Cast iron pans are tricky to clean. They should not be washed like your usual pan or skillet. You can’t just throw it in the dishwasher. Cast iron pans have to be cleaned a certain way. Here is a beginner’s guide on how to clean your cast iron pan.
What is the Difference Between Cast Iron Pans and Regular Skillets?
What sets cast iron pans apart from regular pans and skillets is that cast iron pans have added seasoning to the pan. You want to preserve the seasoning on your cast iron pan as much as possible during the cleaning process.
What is the Seasoning on Cast Iron Pans?
The seasoning is a special coating of oil and salt on cast iron pans. This seasoning makes cooking food on cast iron pans taste so much better!
Can I Wash Cast Iron Pans with Soap and Water?
Yes, you can wash cast iron pans with warm water and mild dish liquid soap. However, when you wash your cast iron pan, you are removing the seasoning on the pan. You will need to re-season your cast iron pan. I don’t recommend washing your cast iron pan with soap and water unless there are stubborn stuck-on food that needs to be scraped off.
How to Clean Cast Iron Pans
Here are 3 easy steps for cleaning your cast iron pan.
Step 1: Add salt to your cast iron pan
Add a generous amount of salt to your cast iron pan.
Step 2: Add oil to your cast iron pan
Drizzle cooking oil into your cast iron pan.
Step 3: Rub your cast iron pan with a paper towel
Use the salt to scrub off the food residue.
Step 4: Repeat the steps of adding salt, adding oil, and rubbing the pan.
Repeat the steps of adding salt, adding oil, and rubbing the pan. Keep repeating this step until your cast iron pan is clean.
How to Remove Stubborn Stuck-On Food Residue on Cast Iron Pans
Do you still see stuck-on food residue on your cast iron pan? When it comes to removing stubborn food residue on your cast iron pan, you have two options.
Option 1: Wash Cast Iron Pan with Soap and Water
The first option is to rinse your cast iron pan in warm water and scrub with a small amount of dish liquid soap. Use a scraper to remove stubborn food residue.
Option 2: Simmer Water and Scrape Cast Iron Pan
Your second option is to add a little water to your cast iron pan, and bring it to a simmer. Let it cool, and then use a scraper to scrape off the stubborn food residue.
Dry Cast Iron Pan
Thoroughly dry your cast iron pan after removing the stuck-on food residue. Then you will need to season your cast iron pan.
How to Season Cast Iron Pan
To season your cast iron pan, add salt and oil to your cast iron pan. Rub the salt and oil all over your cast iron pan. You are now seasoning your cast iron pan. Wipe off the salt residue and you are done cleaning your cast iron pan! You don’t need to rinse off the salt. The thin layer of salt is the seasoning that your cast iron pan needs.