How To Clean A Cast Iron Skillet

Do you own a cast iron skillet?

If you don’t, you should!

Before I get into how to clean this amazing kitchen tool I would like to share with you some of the health benefits of cooking with cast iron pans.

  • A cast iron skillet that is well-seasoned is naturally non-stick, which makes them a chemical free alternative to non-stick pans.
  • They are extremely easy to clean and they are inexpensive (around $25.00 depending on the size).
  • Because they are so darn heavy they keep their heat and have a more even cooking temperature than most other pans.
  • They need less oil when cooking.
  • Using a cast iron skillet naturally fortifies food with iron (which most women are in need of).
  • They last for decades (I’m currently using my Nonna’s).

You might be thinking at this point, is there a down side to cast iron?  No, as long as it is properly taken care of.  You can’t stick it in the dish washer.  You shouldn’t even use soap on it.  Just hot water and some coconut or vegetable oil.

If you happen to have a cast iron pan that hasn’t been loved in a while, here is how you get it back to tip top shape!  It makes a bit of a mess so I suggest putting down some newspaper and doing it outside.

how-to-clean-a-cast-iron-skillet

What you need: Course salt, vegetable oil and a potato.

With 2 racks in the oven, place a piece of foil large enough to cover the skillet on the bottom rack.  Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees.

Cut the potato in half.  Add a handful of course salt into the skillet.  Using a circular motion, rub the potato cut side down on the pan.  Once the salt gets really dirty throw that salt out and start over again with clean salt and the other half of the potato.  Continue until your skillet is as clean as possible.

how-to-clean-a-cast-iron-skillet

Once it is clean, rinse with water and pat dry.  Place the skillet on a burner on top of the stove over high heat to make sure the skillet is completely dry.  When the skillet has cooled to the touch, place a small amout of oil into the bottom of the skillet.  With a paper towel, spread the oil around so it completely covers the whole skillet.

Now place your skillet upside down on the top rack of your pre-heated oven for 1 1/2 hours.  Onced cooled, remove from oven and wipe out any excess oil.  You have now successfully seasoned a cast iron skillet that you will be cooking with for years to come.

 

I have just the thing to make in your newly seasoned skillet Cast Iron Pan Pizza.

how to clean a cast iron skillet

Now to keep it seasoned, never, never use soap to clean it.  Hot water and a stiff brush.  I always add a little oil to the inside of the skillet before I put it away.

If you don’t have a cast iron skillet you can get one here.

 

*This post contains affiliate links.

Until next Time…

XOXO

15 comments

    • Its All About The Yummy says:

      The only reason I wouldn’t use olive oil is because of the flavor olive oil might leave. Vegetable oil has no taste and that is why I use it. Coconut oil would be a good choice also. The main thing is just keeping it lightly oiled so it does not rust.

      Reply
  6. Cori says:

    I do and I love it so much! I got it a long time ago but never used it because I was too afraid of cooking with i but wow it is amazing.

    Reply
  10. Ali Rost says:

    Thank-you so much .. I needed to read this! I have 3 cast-iron pans that need cleaning. I keep telling myself I’ll look up a tutorial .. and haven’t yet. Great post

    Reply
  12. Kimberly @ Berly's Kitchen says:

    I love my cast iron pans. Thanks for the cleaning information! Always looking for ways to keep them looking good.

    Reply

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