15 Ways To Clean a Cast Iron Skillet

Share this post or pin it for later!

Cast iron skillets are loved for their durability, often lasting for generations and delivering excellent cooking performance time and time again. A good cast-iron skillet is worth caring for properly, and the right cleaning and seasoning techniques will maintain and improve the durable non-stick cooking surface. On the other hand, improper cleaning and care can lead to rust, burnt-on food, and culinary disasters!

Understanding how to properly clean and maintain your skillet is key to getting the most out of this timeless kitchen tool. Let’s take a look at 15 different cleaning and seasoning techniques and when to use them.

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 skillet has a minimal coating of grease or small bits of food left behind. This technique works best for light cleaning and helps keep the seasoning intact.

Method: After cooking, while the skillet is still warm, use a paper towel or soft dry cloth to wipe away grease and food bits. 

2. Hot water rinse

When to use: Perfect for everyday cleaning when there’s minimal food residue stuck to the skillet.

Method: After cooking, let the skillet cool slightly, but not completely. Run hot water over the surface and use a non-abrasive sponge or a brush to remove food residue. Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately to prevent rust.

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 skillet and add a small amount of water to create a gritty paste. Scrub with a sponge or soft cloth in circular motions, then rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly.

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 skillet and heat on the stovetop until it starts to boil. Use a spatula to gently scrape off loosened food debris, pour out the water, rinse, and dry.

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 skillet slightly and gently use the chainmail scrubber to remove stuck-on food. Rinse with warm water, dry, and apply a thin layer of oil to protect the seasoning.

7. Heat drying

When to use: Whenever your cast iron skillet has been rinsed in water, always dry it over heat to prevent rust.

Method: After cleaning, place the skillet on the stovetop over low heat for a few minutes to ensure all moisture evaporates.

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 skillet over heat, add a few drops of neutral oil like flaxseed, canola, or vegetable oil. Use a paper towel to rub the oil over the surface, leaving only a thin layer.

9. Soap (sparingly!)

When to use: Soap can be used sparingly to clean a cast iron skillet if grease or odors persist and other methods aren’t enough.

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 skillet has lingering odors from strong-smelling foods like fish or garlic.

Method: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda with a little water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to the skillet and scrub with a sponge. Rinse with warm water, dry thoroughly, and reapply oil (can you sense a theme here?!).

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 skillet and scrub it with the cut side of a potato. Rinse with warm water, dry, and apply oil.

12. Specialist cast iron brush

When to use: If you use your cast iron skillet regularly, a specialist cleaning brush is a worthwhile investment for regular cleaning without risking damage to the cooking surface.

Method: Rinse the skillet with warm water after cooking and use a cast-iron cleaning brush with stiff bristles to scrub the surface. Rinse, dry, and oil as usual.

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 skillet loses its smooth, non-stick surface, or after the deep-cleaning methods listed below.

Method: Scrub the cooking surface clean, dry thoroughly, and coat the entire skillet with a thin layer of oil. Place it upside-down in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) and bake for one hour, placing foil underneath to catch drips. Let the skillet cool completely in the oven.

14. Vinegar

When to use: Use this method if you notice light rust forming on the surface of your skillet.

Method: Mix a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 1 part water and submerge the skillet in the solution for 1-2 hours. Scrub the rust away with a stiff brush or steel wool, rinse thoroughly, dry immediately, and re-season.

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.

Share this post or pin it for later!