How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet Properly (Step-by-Step Guide)
A well-cared-for cast iron skillet only gets better with time, and the way you clean it has everything to do with that. In this guide, you’ll learn how to clean your skillet after everyday cooking, what to do when food sticks, and how to protect the seasoning so your pan keeps working the way it should!
My cast iron skillet is one of the most used pieces in my kitchen. I reach for it when I’m baking cakes, making Southern hoecakes, or making my favorite dinner recipes. Taking care of it properly is what keeps it reliable year after year! Cleaning cast iron doesn’t take much, but there are a few habits that make a real difference if you want to avoid rust and keep that smooth cooking surface intact.
Follow the steps below and you’ll know exactly what to do every time you clean your cast iron, which tools actually help, and how to handle common problems without undoing all the seasoning you’ve built up!
What You Need to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet
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Sponge or non-abrasive scrubbing brush
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Clean, dry cloth or paper towels
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Vegetable oil or vegetable shortening
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Kosher salt (optional, for stuck-on food)
How to Clean A Cast Iron Skillet
1. Clean it immediately after use
The best time to clean a cast iron skillet is right after cooking while it is still warm. Do not leave it sitting in the sink or soaking in water.
Wipe out any excess food or grease with a paper towel. Rinse the skillet under hot water and scrub gently with a sponge or non-abrasive brush. A stiff brush is fine, just avoid metal scrubbers unless you are dealing with rust.
You can use a small amount of mild dish soap if needed. Occasional soap will not ruin your skillet, but frequent heavy soap use can weaken the seasoning over time.
If food is stuck on, sprinkle kosher salt into the pan and scrub with a damp sponge. For stubborn bits, boiling a little water in the skillet and loosening food with a wooden spatula or pan scraper works well.
2. Dry the skillet completely
Cast iron should never air dry. After washing, towel dry it right away. Then place the skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop for a few minutes to evaporate any remaining moisture.
This step is important. Moisture left behind can lead to rust, even if the pan looks dry.
3. Season the cast iron skillet
This is when you season your cast iron skillet. I have a whole post dedicated to how to right here, but here’s a quick version. You want to apply a light coat (about 1/2 teaspoon) of vegetable oil (I recommend refined ) or melted vegetable shortening to the inside of the skillet, using a cloth or a paper towel. Continue to wipe the skillet’s surface until it’s dark, smooth, and no excess oil residue remains.
You do not need to season your cast iron skillet every time you use it. Wiping it with a little oil after cleaning maintains the seasoning, while a full re-seasoning is only needed if food starts sticking or rust appears!
4. Store it properly
Store cast iron in a dry place. If you stack it with other cookware, place a paper towel inside the skillet to protect the surface and absorb any moisture.
Extra Tips for Long-Lasting Cast Iron
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Avoid cooking acidic foods for long periods until your seasoning is well developed.
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Do not leave cooked food sitting in the skillet overnight.
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If the pan ever feels sticky, it usually means too much oil was applied. Heat it gently and wipe again.
FAQs About Cleaning Cast Iron
How do you remove rust from cast iron?
Rust can be removed using steel wool or a metal scrubber. Scrub until the rust is gone, rinse well, dry thoroughly, and then re-season the skillet. Another option is rubbing the rusted area with half a raw potato and a sprinkle of baking soda. It sounds odd, but it works. Always re-season after removing rust.
Can I put a cast iron skillet in the dishwasher?
No. Dishwashers remove seasoning and expose the skillet to prolonged moisture, which leads to rust.
Can I use steel wool to clean cast iron?
Steel wool should only be used to remove rust or heavy buildup. Regular use will strip the seasoning.
Can I use soap on cast iron?
Yes, a small amount of mild dish soap is fine when needed. If the seasoning dulls, simply oil the skillet after cleaning.
Should I soak a cast iron pan?
No. Soaking cast iron in water will almost always lead to rust.
Wrapping It Up
Cleaning a cast iron skillet is less about special products and more about good habits. Clean it while it is warm, dry it thoroughly, add a light coat of oil, and store it properly. Do that, and your cast iron will stay smooth, nonstick, and ready for years of cooking.
Once you get comfortable with the routine, caring for cast iron becomes quick and easy, and it will reward you every time you use it.
The cast iron skillet’s surface is not as smooth as ceramic pans, and sometimes it is difficult to remove the stuck food from it. So, can I use the dishwasher or metal utensils to clean it?
Hi Nellie, you want to avoid using the dishwasher or steel wool as those will remove the seasonings. I usually boil water in the pan to loosen the food that is stuck, then with salt water scrub it out with a paper towel and rinse.
Hope that helps 🙂