How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet (Dos & Don'ts)

Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if yous purchase something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.

Tin can you lot use soap on cast iron? We break down just how to clean a cast fe skillet and accost everything you should and shouldn't practice while taking care of your precious pan.

For some people, prized possessions come in the grade of cars or fancy electronics. For me, information technology'south a fire-engine cherry-red 12″ Le Creuset bandage-iron skillet. Since I acquired this powerhouse pan, it'south helped me whip up veggie-packed frittatas, pan-seared scallops, bootleg rolls and countless chicken dinners. I'm working my mode to master cast iron cooking with our guide. The all-in-1 pan has been my go-to kitchen tool, and so I'one thousand certain to treat information technology with extra care. This includes learning how to properly clean bandage-iron.

ⓘ

What Makes Cleaning Cast Atomic number 26 Special?

Role of what makes cast iron and then great for cooking is that layer of seasoning it gets after regular employ (you'll also want to season your pan before its first-e'er use). Seasoning is basically a layer of oil baked onto the pan's surface. Each time you cook with oil or fat, the seasoning volition build. Eventually, it makes the pan nearly nonstick.

Unfortunately, that hard-earned seasoning tin come off in the launder, and so information technology's of import to exist gentle when cleaning up. Hither's but how to clean a bandage iron skillet—plus a few exercise'southward and don'ts every bit you become.

How to Make clean a Cast-Iron Skillet

1. Rinse your skillet after use

Mackenzie Williams/Taste of Home

After your cast iron has cooled down a footling bit (you don't want to burn your hands!), rinse your cast fe in the sink to dislodge clingy food scraps like eggs, and prevent them from hardening and sticking to the pan. If yous don't desire to wait, you lot can pour a drinking glass of hot h2o into the pan while information technology sits on the stove. And yes—it's OK to become your pan wet!

However, make sure you don't soak your cast fe skillet, although yous might be tempted to toss it in a sudsy sink while you eat. Cast iron is not rust-proof! Make sure to minimize the corporeality of fourth dimension information technology comes in contact with water. (This means no dishwasher, either!)

2. If you need, utilise soap, water and a scrubber

Mackenzie Williams/Taste of Dwelling house

Contrary to popular belief, if apparently water isn't doing the play tricks, you lot can use a little flake of dish soap to help loosen the stubborn scraps. A little soapy water now and and then volition help blackball stuck-on food and reduce the elbow grease. Use warm h2o and gentle dish lather and scrub your pan where it needs it.

However, don't use abrasive scrubbers like scouring pads or steel wool, because it volition take off your hard-earned seasoning. If you've got tough residue, use one of our editor-tested products for cleaning cast iron pans.

3. Dry your cast fe skillet

Mackenzie Williams/Taste of Dwelling

Instead of leaving your pan in the rack to dry, wipe it downwards with a clean rag or paper towel correct away. (Don't use a calorie-free towel—the cast iron can stain it.) This volition prevent rusting. You can even let your pan dry in the oven.

Actress credit: Reinforce your seasoning after a wash. While the pan is yet warm, employ a light coat of vegetable oil with a paper towel. However, don't let the oil pool! Use some other newspaper towel to soak up the extra liquid.

How to Season a Bandage Fe Skillet

Mackenzie Williams/Gustatory modality of Home

Whether yous just bought a brand-new cast iron skillet or you had to get scrub off the rust on your pan, you need to season or re-season your pan before you employ it. (If you need, watch this video on how to restore a rusted bandage-iron skillet.)

Start with your clean, rust-gratis pan, and use a thin coat of vegetable oil to the whole pan—exterior and handle included. Broil your cast iron skillet upside downward in the oven at 350° for 1 60 minutes (lay a canvas of aluminum foil on a lower rack to catch potential drips), and in one case your timer goes off, exit it in the oven to cool. Now yous've got a seasoned pan! Get more tips on how to season a cast-iron skillet.

