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Cast iron skillets are known for lasting for years and cooking food evenly every time. With the right care, they only get better the more you use them. Keeping your skillet clean and well-seasoned helps maintain that smooth surface and prevents food from sticking.
Skip the proper care, though, and you might run into rust, stuck-on bits, or uneven cooking. Knowing how to clean and care for your skillet makes all the difference.
Here are 15 simple ways to clean and season your cast iron skillet, along with tips on when to use each one.
Step-by-Step Video on How to Restore a Rusted Cast Iron Skillet
1. Paper towel or cloth
When to use: Use this method if your
Method: After cooking, while the
2. Hot water rinse
When to use: Perfect for everyday cleaning when there’s minimal food residue stuck to the
Method: After cooking, let the
3. Plastic scraper
When to use: A soft silicone or plastic scraper will gently scrape off food stuck to the surface after cooking.
Method: After cooking, scrape off any stuck food using a plastic scraper designed for cast iron. Follow up with a rinse of hot water and dry immediately.
4. Kosher salt and a sponge
When to use: The larger granules of kosher salt are ideal for removing stuck-on food without risking damage to the seasoning.
Method: Sprinkle a generous amount of kosher salt into the
5. Boiling water
When to use: Boiling water is a great way to remove stubborn, baked-on food residue without damaging the surface of your cast iron skillet.
Method: Add about ½ cup of water to the
6. Chainmail scrubber
When to use: A chainmail scrubber can be used to remove tougher, baked-on residue that doesn’t come off with regular sponges or salt.
Method: Wet the
7. Heat drying
When to use: Whenever your cast iron
Method: After cleaning, place the
Rusted Cast Iron Skillet? Here’s The Secret To Restoring It
8. Oil rub
When to use: Cast iron skillets should be rubbed with oil after drying to maintain the seasoning and prevent rust.
Method: After drying the
9. Soap (sparingly!)
When to use: Soap can be used sparingly to clean a cast iron
Method: Use a very small amount of mild dish soap and a soft sponge to gently scrub the surface, then rinse thoroughly. Dry completely and reapply oil to maintain the seasoning.
10. Baking soda paste
When to use: Baking soda paste is useful if your
Method: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda with a little water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to the
11. Potato and salt
When to use: The simple potato and salt method is a fun and eco-friendly way to lift stuck-on food and grime without chemicals.
Method: Sprinkle coarse salt into the
12. Specialist cast iron brush
When to use: If you use your cast iron
Method: Rinse the
13. Periodic re-seasoning
When to use: Although many of the cleaning methods advise wiping the surface with oil, periodic re-seasoning is the best way to ensure the non-stick surface remains intact. This method should be used when food starts sticking, the
Method: Scrub the cooking surface clean, dry thoroughly, and coat the entire
14. Vinegar
When to use: Use this method if you notice light rust forming on the surface of your
Method: Mix a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 1 part water and submerge the
15. Steel wool
When to use: Steel wool is a good way to remove heavy rust that can’t be shifted with vinegar alone.
Method: For heavy rust, use fine steel wool to scrub the affected area. Work until all rust is gone, leaving only bare metal. Rinse and dry thoroughly, then re-season.
