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Learning how to clean and maintain a cast iron skillet can feel intimidating, but it’s really quite simple! Learn everything you need to know about how to clean a cast iron skillet in this easy tutorial for beginners.
I get a lot of questions about how I clean my cast iron skillets. There are a lot of different opinions circulating about how to care for cast iron.
A well-seasoned skillet develops a rich, dark patina over time that makes it non-stick, but it still needs regular care to stay in good condition.
If you are new to cast iron, don’t be intimidated! I’ll get you filled in on all the dos and don’ts of cleaning cast iron.
I use my cast iron skillet every single day. It’s used to make everything from whole grain pancakes to cast iron chicken drumsticks and even desserts, such as a deep dish chocolate chip cookies!
Over the years, I’ve figured out a simple, streamlined way to clean my skillets each day so they are ready to use for years to come.
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need
- A rag or a scrub brush: I usually use a rag, but this is up to your preference.
- Dish soap: If your skillet is particularly dirty, you can use a couple of drops of mild dish soap if you want (yes, this is allowed!).
- Kitchen towel: You want to make sure your skillet is dry before putting it on the burner to prevent rust and save time cooking off the excess water.
- Oil: I use avocado oil. You can use any vegetable oil with a high smoke point.
How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet
Step 1. Wash the skillet with warm water and a scrub brush or rag. If needed, you can use a few drops of mild dish soap and a soft bristle brush.
Step 2. Once clean, dry it thoroughly.
Step 3. Return the skillet to the burner and heat it for about 30 seconds, just until the water evaporates.
Step 4. Once the skillet is dry, make sure it’s not hot to the touch, then apply a few drops of vegetable oil to the interior, spreading it evenly with a clean paper towel or cloth. I usually use a dedicated cloth for this, so I don’t have to use a paper towel every time.
Important Notes for Cast Iron Care
- Never soak cast iron or put it in the dishwasher — both can strip away the seasoning and lead to rust.
- Avoid abrasive scrubbers like steel wool that can damage the surface. Chainmail is okay to use occasionally.
- I always make sure my skillet is completely dry before storing it to prevent any chance of rust.
Expert Tips
- Allow the skillet to cool down before handling. They can retain their heat for some time after cooking.
- Avoid using your favorite cleaning cloths to rub the skillet with oil, because it can stain them. I personally have a dedicated cloth for oiling my skillet. You can also use a paper towel.
- If food is stuck, I use a little coarse salt to gently scrub the surface without damaging the seasoning.
- If needed, you can simmer water in your cast iron skillet for a few minutes to loosen stuck-on food, then scrub it once it is cool enough to handle. Don’t leave water to sit in the skillet for more than a few minutes.
- Don’t worry if you notice rust on your cast iron skillet. I go into what to do depending on the severity of rust in my tutorial on how to clean rust off of cast iron.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contrary to popular belief, using soap on a well-seasoned cast iron is completely fine from time to time. In fact, Lodge’s official cleaning guide says its okay. I personally use a bit of soap only on occasions when the skillet needs a deeper clean. Be sure to avoid soaking it in soapy water or using large amounts of soap after every use.
Yes, I clean my cast iron after every use to prevent food buildup, sticking, and uneven cooking.
That depends on how often you use it and how well you maintain it. If you notice food sticking to the cast iron skillet, it’s probably time to season it again. Washing the skillet properly and rubbing in a layer of oil, as this tutorial advises, will help you avoid having to season it often! You can learn how to season cast iron in my instructional post.
Avoid using harsh abrasives, such as steel wool. A rag or soft-bristled scrub brush is typically all you need. You can use salt or a chainmill scrubber for especially crusted-on food. Skip the harsh cleaners, too; water and a few drops of gentle soap will get it clean without harming the seasoning.
More Cast Iron Care Tutorials
- How To Season A Cast Iron Skillet
- The Best Oil to Season Cast Iron
- How to Season a Cast Iron Skillet Without an Oven
- How to Wash Enameled Cast Iron
If you tried this tutorial on how to clean a cast iron skillet or any other tutorial on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet
Equipment
- Scrub brush or rag
- Soap (optional)
- Kitchen towel
- Vegetable oil plus a rag or paper towel
Instructions
- Wash the skillet with warm water and a scrub brush or rag. If needed, you can use a few drops of mild dish soap and a soft bristle brush. Once clean, dry it thoroughly.
- Return the skillet to the burner and heat it for about 30 seconds, just until the water evaporates.
- Once the skillet is dry, make sure it's not hot to the touch, then apply a few drops of vegetable oil to the interior, spreading it evenly with a clean paper towel or cloth. I usually use a dedicated cloth for this, so I don't have to use a paper towel every time.
Notes
- Never soak cast iron or put it in the dishwasher — both can strip away the seasoning and lead to rust.
- Avoid abrasive scrubbers like steel wool that can damage the surface. Chainmail is okay to use occasionally.
- I always make sure my skillet is completely dry before storing it to prevent any chance of rust.
- Allow the skillet to cool down before handling. They can retain their heat for some time after cooking.
- Avoid using your favorite cleaning cloths to rub the skillet with oil, because it can stain them. I personally have a dedicated cloth for oiling my skillet. You can also use a paper towel.
- If food is stuck, I use a little coarse salt to gently scrub the surface without damaging the seasoning.
- If needed, you can simmer water in your cast iron skillet for a few minutes to loosen stuck-on food, then scrub it once it is cool enough to handle. Don’t leave water to sit in the skillet for more than a few minutes.
This is the best tutorial I have found for cleaning cast iron skillets. I will definitely bookmark this article!
Thank you so much!