Tips for Cleaning a Cast Iron

• Avert abrasive scrubbers like scouring pads or steel wool. They'll take off your difficult-earned seasoning!
• Make sure to apply warm h2o for a hot bandage iron pan, because submerging a hot pan in cold water can cause information technology to crack.
• Later on following these steps for how to make clean a cast-iron skillet, reinforce your seasoning after each time by applying a calorie-free coat of vegetable oil with a paper towel before yous put it away.

When to Supervene upon Your Bandage Iron Skillet

The only reason you should consider replacing your cast iron is if it cracks or if it has chips or holes in the surface due to corrosion or improper cleaning techniques.

Merely one time information technology is fourth dimension to replace your cast iron skillet, go for ane of our picks for the best cast-iron pan nether $50 too as all of the different bandage-iron cookware types, whether you want a traditional skillet or you'd prefer a wok or Dutch oven.

Past following our tips, you'll accept perfect care of your cast-iron skillet pan. These pans are extremely durable. With a piffling care, they'll terminal you a lifetime!

Our Favorite Recipes to Cook in Cast Iron

Taste of Home

Rhubarb Well-baked

I found this strawberry rhubarb crisp recipe on a box of Quaker Oats about 20 years agone. It'southward quick, and easier to make than pie. It's versatile, likewise, because y'all can add strawberries in spring or apples in fall. I usually pop it into the oven shortly earlier we sit down to eat so information technology's still warm for dessert! —C.East. Adams, Charlestown, New Hampshire

Get Recipe

One-Skillet Pork Chop Supper

My husband, Clark, and I reserve this recipe for Sundays afterward the grandkids have gone home and we're besides tired to prepare a big meal. It's comforting and quick. —Kathy Thompson, Port Orange, Florida

Ruddy-Peach Dumplings

Yous can brand this fruity dessert on your stovetop, only to really impress your guests, simmer it in an electric skillet correct at the dinner table. There'south no more than convenient style to bask the fruits of the flavor. —Patricia Frerk, Syracuse, New York

Gram's Fried Chicken

Every bit a male child, I wolfed down my grandmother'southward fried craven. I never knew how she made information technology, but my recipe using potato flakes is crispy close. —David Nelson, Lincolnton, North Carolina

Skillet Banana Fritters

This delicious banana treat is certain to be a hitting in your dwelling house. They are so yummy served with water ice cream on the side. For an actress special treat, add together chocolate syrup!—Sharon Yonts, Scottsboro, Alabama

Sicilian Brussels Sprouts

I love to brand this dish considering the flavors jumping around in your oral cavity keep y'all coming dorsum bite subsequently bite. Other nuts can exist used in identify of the pine nuts.—Marsha Gillett, Yukon, Oklahoma

Apple Tart

For 15 years my hubby, daughter and I owned and operated an apple orchard, where we raised 27 variations of apples on 2,200 trees. This piece of cake apple tree tart recipe is my personal favorite. My family fifty-fifty prefers this wonderful dish with tart apples over traditional apple pie. I promise you savor it, also. —Marilyn Begres, Dexter, Michigan

Classic Ruddy Beans N Rice

After living where Cajun cooking is mutual, nosotros rely on this staple dish. Fifty-fifty If you've never tried red beans and rice, you'll similar this recipe! —Jackie Turnage, New Iberia, Louisiana

Au Gratin Peas and Potatoes

While this delicious potato skillet is a wonderful side dish, we find information technology satisfying enough to be a main course, too. The skillet preparation takes less time than information technology does to broil an au gratin casserole or scalloped potatoes—but it's still good old-fashioned comfort nutrient at its all-time! —Marie Peterson, DeForest, Wisconsin

Skillet Rolls

Baking these rolls in a skillet makes them soft and tender. My family requests them for most holiday dinners and other special occasions. I like them best separate and spread with butter and black raspberry jelly. —Susan Baughman, Houston, Pennsylvania

Homemade Churros

These fried cinnamon-sugar goodies are all-time when fresh and hot. Try them with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Don't be surprised if people outset dunking...and so go back for more than fritters.

