How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet

A cast iron skillet is a great tool to have in the kitchen. These skillets are durable and your food won’t stick to them. They’re a great choice for sears, scrambling, skillet-frying, and even making pizzas. The only drawback to a cast iron skillet is that some people don’t know to how to clean them effectively. Cast iron skillets are different than other types of skillets and also need to be cleaned differently.

The first thing you need to know is to never put your cast iron skillet in the dishwasher. Scrubbing the skillet with salt is the best way to clean it. First, pour one cup of coarse kosher salt into the cast iron skillet while it’s still warm. Next, use a folded kitchen towel to scour the pan.

Pour out the salt and then rinse your skillet with hot water. Use a kitchen towel to dry the skillet immediately, or you can opt to heat it over a medium to low flame to evaporate the moisture from it. Never use soap or steel wool to clean your cast iron skillet. You also don’t want to leave the pan in the sink to soak because it will likely rust.

After the skillet is cleaned and dried, you’ll want to re-season it. Rub a light coat (about one tablespoon) of flaxseed oil onto the cast iron. You can also use vegetable oil or rendered lard. Next heat the pan gently so the oil soaks in and it’s ready to go the next time you use it.

Cooking with a cast iron skillet is best when you have a nice spacious kitchen you can enjoy. Blue Water Kitchens & More can help you discover your new kitchen with several lines of cabinets and countertops to choose from. Call us today at 810-958-3193 for a free design quote.