15 Ways To Clean a Cast Iron Skillet

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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.

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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.

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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.

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