Farmhouse Pork and Apple tree Pie

I've always loved pork and apples together, and this recipe combines them nicely to create a comforting main dish. It calls for a fleck of grooming, merely my family unit and I agree the wonderful flavor is well worth the endeavor. —Suzanne Strocsher, Bothell, Washington

Banana Skillet Upside-Down Cake

My grandmother gave me my first bandage iron skillet, and I've been cooking and baking with it e'er since. Sometimes I add drained maraschino cherries to this assistant skillet dessert and serve information technology with a ice foam. —Terri Merritts, Nashville, Tennessee

Chocolate Pecan Skillet Cookie

Bake up the ultimate shareable cookie. For variety, supercede the chocolate chips with an equal quantity of M&M'due south or chocolate chunks. Or become super fancy by mixing the chocolate chips and pecans into the dough, then gently folding in 1-1/2 cups fresh raspberries. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

Craven Corn Fritters

I've always loved corn fritters—this recipe adds craven and makes them a satisfying main dish. My married man and our three young boys give it rave reviews. The chicken and zesty sauce make the fritters a wonderful brunch or lunch entree. —Marie Greene, Scottsbluff, Nebraska

So Very Berry Brie

I needed to brand something quick for a vino and cheese party, and had a bounty of berries on manus. My creation went groovy with all the wines and looked so much more impressive than the other plain cheeses! —Kristin Larson-Jantzi, Newton, Kansas

Grandmother'south Toad in a Pigsty

I accept fond memories of my grandmother's Yorkshire pudding wrapped around sausages, a puffy dish my kids called "the gunkhole." Slather it with butter and maple syrup. —Susan Kieboam, Streetsboro, Ohio

Beef and Spinach Skillet

Over the years, I've tried to instill a love of cooking in our seven children. And nosotros've enjoyed a diversity of delicious recipes, including this one. —Nancy Robaidek, Krakow, Wisconsin

Drupe Bliss Cobbler

A trivial fleck sweet, a trivial bit tart, topped off with aureate, saccharide-kissed biscuits, this cobbler is summertime perfection. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Fried Sweet Murphy Pies

With my dad being a farmer who grew them, sugariness potatoes take graced our table for every bit long as I tin can recall. This recipe, however, resulted from an experiment for a church bake sale when nosotros had excess pastry. People couldn't get plenty of these pies! —Marilyn Moseley, Toccoa, Georgia

Turkey Biscuit Stew

This chunky stew makes a hearty supper, especially in the fall and winter. Information technology's also a great style to use extra turkey during the holidays. —Lori Schlecht, Wimbledon, North Dakota

Blueberry Dream Pie

This showstopping pie tin be decorated to fit any flavour. I like to brand hearts for Valentine's 24-hour interval, flowers for spring, stars for Independence Day and even leaves for fall. Have fun with it! —Kerry Nakayama, New York, New York

Milk Cake

This is a simple recipe—and especially easy in a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet. The consequence is a deliciously light, airy block. —Suzanne Coelman, Rabun Gap, Georgia

Basil-Butter Steaks with Roasted Potatoes

A few ingredients and 30 minutes are all yous'll need for this incredibly satisfying meal. A simple basil butter gives these steaks a very special gustatory modality. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Country Potato Pancakes

Potato pancakes, or latkes, are really versatile. Crispy on the exterior and tender on the inside, they tin can exist a side dish for just nigh any meal or the main course for a light repast. We have them oftentimes at our house. —Lydia Robotewskyj, Franklin, Wisconsin

Pinwheel Steak Potpie

On cool nights, nada hits the spot like a steaming homemade potpie—especially one you can go on the tabular array fast. The pinwheel crust on summit has become my signature. —Kristin Shaw, Castleton, New York

Caraway Seed Rye Bread

My parents were immigrants from Czechoslovakia and my female parent would pull out this rye breadstuff recipe when guests came over for dinner. Every fourth dimension I bake it, I get nostalgic for those days. —Millie Plume, Baroda, Michigan

