the comments.