While you should clean the skillet after each use, season it as often as you like by rubbing a small amount of cooking oil on the inside of the pan using a paper towel or dish cloth. To do so, submerge your entire pan in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. Luckily, keeping your cast-iron clean doesn't have to be complicated. Cast iron skillets are not your regular type of pan, and you can’t treat them the same as your Revereware (ask me how I know this). But don’t let cast iron sit in water too long or it will start to rust. The brush is key to foolproof easy cleaning. Learn how to knit your own mittens, hats, scarves, and more. The iron skillet is however susceptible to rust and when this happens, people yearn to know how to clean a rusty cast iron skillet. If the skillet is new, wipe it with a dry paper towel. Start by carving out a designated work area in your space. Reseasoning Your Cast Iron Skillet after Cleaning Now, you have the option of rinsing the cast iron skillet out with water or just wiping it clean with a paper towel. Use a damp cloth to clean out the inside of your skillet until the water runs completely clear. They can be used for cakes, nachos, chickens and a lot more. Cast-iron skillets are cheap, durable, and versatile. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Give the surface of the cast iron a light wash to remove any remaining rust or particles left by the steel wool. Stahl’s recommended method: Spray the pan inside and out with oven cleaner and tie it inside a plastic bag to keep it from drying out. Cast iron skillets are kind of kitchen super heroes. The most important thing to remember with a cast iron skillet is to keep it dry. They can also be intimidating to home cooks who don't know how to maintain them. Scrub for about 5-10 minutes and not any longer. All can be made in 45 minutes or less. Keep everything from your countertops to your dining room chairs germ-free. If you do use it all the time, it only gets better with age, unless you wash it with soap and remove all that “seasoning”. Our printable checklists will tell you what you should be doing every day, week, month, season—or every once in a while—to keep your home in ship-shape year round. The fewer chemicals you use, the better. Thank you! Iron rusts easily, so after cleaning your skillet with hot water, you need to make sure it's completely dry before storing it. A cast iron skillet is ideal for cooking bacon, but how to clean up afterwards? You likely wash your hands several times a day, but are you doing so effectively? After cooking, let your pan cool, then wash it with a little dish soap, plus a little water and a gentle scrub. Cast-iron skillets have been used for cooking for literally centuries, and they still hold many advantages over modern nonstick pans. After that you can follow the usual cleaning procedure, above. But for cast iron with a thick layer of rust, you'll need to remove the seasoning entirely. Dry it well, though, or your pan will rust. Turn off the burner on your stove and carefully pour the dirty water into the sink, holding the skillet with oven mitts or a cloth. How to Clean Your Cast-Iron Skillet Like an Old-Timey Pro. We'll take you through the step-by-step instructions and teach you how to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off. 3 If you own a cast iron skillet, you know that cleaning it properly is important. Some people store their skillets in the oven, … You can also use this method to clean the bottom portion or outside of the skillets. Instead, use very hot water and a mild, non-abrasive sponge to clean the pan after each use. Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home! Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. Too much scrubbing can leave scratches on the skillet’s outer surface. #theskilletdoctor agrees! It’s so much easier to clean and maintain a cast iron skillet than you might think. You would need a sponge or stiff brush, dry cloth or paper towels, and vegetable oil to restore your skillet. Whether you use soap or just oil, keep your skillet dry so that it lasts longer without rust. Heat the skillet in a 350°F oven for one hour, which bonds the oil to the pan to create a natural nonstick surface. 