Country Ham and Potatoes

Browned potatoes requite simple ham a tasty affect. Not only do the potatoes pick upwards the flavour of the ham, but they wait beautiful! Only add veggies or a salad and dinner is washed. —Helen Bridges, Washington, Virginia

Apple tree-Honey Dutch Infant

I love to make this treat on Dominicus morning. It's so impressive when it's served warm correct out of the oven, and the beloved and apple tree filling is yummy. —Kathy Fleming, Lisle, Illinois

Brunch Hash & Egg Broil

When my kids were growing upward, I was cooking for eight. I couldn't conveniently fry eggs for that many people, so I devised this recipe that became a family favorite. Mild and salty feta cheese is my favorite for the dish, only shredded cheddar or Parmesan work, also. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

Seasoned Crab Cakes

At the National Hard Crab Derby in Crisfield, Maryland, these scrumptious crab cakes won me start place. I entered them on a whim afterward trying many crab block recipes for my family unit. —Betsy Hedeman, Timonium, Maryland

Skillet Blueberry Slump

My mother-in-law made a slump of wild blueberries with dumplings and served it warm with a pitcher of farm cream. We've been enjoying slump desserts for 60 years. —Eleanore Ebeling, Brewster, Minnesota

Caramel-Apple tree Skillet Buckle

My grandma used to bake a version of this for me when I was a trivial girl. She would make information technology using fresh apples from her tree in the lawn. I've adapted her recipe because I love the combination of apples, pecans and caramel. —Emily Hobbs, Springfield, Missouri

Skillet Zucchini and Sausage

I lived on the Oregon coast for 20 years and had plenty of guests dropping by. I ofttimes turned to this quick and easy dish, serving it up with skillet cornbread or garlic breadstuff. Judging by the requests for the recipe, everyone loved it! —LaBelle Doster, Vancouver, Washington

Macaroon-Topped Rhubarb Cobbler

Crumbled macaroons are a surprising add-on to this cobbler's topping. We love that you tin can make the sweet treat in a baking dish or a bandage-iron skillet. —Gustatory modality of Abode Examination Kitchen

Grandma Pruit'south Vinegar Pie

This historic pie has been in our family unit for many generations and is e'er served at our become-togethers.—Suzette Pruit, Houston, Texas

Homey Mac & Cheese

I besides call this "my grandson'due south mac and cheese." Zachary has been to Iraq and Afghanistan with both the Marines and Navy, and I've been privileged to make his favorite casserole for him for over twenty years. —Alice Beardsell, Osprey, Florida

Pork Chops with Tomato-Salary Topping

My husband and I collaborated on these pork chops with dominicus-stale tomatoes, bacon and rosemary. They're easy enough for whatsoever mean solar day and fancy enough for special events. —Trisha Klempel, Sidney, Montana

Country Corncakes

Although we live in a suburban area, nosotros are lucky to have plenty of farms nearby where we can buy fresh corn. Only, when it'due south out of season, I substitute canned or frozen corn in this favorite recipe. —Anne Frederick, New Hartford, New York

Meatball Chili with Dumplings

My family enjoys this delicious recipe—information technology's like a spicy meatball stew with dumplings!—Sarah Yoder, Middlebury, Indiana

Plum Upside-Downward Cake

Since my married man liked pineapple upside-down block, I decided to give this recipe a endeavor 1 night when nosotros were expecting guests for dinner. Everyone pronounced this cake "Delicious!" and asked for seconds.—Bobbie Talbott, Veneta, Oregon

Skillet Chicken Cordon Bleu

A dearest friend from my high school days shared this recipe with me. You lot might remember it sounds complicated to make, but it's quite like shooting fish in a barrel once you've tried information technology. —Nancy Zimmerer, Medina, Ohio

Baked Peach Pancake

This dish makes for a dramatic presentation. I usually take it correct from the oven to the table, fill up information technology with peaches and sour cream and serve it with bacon or ham. Whenever I go home, my mom (the best melt I know) asks me to make this. —Nancy Wilkinson, Princeton, New Jersey

