How To Clean a Cast Iron Skillet (With Steps To Season)

ByChristopher Posted on Updated on

Wondering how to clean a cast iron skillet without ruining it? This easy step-by-step guide covers everything from cleaning to seasoning—no rust, no drama.

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I still remember the exact moment I became emotionally attached to cast iron cookware. It was during a busy Saturday night shift at a cozy little bistro in Quebec City (yes, I used to serve tables before I started developing recipes full-time!). The head chef, a seasoned culinary genius with zero tolerance for shortcuts, casually mentioned he’d been using the same cast iron skillet for over 15 years. It was jet-black, perfectly seasoned, and looked like something you’d see on a magazine cover. I asked him what his secret was, and he gave me a masterclass in how to clean a cast iron skillet—the proper way.

Fast forward to today, I’m now a recipe developer for major food brands and a lifestyle and entertaining expert, and I still use that same method every time I cook with cast iron. After hundreds (maybe thousands) of meals, I can confidently say this routine works. So whether you’ve just picked up your first Lodge skillet or you’re trying to revive your grandmother’s pan from the depths of rust, I’ve got you covered.

What You’ll Learn in This Post

This guide includes:

  • How to clean cast iron after everyday cooking
  • What not to do (please don’t use dish soap like it’s a regular nonstick pan)
  • How to handle burnt-on bits or rust
  • How to season your pan like a pro
  • How to store your skillet so it lasts for generations

Why I Love Cast Iron Cookware

Besides the fact that cast iron pans last forever and cook evenly, they just feel like home. They’re rustic, durable, and age like fine wine—if you treat them well. And because I believe in slow living, simple ingredients, and making your everyday routines more beautiful, I see my cast iron skillet as a daily companion in the kitchen.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what I keep on hand for cast iron cleaning:

  • Coarse kosher salt (or use a chainmail scrubber if you’re fancy)
  • Warm water (never cold or ice water on a hot pan!)
  • A paper towel or clean dishcloth
  • A tiny bit of cooking oil (I use vegetable oil or avocado oil)
  • An oven or stovetop for seasoning

Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet

Step 1: Clean Immediately After Cooking

Let the pan cool slightly (but not completely), then rinse with warm water. If there’s stuck-on food, scrub it gently with salt or a brush made for cast iron cookware—skip the soap if possible.

Step 2: Dry It Completely

Use a clean paper towel to dry it thoroughly. No water droplets should remain. If you’re extra like me, place it over low heat on the stove for a minute to remove every last bit of moisture.

Step 3: Re-season with Oil

Once the pan is dry, rub a small amount of vegetable oil all over the surface—inside and out. Use a clean paper towel to wipe off the excess. It should look glossy, not greasy.

Step 4: Store Properly

Store your iron skillet in a dry place. You can layer a paper towel between stacked pans to protect the seasoning.

How to Handle a Rusty or Burnt-On Pan

If you left your skillet wet (it happens!), or it’s covered in gunk from years of neglect, don’t panic.

Here’s what to do:

  • For serious rust, use steel wool and then re-season as if it’s brand new
  • Scrub it with a mixture of coarse salt and oil
  • Rinse and repeat if necessary

How to Season a Cast Iron Skillet (If It Needs a Full Reset)

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F
  2. Rub a thin layer of oil over the entire pan
  3. Place it upside down on a baking sheet (to catch drips)
  4. Bake for 1 hour
  5. Let it cool in the oven

Repeat this process 2–3 times if your skillet is in rough shape.

Expert Tips for Cast Iron Care

  • Never soak your skillet—iron + water = rust
  • Avoid using soap regularly; it can strip the seasoning
  • Don’t cook acidic foods (like tomatoes) until the pan is well-seasoned
  • Wipe with oil after each use to keep that glossy finish
  • Use your skillet often—the more you use it, the better it performs

FAQs

Can I use soap on cast iron?
Mild soap is okay in small amounts, but skip it when possible to protect the seasoning.

How do I clean a cast iron skillet with burnt-on food?
Use kosher salt and a little water to scrub, or simmer some water in the skillet to loosen the food.

Can I put my cast iron skillet in the dishwasher?
Hard no. This will strip the seasoning and potentially cause rust.

What oil is best for seasoning?
Neutral oils with high smoke points like vegetable, canola, or flaxseed oil are ideal.

Taking Care of Your Cast Iron Pan

  • Avoid Acidic Foods: Cooking highly acidic foods in your cast iron can strip the seasoning. Use a different cookware for your tomato sauces!
  • Store Properly: Keep your cast iron in a dry place. If stacking with other pans, place a paper towel between them to protect the seasoned surface.
  • Regular Use and Care: Regular use actually improves the season of your cast iron. Each time you cook, you add to the seasoning, so keep cooking!

My Favorite Cast Iron Skillet Recipes

Final Thoughts

Cleaning and caring for cast iron pans isn’t hard—it just takes a little know-how and some love. With these simple steps, your skillet will go from crusty and forgotten to your go-to cooking tool. Whether you’re searing steaks, baking cornbread, or whipping up a weeknight pasta dish, your cast iron skillet will have your back for years to come.

Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll never look back. And if a chef in Quebec City can keep the same skillet going for 15+ years, so can you. 😉

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