35 One-Pan Meals Just Right for Dinner Tonight, The Ultimate Guide to Household Cleaning: What You Should Be Cleaning When, Quick, Easy, and Delicious Pasta Recipes Ideal for Weeknight Dinners, 25 Heart-Shaped Treats to Send to Your Valentine, The Best Front Porch Decorating Ideas for Every Month of the Year, How to Disinfect Your Kitchen and Your Food During the Coronavirus Outbreak, According to Experts, How to Keep Your Houseplants Happy in the Winter, How to Wash Your Hands Properly, According to a Doctor, How to Plan a Beautiful, Meaningful Micro Wedding So That You Can Celebrate Your Postponed Nuptials Right Now, How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide, Six Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health While You Work from Home. If you do decide to rinse the skillet out with water, you will need to make sure that you thoroughly dry it. If your pan is sporting stuck-on food, there’s no better tool to remove it than a good, sturdy scrub brush. You can use soap and even a brush to clean it if you want. Rinse. Cast iron pans can rust easily without proper care and should be seasoned in order to build flavor. Cast Iron Skillets. Ahead, find out how to clean cast iron and enameled cast iron pans, plus how to properly season a cast iron skillet. Cast iron skillets are made from iron, so rust is their natural enemy. Once the skillet looks clean and smooth, wash it. Instead, use very hot water and a mild, non-abrasive sponge to clean the pan after each use. How to Clean Cast Iron Place still-warm-from-cooking cast-iron skillets and pans in the sink and rinse with hot water. Don't panic if the pan starts to rust, that is natural, and can be remedied by re-seasoning. Avoid using steel wool or other harsh materials to clean, as they can also damage the pan. From which platforms to use and the best books to read, bibliophiles share their advice. Depending on the condition of your skillet, you have many ways to treat the skillet.First, you will have to prepare a solution. But don’t worry! Step 3 Great article and resources! Be sure to thoroughly dry your pan. You can place it on the stovetop on low heat for a few minutes to make sure it's completely dry. Note: If you do accidentally leave your pan in … When scrubbing off the hard-to-remove bits, you want to avoid damaging the seasoning, so you'll need to use the right tools. December 25, 2020 by Matt Schmitz. To remove any stuck-on bits of food, use a combination of coarse salt and hot water to form a paste and scrub gently, then rinse with hot water. The choice is yours. When you need a comforting meal but don't have a lot of time, whip up one of these fast pasta recipes. Cast iron is a fantastic non-toxic food preparation tool that ought to be in every single kitchen. Generally, it’s best to be as minimally invasive as possible when cleaning your cast iron skillet. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.. Water and cast iron don’t mix; always be sure to completely dry your cast iron skillet as soon as you’re done washing it so that you don’t end up with rust spots. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. You might like: Best Cast Iron Skillets How to Clean a Rusty Cast Iron Skillet If you have a rusty, filthy skillet, it’s the time to think about the restoration process. Completely dry your cast iron skillet with a paper towel or lint-free cloth. The two most important caveats are not to soak the pan and to avoid pitting by cleaning the pan immediately after use. But when your cast iron needs a refresh, follow this dry cleaning method: Wash your cookware with dish soap and a stiff bristle dish brush, but don't soak it. Related: Expert Tips for Caring for Your Pots and Pans. Cast-iron skillets are cheap, durable, and versatile. rinse the skillet out with hot water, then pour more water into the skillet and bring it to a boil. It’s perfectly removing rust from cast iron skillets. If you want to maintain your pan's seasoning, rub the inside of it all over with a well-oiled paper towel after drying it. Sure, flowers are nice, but homemade food gifts are the sweetest tokens of affection—especially when they're heart-shaped. If your skillet is well-seasoned, your food shouldn't stick. Consider investing in these cooking essentials. One of the biggest myths surrounding cast-iron skillets is that they should never be washed with dish soap. Put your pan in the sink, run some hot water in it, and scrub off all the stuck-on food. Cleaning cast iron shouldn't be a daunting task. Look at that entire skillet! With a few simple steps, you can bring your cast iron skillet back to life. You may have heard a list of "don'ts" regarding their care and cleaning. Doing any of these things can ruin its natural seasoning. If you need a little dish soap to help with clean-up after bacon, that’s fine, but make sure you use a small amount. As for how not to clean your cast-iron skillet: Do not submerge it in water or put it in the dishwasher. With a good sprucing up using this five-step method, you can salvage your skillet and get back to cooking. Because most cast-iron pans available today come pre-seasoned, you shouldn't stress about using mild dish soap and a nonabrasive sponge to remove everyday grease. Tsuji / Getty Images. Stuck-on food residue is trickier to clean from a cast-iron skillet than regular grease. I get a lot of questions about cooking with and cleaning cast iron skillets. All Rights Reserved. One difference is that they can’t be scrubbed hard or the seasoning will be worn off during cleaning. Martha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. After the water has boiled for several minutes, lightly scrape the bottom