The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning a Cast Iron Pan

Cleaning your cast iron pan is a breeze! No dishwashers needed. A well-maintained, seasoned pan develops a naturally rust-resistant and nonstick surface. With the right care, this timeless skillet only improves with age. Here’s how to keep your cast iron in perfect condition.

How to Care for Your Cast Iron Frying Pan

To clean, simply use a mild dish soap (yes, it’s perfectly fine to use a little soap!) along with a scouring pad or a cast iron cleaning brush. Wash, scrub, rinse, then dry thoroughly. Finish by applying a light coat of oil and cover the cooking surface with a paper towel before storing.

In addition to soap and a scrubber, you can also use some hot water and a spatula to remove stubborn, burnt food. This method is commonly used by restaurant chefs on flat-top grills, so it’s sure to work for your pan, too.

How to Properly Dry a Cast Iron Pan

Once cleaned and rinsed, prevent rust from coming back with an easy trick: turn the burner to high, place the pan on it, and wait for the water to evaporate. Your cast iron will be practically dry by then.

How to Season Your Cast Iron

Now that it's clean and dry, it's time to season it. Essentially, seasoning means bonding oil to the iron (it’s more complex, but let’s keep it simple). So, forget the science talk and just follow these 2 straightforward steps:

1. Heat your clean cast iron skillet on the stove until it's extremely hot.

2. Drizzle a small amount of canola or flaxseed oil onto a folded paper towel and carefully rub it over the surface of the pan. Never touch the hot pan with your bare hands. Then, wipe off any excess oil with a clean towel—avoid leaving a thick layer or you'll create a sticky, gummy mess. Allow the pan to cool.

And that’s how you season a cast iron pan! Simple, right? NOTE: If you’ve stripped your pan with steel wool and are starting fresh, repeat these steps several times until the pan is smooth and shiny. Don’t overdo the oil, though, or you’ll end up with a gummy surface. For regular upkeep, one round of seasoning should be enough.

How to Care for Your Cast Iron Skillet

If your pan was really rusty, you might need to repeat the heating, oiling, and cooling steps a few times—reseasoning the pan two or three times before it's ready for use. For tips on cleaning rusty cast iron, check out our guide on how to clean a rusty cast iron pan.

What you’ll notice is that each time you clean and season your cast iron—clean it, dry it on the stove, then oil and cool it—your pan will get easier to clean, more non-stick, and less likely to develop rust. It’s true: seasoned cast iron is easier to clean.

Cast Iron Care FAQ

Now that you know how to clean and season your cast iron skillet, let’s dive into answers for some of your most pressing cast iron care questions.

Why is my cast iron pan sticky and gooey?

Using too much oil while seasoning your cast iron pan can cause a sticky, gummy surface. To fix it, wash the pan with soap and hot water to remove the excess oil, then reseason it with just a light, thin layer of oil.

Which oil is best for seasoning my cast iron pan?

Many cast iron enthusiasts recommend flaxseed oil because it creates a durable, smooth finish each time you properly season your pan. However, since flaxseed oil can be quite costly and needs refrigeration, canola oil is often a more affordable and practical alternative.

My new pan says it's already seasoned. Do I still need to season it?

It’s a good idea to add an extra layer of seasoning to your pre-seasoned cast iron pan before using it for the first time. Also, remember to reseason it after each use to maintain the best performance.

Can I season my cast iron pan in the oven?

Absolutely! Many people prefer seasoning their cast iron in the oven. Here’s how: Start by washing and drying your pan. Then, rub a thin coat of vegetable oil onto the inside and outside of the pan with a paper towel. Place the pan upside down in a preheated 350°F oven (place aluminum foil on the bottom rack to catch any drips). Let the pan 'bake' for an hour, then allow it to cool. This is also how to cure a new cast iron pan. After curing, your cast iron is ready for regular use.

Can I soak my cast iron pan in water to loosen up stuck-on food before washing it?

Absolutely not! Soaking your cast iron pan is a big no-no. Instead, heat the pan on the stove with a bit of water and scrape off the food bits with a wooden spatula as it comes to a boil.

Now, Get Cooking!

Seriously, what are you waiting for? This pan is going to be your go-to for eggs, potatoes, cornbread, or pretty much anything you can cook.

Explore our collection of Cast Iron Skillet Recipes.