How To Clean A Cast Iron Skillet Without Damaging It

What is a cast iron skillet?

Cast iron skillets are traditional heavy-duty tools in the kitchen, used by both professional chefs in commercial kitchens and at-home cooks. Known for their ability to retain exceptionally high heat, they make great pans for cooking and searing meats and other proteins.

Cast iron skillets should never be washed with soap unless you are re-seasoning the pan. The more seasoning on the skillet, the better your food tastes. Usually, chefs or even generations of families have beloved cast iron skillets or pie pans that remain unwashed and are essential tools used to create favorite family dishes.

How to clean a cast iron skillet

Improperly cleaning a cast iron skillet will ruin the pan. Most cast iron skillets come pre-seasoned, this means seasoning the pan with oil that has been baked onto the skillet using a process called polymerization. This allows the surface of the skillet to remain non-stick for easy cooking. Because of this, however, cleaning a cast iron skillet takes some knowledge in order to preserve it for as long as possible.

Step 1: Clean your skillet after cooking

Clean your cast iron skillet immediately after cooking. The handle may be hot, so make sure to use potholders, cloths, or tongs. Do not use dish soap on your skillet as it will ruin the surface of the pan. To properly clean your skillet, pour one cup of coarse sea salt into the pan and use a wooden spatula or spoon to scrub off any hardened or leftover food particles. The coarseness of the sea salt in combination with a wooden spoon or spatula will help remove any stubborn residue.

Step 2: Remove remaining food

Remove the remaining salt and food using a clean towel. If there are still relentless food spots in the skillet, pour a small amount of water and boil it on the stove to loosen any difficult food remains. After this, repeat step 1.

Step 3: Thoroughly dry your skillet

After your pan has been properly cleaned, use a clean cloth to dry it thoroughly. If your cast iron skillet is still damp or wet, place it on a heated stovetop in order to evaporate any leftover moisture and prevent rusting.

Step 4: Re-oil and store skillet

Once the skillet has completed dried, wipe the interior of the pan with a cloth that has been dipped in ½ teaspoon of vegetable oil or melted shortening. This will help the pan retain its seasoning and the vital cooking surface. Store your skillet in a dry area such as your cabinets or stovetop.

How to get rust off a cast iron skillet

Over time, your cast iron skillet can start to rust. If this happens, use soapy water and a nonmetallic scrubber to remove the rust. If it’s not budging after a good scrub, submerge the skillet in equal parts water and white vinegar. You can let the pan sit for up to eight hours; however, it is best to periodically check on the skillet to see if the rust can be removed in a shorter period of time.

After utilizing either of these methods, you should re-season your pan.

How to re-season a cast iron skillet

If the seasoning on your cast iron skillet has worn off or if your pan did not originally come pre-seasoned, here is how to properly re-season your cast iron pan.

1. Wash your cast iron skillet with hot water and dish soap.
2. Wipe the skillet using a clean towel so it is completely dry.
3. Using a paper towel or cloth, apply a thin layer of solid shortening or oil to the front, sides, and bottom of the skillet.
4. In the oven, place your skillet open side down on aluminum foil.
5. Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and let the skillet heat for one hour.
6. Turn off the oven and allow the skillet to cool down in the oven before taking it out.

What is the best oil to season a cast iron skillet with?

Although cast iron skillets are generally non-stick, we recommend adding a small amount of oil when cooking. Using cooking oil will also help build layers of seasoning and flavor to your pan.

When seasoning your cast iron skillet, there are different oils you can use. Lard is traditionally used to season cast iron however, it’s only recommended if you use your cast iron skillet frequently. Other options include vegetable oil, melted shortening, canola oil, and flaxseed oil.

Shop for cast iron skillets

If you would like to add cast iron skillets to your collection of everyday kitchen equipment, there are many different options you can choose from. Search for the perfect cast iron skillet online via Instacart. Add your new favorite kitchen tool to your cart and select same day pick up or delivery.

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