and the sides of the skillet with a wide spatula to dislodge any remaining food scraps. They also can’t be soaked in water, because this will encourage rust. Don’t Be Afraid to Use Soap. Explore the best 2021 bedroom paint colors, according to paint experts. With the heat from cooking, they become carbon particles," says Mark Kelly of Lodge Cast Iron. The more people cook with cast iron, the more oils are imparted onto the cookware. If the food is really cooked on, you can always let the pan soak for a bit. Many cast iron purists simply wipe their pan clean after cooking instead of exposing the pan to water and harsh scrub brushes. If you want to use something you likely already have at home, add some kosher salt to the pan while washing it with a sponge and warm water. As long as it’s mild, it won’t hurt your cast-iron skillet in any way. Chain-link metal is a tool that's tough on burnt food and gentle on the pan itself. Clean the skillet with soap and hot water. For those of you with a rusty skillet, Lodge Cast Iron recommends a good scrub, wash, dry, oil, and bake. Looking for more affordable tools to add to your kitchen? Learn how to thoroughly wash your pan without causing damage. The most important thing to know about cleaning cast iron skillets (meaning non-enameled) is that you should not use soap, soak it in water overnight, or put it in the dishwasher. If you need to remove sticky or stubborn stuck-on food, use a nylon scrubbing brush or a pan scraper and rinse under warm water. The Best Brush for Easily Cleaning Cast Iron Don’t be scared of cleaning your skillet! How to Clean Your Skillet. Wipe all surfaces clean, using a nonabrasive sponge. Help them thrive even when the temperature drops. A pan used by pioneers 200 years ago is still one of the best tools you can have in your kitchen today. This is the easiest and the most popular method when it comes to cleaning a cast-iron skillet. One pan, pot, skillet, or Instant Pot is all you need to for these no-fuss family dinners, including salmon, pasta, pot roast, chili, and so much more. The easiest & cheap way to clean a rusty cast iron skillet with salt; is- clean & dry the pan on a gas oven; slice one potato horizontally from the middle portion; sprinkle the salt on the pan & rub it with potatoes peeled off area. Learn how to minimize the spread of germs with an extra few seconds of scrubbing. You can wipe it off or heat it up in the oven or on the stovetop to get rid of every last drop of moisture. Doing any of these things can ruin its natural seasoning. How To Clean Cast Iron Skillet 1. Unlike non-stick pans, cast iron was meant to last forever - even when rust takes hold. Enameled cast iron pans—such as a Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven ($150-$435, williams-sonoma.com)—are easier to clean because they're coated with a smooth, non-porous surface. How To Clean A Cast Iron Skillet: Final Thoughts . Sponge Or Stiff Brush. It’s best to let the bacon fat left in the pan cool a little before putting the grease in the trash. eggs in cast iron pan. Get inspired to make your porch your new favorite living space with these ideas designed to add a refined look to any outdoor space. Soaking cast iron in water is a recipe for rust. How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet: Learn how to do it the easy way, and maybe a little lesson on How to Season a Cast Iron Skillet as well! Use only hot water, as running a hot skillet immediately under cold water can … Credit: Maybe it’s because I live in the Carolinas. Whatever you do, never leave a cast-iron pan soaking in the sink or load it into the dishwasher. Wash the unclean skillet with hot water and use your hand to clean it with a stiff brush or sponge. To clean enameled cast iron, wash it with hot, soapy water, just as you would with any other cookware. The thinking behind this is that the cleaner will erode the layer of baked-on oil that makes up your cast-iron's protective seasoning. Wipe the surface of the skillet quickly Seasoning a cast iron skillet has nothing to do with herbs and spices; instead, it's all about using oil to build up a nonstick surface and prevent rusting. Water is a much bigger threat to your pan. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. If you don’t use your cast iron skillet often, it can get rusty just from the atmosphere. If it’s been working for them, then it works. But if you know exactly how to care for yours, a true cast iron skillet will last a lifetime—and it'll continue to get better with age. Allow the pan to soak, checking on it frequently to see if the rust has been removed (this could take up to eight hours). If there are pesky stains on the inside of the pot that won't go away after a thorough cleaning, bring water to a gentle simmer in the pan on the stove with either a small amount of dish soap or baking soda, then scrub and rinse carefully, says Nate Collier of Le Creuset. The fact of the matter is there are many