How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet

Cast iron skillets are a kitchen essential for any home cook. They can help with anything from perfectly seared steaks to decadent cakes and roasted vegetables. No matter what you choose to cook in your cast iron pan, however, cleaning it can be a challenge, as you’ll want to use as little water as possible to combat any rusting and clean the skillet while it’s still hot. (It all sounds a bit counterintuitive, we know.)

Though at first an intimating task, it’s actually quite easy to learn how to clean a cast iron skillet after use. As long as you follow the right steps, you’ll have a clean pan that’s ready to use again and again for years to come.

How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet

Gather Your Supplies

There are just a few simple household items you need to clean a cast iron skillet: paper towels, a soft sponge with an abrasive side, and oil that can take high heat, like avocado oil.

Clean the Pan

Put the skillet in your sink and put some hot water on the cooking surface. Use the sponge to loosen up any burnt-on bits and get any excess oil or spices off of the skillet. Do not use soap on a cast iron skillet because it may strip away the seasoning.

Dry and Oil the Skillet

After washing, you will want to completely dry the skillet to ensure no water is left behind. Water is the enemy of cast iron and will cause the skillet to rust. Use a paper towel and a small amount of oil to reseal the skillet. This is best done while the pan is still hot so the oil can get down into the pores of the cast iron and not just sit on top. Buff away any excess oil with a new paper towel.

Put the Skillet Away

After the skillet is clean, place it on your stovetop or cutting board to allow it to cool down the rest of the way. Once cool, store it in a dry space.

The Fastest Way to Remove Rust From Cast Iron

Now, if you didn’t follow the above steps and ended up with a rusty skillet, here’s the fastest way to remove rust from a cast iron. While you normally want to avoid scrubbing a cast iron so as not to strip it of oil, in this scenario, you’ll want to go ahead and scrub the rust off with a tough sponge or steel wool, as well a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. (If you’ve got time, let the skillet soak in that solution for a couple of hours first.)

After scrubbing, it’s very important to “re-season” the skillet immediately, which will help restore the pan’s necessary oils. To re-season a cast iron, preheat your oven to 350ºF. Cover the pan (handle and all) in a nice coat of oil and place the pan upside down in the middle rack of the oven. (Put a baking sheet or aluminum foil beneath to catch any oil drips.) Bake the pan like that for an hour. Turn off the oven and leave the pan in there to cool.