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How do I clean my cast iron cookware after use?

There are many opinions concerning the proper way to clean cast iron cookware after use, and the method you choose will depend on your experience using cast iron cookware, how you feel about not using soap to wash a pan after you use it (health concerns), and the time involved.

Cast iron cookware should never be washed in the dishwasher.

Cleaning Without Soap:

Some folks chose not to use soap to clean their cast iron cookware after use because the soap can remove the seasoning, resulting in food sticking and the requirement to re-season it after every use.

After cooking, it can be easily cleaned by putting hot water in it and bringing it to a boil. If you let the water boil for too long, it may break down some of the seasoning and you may have to re-season the pan. Please do not put cold water into real hot cast iron because it could cause it to crack.

Pour out the boiling water (remember the handle will be hot).

Wipe the pan dry with a paper towel.

If something sticks to the cooking surface, you can remove it by scraping it with a spoon or a stiff metal spatula. A plastic scraper made especially for cleaning cookware can be purchased at a kitchen shop. Please don't use an abrasive item to scrub your skillet because that can cause damage to the seasoned surface.

While the pan is till warm from washing, apply a fine coating of oil on all surfaces.

Cleaning With Soap:

Some folks chose to use soap to clean their cast iron cookware after use because they are concerned about the health/safety aspect of cooking in a pan that has not been washed with soap. Also, if the cast iron cookware is not properly seasoned, food may stick to it and scrubbing it with soap may be the preferred method of cleaning. If you use soap to clean your cast iron cookware, it will have to be re-seasoned. The procedure detailed below can be used if the pan was lightly washed with a little soap. If the pan was vigorously scrubbed with a lot of soap, the process for seasoning a new piece of cast iron cookware will be required.

Let the pan cool, and wash it with dish washing soap and hot water. You should not let soapy water sit in the pan for any length of time as this may cause it to rust.

Rinse the pan thoroughly using hot water and dry it with paper towels.

Place the clean, dry pan on a burner on your stove for a couple minutes to make sure all surfaces are absolutely dry.

While the pan is on the burner and still hot, rub a light coat of oil on the inside surfaces. A paper towel works well for this.

Leave the pan on the burner for a few more minutes to allow the oil to soak into the pores of the cast iron.

Remove the pan (remember the handle will be hot).

Wipe off the excess oil with a paper towel.

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