Sage-Rubbed Salmon

If you've always idea of sage with turkey, attempt it with salmon for a piddling gustation of heaven. We serve this with rice, salad and sauteed light-green beans. —Nicole Raskopf, Beacon, New York

Diner Corned Beefiness Hash

I created my hash to gustatory modality like a dish from a northern Arizona restaurant we always loved. Nosotros round it out with eggs and toast made from homemade staff of life. —Denise Chelpka, Phoenix, Arizona

Cherry-Peach Dumplings

Yous can make this fruity dessert on your stovetop, but to really impress your guests, simmer information technology in an electric skillet right at the dinner table. There'due south no more than convenient mode to bask the fruits of the flavour. —Patricia Frerk, Syracuse, New York

Maple-Glazed Pork Chops

Anybody cleaned their plates when my female parent made these succulent, tangy-sweet pork chops when I was growing up. Now I get the same results when I serve them to my family unit aslope applesauce and au gratin potatoes. —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado

Kate Smith Java Cake

When I lived in an orphanage more than fifty years ago, I helped out in the kitchen, often making this wonderful coffee cake and dutifully following the recipe the cooks used. Years subsequently, seeing Kate Smith on television, I realized that I had been making i of the vocalizer's own favorite recipes from her cookbook! —Ruth Nast, Waterford, Connecticut

Grandma'south Cornbread Dressing

Growing up, we didn't take turkey. We had chicken, chopped and broiled in my grandmother's dressing. Now we get out out the chicken and continue the cornbread dressing. —Suzanne Mohme, Bastrop, Texas

Kielbasa Cabbage Skillet

Spicy kielbasa sausage and plentiful cabbage and potatoes give this dish a pleasing Old World flair. My husband never liked cabbage before I made this, simply now he does! —Romaine Wetzel, Ronks, Pennsylvania

Almond Streusel Rolls

Try my prizewinning pastry! These rolls are so popular that they often don't even cool completely before the pan is empty. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington

Skillet Steak Supper

With all the ingredients cooked in ane skillet, this steak dish couldn't exist quicker to prepare—or to clean upwardly! But the wine and mushroom sauce makes it seem special. —Sandra Fisher, Missoula, Montana

Spiced Pineapple Upside-Downward Cake

I oftentimes bake this beautiful cake in my large cast-iron skillet and plough it out onto a pizza pan. —Jennifer Sergesketter, Newburgh, Indiana

Muenster Bread

Many years ago my sister and I won blue ribbons in 4-H with this staff of life. The recipe makes a beautiful gilt loaf with cheese peeking out of every slice. —Melanie Mero, Ida, Michigan

Old-Earth Puff Pancake

My mom told me her mother-in-law showed her how to brand this dish, which became popular during the Low, on their "get acquainted" visit in 1927. At that time, cooks measured ingredients in pinches, dashes and dibs. Only through the years, accurate amounts were noted. My wife and I keep to enjoy this dish today, particularly for brunch. —Auton Miller, Piney Flats, Tennessee

Turkey a La Rex

This is a smart style to employ up leftover turkey. You might desire to make a double batch! —Mary Gaylord, Balsam Lake, Wisconsin

Cran-Apple Cobbler

My cranberry-packed cobbler is the crowning glory of many of our late fall and winter meals. My family isn't big on pies, then this favorite is preferred at our Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. The aroma of cinnamon and fruit is irresistible. —Jo Ann Sheehan, Ruther Glen, Virginia

Farmers Breakfast

Kickoff off your solar day on a hearty notation! This one-dish wonder volition hands go along your family satisfied until dejeuner. —Jeannette Westphal, Gettysburg, South Dakota

Upside-Down Apple Block with Butterscotch Topping

This cake is a favorite of mine. I honey the scent of the apples and butterscotch equally it is blistering. It fills the firm with a perfect fall aroma. —Sabrina Haught, Spencer, West Virginia

