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How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet
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Perfect for the stove, oven or campfire, cast iron cookware is a must for any kitchen because of the great flavors it adds to your dishes. With proper care these cooking tools can last a lifetime.

by Mike Ruiz
153 Likes
2.9k Views
Step 1 of 8
As a general rule, avoid using soap and water when cleaning your cast iron cookware. Not only will it break down the pan's seasoning, but it could also increase the chances of rusting on the metal.

As a general rule, avoid using soap and water when cleaning your cast iron cookware. Not only will it break down the pan's seasoning, but it could also increase the chances of rusting on the metal.

Step 2 of 8
Try to clean your cast iron as soon as you're done using it, so the food won't have a chance to settle and harden. Start with a good sized spoonful of coconut oil and salt, then start scrubbing away.

Try to clean your cast iron as soon as you're done using it, so the food won't have a chance to settle and harden. Start with a good sized spoonful of coconut oil and salt, then start scrubbing away.

Step 3 of 8
The salt and coconut oil combine to form a soft but abrasive paste. Remember, the goal is to remove the food without scraping off the pan's seasoning, so try not to go overboard with heavy scrubbing.

The salt and coconut oil combine to form a soft but abrasive paste. Remember, the goal is to remove the food without scraping off the pan's seasoning, so try not to go overboard with heavy scrubbing.

Step 4 of 8
When the food has been loosened off the pan's surface, use some paper towels to gently wipe away the oil paste. Depending on how much oil you used or how dirty the pan is, this may take a few passes.

When the food has been loosened off the pan's surface, use some paper towels to gently wipe away the oil paste. Depending on how much oil you used or how dirty the pan is, this may take a few passes.

Step 5 of 8
After removing all the salt/oil paste, pour a small amount of olive oil in the bottom of the pan, enough to coat the inside surface. Then use a paper towel to evenly spread the oil around the surface.

After removing all the salt/oil paste, pour a small amount of olive oil in the bottom of the pan, enough to coat the inside surface. Then use a paper towel to evenly spread the oil around the surface.

Step 6 of 8

Optional Step - After oiling your cast iron, put it in the oven for at least an hour at 400-500° F. Doing this helps to cook in the fresh oil and protect areas where the seasoning may have worn off.

Step 7 of 8
When finished oiling (and cooled, if you chose to heat them), store your cast iron cookwares away from dust and moisture, which could lead to rusting.

When finished oiling (and cooled, if you chose to heat them), store your cast iron cookwares away from dust and moisture, which could lead to rusting.

Step 8 of 8

Cast iron skillets, grills and dutch ovens are built to last and get better with time, use and care. Keep yours in good condition and it will provide a great cooking experience for generations.

You're Done!
Start over

This guide was made by:
Mike Ruiz
San Francisco
Follow
Following
I cook, drink, sleep, write and make stuff. Not necessarily in that order.

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K-roc Kennedy

Needed this as well. Much appreciated!

K-roc Kennedy 5 months ago

Jada Edwards

I SOOOOOO needed this guide!! Much appreciated! °\(ッ)/°

Jada Edwards 5 months ago

Madhu Shailesh

I use oatmeal cuz it bloats and absorbs the greasy mess without stripping the seasoning.

Madhu Shailesh last year

Mike Ruiz

Thanks, for the love. I'm glad you find this stuff helpful.

Mike Ruiz (author) last year

Marina Gonzales Piperidis

Super guide!! I love my cast iron skillets but always have a hard time cleaning them because I wait too long. I never tried the salt - thanks for the tips!!

Marina Gonzales Piperidis last year

Mike Ruiz

Hi Edwin, I'm glad you liked the guide. I marked it as optional since it adds at least another hour to the process, but if you have the time to do it, you'll definitely see the difference. But personally, I think you're 100% right

Mike Ruiz (author) last year

Edwin Tofslie

Great tutorial. I almost would say putting it in the oven is almost not optional. It helps a ton.

Edwin Tofslie last year

1 Tough plastic cleaning pad

Coconut oil

Olive oil

1 Roll of Paper Towels

Oven set to 500° F (optional)

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