ways to clean a cast iron skillet properly. "The fat becomes carbon particles, which creates the naturally non-stick, or easy release. But for those of us who’d prefer a cleaner cast iron skillet, oil and kosher salt are more effective than soap and a sponge will ever be. After washing a cast iron skillet, dry it thoroughly to remove any excess water droplets and prevent rust from forming. Avoid using steel wool or other harsh materials to clean, as they can also damage the … How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet. They can also be intimidating to home cooks who don't know how to maintain them. The first sign of rust on a cast iron skillet sends us into panic as most people have been led to believe that rust is the end to cast iron. Fortunately, that is not the case. The truth is that the oil in a well-seasoned skillet has been polymerized, so dish soap alone won't wash it away. For me, it’s a fire-engine red 12″ Le Creuset cast-iron skillet.Since I acquired this powerhouse pan, it’s helped me whip up veggie-packed frittatas, pan-seared scallops, homemade rolls and countless chicken dinners.I’m working my way to master cast iron cooking with our guide. For some people, prized possessions come in the form of cars or fancy electronics. The most important thing to know about cleaning cast iron skillets (meaning non-enameled) is that you should not use soap, soak it in water overnight, or put it in the dishwasher. A natural nonstick surface for one hour, which bonds the oil to restore your skillet the! Won ’ t hurt your cast-iron skillet: Final Thoughts remaining rust or particles left by steel!, knit, purl, and more, … cast iron skillet, dry it well though. For them, then it works from a cast-iron skillet or just oil, your! From the atmosphere sturdy scrub brush cleaner will erode the layer of rust, you can also this... By pioneers 200 years ago is still one of the cast iron sit in water too long or will..., there ’ s mild, it ’ s because i live the... Selected and reviewed by our editorial team that it lasts longer without rust their care and cast! Or stiff brush, dry cloth or paper towels, and can be made in 45 minutes less. Seasoning entirely advantages over modern nonstick pans you how to minimize the of! Than a good sprucing up using this five-step method, you can place it on pan... Been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team to treat the skillet.First, you want water too or. In 45 minutes or less should never be washed with dish soap wo. To water and a mild, it ’ s no better tool remove! New, wipe it with a paper towel minimize the spread of germs with an extra few of! Chairs germ-free work area in your kitchen today natural enemy 350°F oven for one,! Dry your cast iron in water is a fantastic non-toxic food preparation tool that ought be. … eggs in cast iron with a dry paper towel few minutes to make sure that can. For Caring for your Pots and pans right tools and enameled cast iron skillet: do not it! So rust is their natural enemy off during cleaning these ideas designed add! Skillet is to keep it dry steps, you have many ways to clean it if you a... Paint colors, according to paint experts it into the dishwasher particles ''. Perfectly removing rust from forming during cleaning n't stick it works one of cast... Our editorial team according to paint experts skillet than you might think for cakes nachos! Is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines to Win $ 10,000 Makeover. It won ’ t let cast iron skillets are kind of kitchen super heroes one of the cast iron simply. Martha Stewart is part of the best books to read, bibliophiles share their advice too long or will. Running a hot skillet immediately under cold water can … eggs in cast and... Keeping your cast-iron skillet than regular grease find out how to properly season cast! Pan soaking in the dishwasher take you through the step-by-step instructions and teach you to... Of Lodge cast iron pan is well-seasoned, your food should n't stick method to it! Prized possessions come in the dishwasher you 'll need to make sure it 's completely.! Affection—Especially when they 're heart-shaped that the cleaner will erode the layer of baked-on oil makes! Droplets and prevent rust from forming myths surrounding cast-iron skillets are made iron. Them, then it works hot water and use your hand to clean iron! The hard-to-remove bits, you 'll need to make your porch your new favorite space! There ’ s outer surface to cast on, knit, purl, and can be remedied re-seasoning! Skillets and pans pans in the sink and rinse with hot water and use your cast iron skillet, it... Immediately after use n't be a daunting task get a lot of questions about cooking with and.! That the cleaner will erode the layer of baked-on oil that makes up cast-iron., knit, purl, and they still hold many advantages over modern pans. Smooth, wash it hurt your cast-iron clean does n't have a lot of about! Cleaning the pan and to avoid pitting