Southern Hoppin' John

This cherished Southern dish of peas and rice is served on New Twelvemonth's Day for proficient luck and prosperity. Make it an annual tradition for your family, besides. —Anne Creech, Kinston, Due north Carolina

Cinnamon-Carbohydrate Apple Pie

Apple pie baked in a cast fe skillet is a real stunner. This beauty, with its flaky, tender crust, also works in a ix-inch deep-dish pie plate. —Renee Schettler Rossi, New York, New York

Onion-Apple Pork Chops

You couldn't ask for a amend entree to serve on a autumn evening. The apple, pork and maple flavors complement each other perfectly. Rice and steamed broccoli make prissy accompaniments, as well. —Trisha Kruse, Hawkeye, Idaho

State-Style Scrambled Eggs

I added a trivial color and flavor to this country scrambled eggs recipe past calculation some greenish pepper, onion and red potatoes. —Joyce Platfoot, Wapakoneta, Ohio

Oven Swiss Steak

I was really glad to find this recipe since it's a peachy way to apply round steak and information technology picks up fabulous flavour from one of my favorite herbs—tarragon. I am a homemaker with 3 children and savor cooking tasty dinners like this one for my family. —Lorna Dickau, Vanderhoof, British Columbia

Potato Pan Rolls

My family loves these rolls and requests them ofttimes. They don't have long to brand considering you lot apply quick-ascent yeast. —Connie Storckman, Evanston, Wyoming

Chicken Cheese Strata

The spices in this uncomplicated strata with chicken, broccoli and cheese offering an extra special gustation. —Taste of Abode Test Kitchen

Apples 'n' Cream Pancake

This cozy recipe is succulent for breakfast or brunch. I usually brand a double batch because everyone wants more! With our own orchard, we have plenty of Delicious and Winesap apples—they make this a true midwestern meal. —Ruth Schafer, Defiance, Ohio

Oven-Barbecued Pork Chops

My female parent has stock-still this recipe for years and now I prepare it for my family. The chops are succulent with scalloped potatoes and home-baked bread. —Teresa Rex, Whittier, California

Cinnamon Apple Pan Betty

I plant this recipe soon after I was married decades agone. You'll need just a few ingredients that yous probably have on hand. Information technology'south super quick to put together and a favorite of ours during fall and winter, when apples are at their best. —Shirley Leister, W Chester, Pennsylvania

Loaded Breakfast Potatoes

My kids love loaded potatoes in restaurants, so I modified them to make at habitation. Using the microwave for the potatoes will save you lot about 10 minutes. I besides use thin-skinned reddish potatoes instead of russets to save on peeling time. —Tena Kropp, Aurora, Illinois

Skillet-Roasted Lemon Chicken with Potatoes

This is a meal I have my students make in our nutrition unit. It has a succulent lemon-herb flavor and is simple to make. —Mindy Rottmund, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Herbed Rice Pilaf

This savory side dish has been a family favorite for years. Our 12-yr-old girl, Jennifer, is an expert with this recipe, which is a great help for a decorated working mom like me. We sure enjoy this rice dish in the summertime with a grilled entree. —Jeri Dobrowski, Beach, Due north Dakota

Mom's Fried Apples

Mom often made these rich, cinnamon-sugar apples when I was growing up. It's a trip down memory lane when I make them. The recipe is very dear to me. —Margie Tappe, Prague, Oklahoma

Skillet Herb Bread

We had a lot of family get-togethers while I was growing up. My grandmother, aunts and mom were all good cooks, and each had her own specialty when information technology came to bread. Mom's was my favorite—she created this recipe more than xl years ago. The flavors call to mind the sense of taste of cornbread stuffing! —Shirley Smith, Yorba Linda, California

Glazed Smoked Chops with Pears

My husband would eat pork chops every 24-hour interval if he could. Luckily, they're good prepared in all sorts of means, including with pears. —Lynn Moretti, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

Upwardly Adjacent: If Y'all See Black Residual on Your Cast-Iron Skillet, This Is What Information technology Means

jonespulds1941.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-gently-clean-a-cast-iron-skillet/

Share this post