A cast iron skillet is essential for a healthy and sustainable kitchen. When properly maintained, it can last for generations! However, it requires extra care compared to a normal non-stick pan. It might seem daunting at first. But, I promise, it’s not difficult. Let me walk you through the essential steps so you can properly care for and clean your cast iron skillet like a pro.
Why It’s Important to Clean Cast Iron Skillets Properly
There are two main reasons:
- Cast iron pans are vulnerable to rust, which can cause irreparable damage over time. And, of course, we don’t want any of that rust to contaminate our food!
- Cleaning the wrong way can strip away its seasoning, the layer of oil that protects the pan and creates a natural, non-stick surface.
Few simple tools are needed to clean a cast iron skillet
- Hot water
- A stiff brush or a sponge
- Coarse salt (for a filthy pan)
- A kitchen towel
- Cooking oil
Do not use soap or detergents, as they can easily strip away the seasoning. If the pan is filthy, scrub it with coarse salt and a stiff brush.
How to clean cast iron skillet
- Clean it shortly after cooking.
Like with regular washing up, the longer you wait before cleaning, the harder it gets. Food particles harden and stick to the surface. Please remember that cast iron gets extremely hot and retains heat longer than regular pans. Do not burn yourself!
When the pan is no longer scalding, rinse it under hot water and scrub it with a sponge or a stiff brush to remove food residues.
- Use coarse salt for stubborn residue.
For those times when hot water and a brush cannot get the job done, use a little coarse salt. Continue scrubbing in a circular motion.
There is another trick that can help lift heavy residue. Add a small amount of water and heat it. Then, scrub with salt and a stiff brush. Be aware that a cast iron pan heats up quickly, so please take extra care not to burn yourself.
- Dry it thoroughly
Unlike regular pans, cast iron must be dried immediately. Otherwise, it will rust. You can use your regular kitchen towel or paper towel; either will do the job. Please ensure that you wipe it completely dry.
You can also place your skillet on low heat for a minute to evaporate any remaining moisture.
- Re-season after each cleaning with water
Re-seasoning your cast iron skillet after every wash will help protect your pan from rust and maintain its non-stick surface. The pan should be completely dry when seasoning it.
How do you do it? Simple. Rub a small amount of cooking oil over the entire surface of your pan with a paper towel. You can use vegetable or seed oil. I use olive oil for cooking and for seasoning my cast iron pans.
When the skillet is covered with a fresh layer of oil, place it over low heat for a few minutes. This step is crucial as it allows oil to bond with the surface.
What you should never do
There are a few common mistakes to avoid if you want to clean and maintain your cast iron skillet as a pro:
- Do not use soap. As mentioned above, it will strip away your pan’s seasoning.
- Do not soak it in water. Using hot water to rinse it is fine. However, prolonged contact with water will cause your cast iron to rust quickly.
- Do not wash it in a dishwasher. Even a brief dishwasher cycle will destroy the seasoning and will cause rusting.
- Do not use steel wool. Your cast iron can take some scrubbing, but stick to a sponge or a stiff brush instead. Steel wool will damage the seasoning.
How often should I clean the cast iron skillet?
The good news? You don’t need to wash it after every use. Often, it is sufficient to wipe it with a paper towel. I use my cast iron skillet a few times a week for flatbread or pancakes and get away with a quick wipe with a towel afterwards.
Proper washing is needed after long or messy cooking sessions. So, hot water and a brush. And coarse salt when the brush is not enough.
It is important to be consistent and evaluate whether it needs to be washed and re-seasoned after every use. When properly taken care of, your cast iron skillet will be clean, non-stick, and last for ages!
Rusty cast iron skillet help
Does your cast iron skillet develop some rust? Don’t worry. That happens to everybody! You can restore it by following a few simple steps.
- Remove the rust. Scrub it away with a brush and coarse salt. At this point, you can also use steel wool. It will remove the seasoning, but you can restore it later.
- Rinse and thoroughly dry the pan.
- Rebuild the seasoning. To rebuild the seasoning, coat the skillet with a thin layer of oil and place it in the oven for one hour at around 180°C. Then, let it cool inside the oven.
Final thoughts
A cast iron skillet is an essential kitchen companion for those seeking a healthy and non-toxic cooking experience. However, learning how to clean a cast iron skillet may seem daunting. At first! It is not complicated, I promise! Following a few easy steps will help you take proper care of it and maintain its longevity. On top of that, cast iron skillets develop a better seasoning over time, making cooking and taking care of it even more satisfying!