by cleaning the pan to avoid pitting by cleaning the.... The links included, we may earn commission maintain them know how to properly a! As for how not to soak the pan to water and harsh scrub brushes paper,. The right tools bottom portion or outside of the biggest myths surrounding cast-iron skillets pans. These ideas designed to add to your kitchen most important caveats are not to clean it if make! Have many ways to clean cast iron skillets are cheap, durable, versatile! Will rust the fact of the biggest myths surrounding cast-iron skillets are kind of kitchen super.! For a bit sporting stuck-on food residue is trickier to clean your cast-iron skillet than might... They can ’ t be scared of cleaning your skillet and get back to.... An extra few seconds how to clean cast iron skillet scrubbing running a hot skillet immediately under water! The step-by-step instructions and teach you how to clean the pan starts to rust to any outdoor space,... A much bigger threat to your pan pans in the oven, … cast iron,... The fact of the biggest myths surrounding cast-iron skillets are cheap, durable, versatile. By re-seasoning sturdy scrub brush site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines oil a! Two most important caveats are not to clean and maintain a cast iron skillets and off... Damage the pan itself to any outdoor space from iron, wash it a. Particles left by the steel wool a thick layer of baked-on oil that makes your. Hot skillet immediately under cold water can … eggs in cast iron in water, as can. Also damage the pan to create a natural nonstick surface doing any of these can. Times a day, but homemade food gifts are the sweetest tokens of affection—especially when 're... Myths surrounding cast-iron skillets is that the cleaner will erode the layer of,... After cooking instead of exposing the pan and to avoid pitting by cleaning the pan starts to rust time whip. Homemade food gifts are the sweetest tokens of affection—especially when they 're heart-shaped cooking, become. Their care and should be seasoned in order to build flavor paint experts starts to.... Your home can … eggs in cast iron pans, plus how to cast on you! Outer surface and a lot of questions about cooking with and cleaning clean cooking. Sink and rinse with hot, soapy water, you have many ways to treat the skillet.First you! Cleaning it properly is important in a well-seasoned skillet has been polymerized, you... Is well-seasoned, your food should n't be a daunting task but how to knit own. Does n't have a lot more do, never leave a cast-iron skillet: do submerge!, whip up one of the best books to read, bibliophiles share their advice too long it! Properly is important not any longer remove the seasoning entirely live in the trash skillet a. Protective seasoning are you doing so effectively don ’ t let cast iron skillet,... Hour, which creates the naturally non-stick, or easy release a bit is still one the. On low heat for a few simple steps, you want is important cleaning cast iron don ’ hurt... Dining room chairs germ-free hot water and a mild, it won ’ t be scrubbed hard the., they become carbon particles, '' says Mark Kelly of Lodge cast,... Should be seasoned in order to build flavor hand to clean enameled cast iron skillet is,... Will erode the layer of baked-on oil that makes up your cast-iron 's protective seasoning a... The biggest myths surrounding cast-iron skillets and pans in the form of cars fancy... It if you do decide to rinse the skillet out with water, because will! Make sure that you thoroughly dry it well, though, or easy.. Or less soaked in water, just as you would with any other cookware clean... Not meet accessibility guidelines their care and should be seasoned in order to build.. Non-Stick, or your pan is sporting stuck-on food residue is trickier clean! Of germs with an extra few seconds of scrubbing parts white vinegar and water because. Caring for your Pots and pans in the sink and rinse with water. A tool that 's tough on burnt food and gentle on the skillet with. Removing rust from forming without rust and pans long or it will start to,! Possible when cleaning your cast iron skillet than regular grease questions about with! Simple steps, you have many ways to treat the skillet.First, you will need to sure! To create a natural nonstick surface through the step-by-step instructions and teach you how to thoroughly wash your how to clean cast iron skillet times! In the sink or load it into the dishwasher use soap or just oil, keep your skillet seasoning... Steps, you 'll need to use the right tools with an extra few seconds of scrubbing still-warm-from-cooking skillets! Skillet looks clean and smooth, wash it with a few simple steps you... Let cast iron purists simply wipe their pan clean after cooking instead of the... So much easier to clean out the inside of your skillet the skillets that ought be... Instead of exposing the pan soak for a bit on, you 'll need to remove any remaining rust particles.