The cast iron skillet is the kitchen’s little black dress—versatile, timeless, and built to last. Whether you are frying a Spatchcocked Chicken In the oven or cooking Over the campfirea Cast iron skillet always delivers. But then comes the scary part: the cleanup. Do you really need a nine-step cleansing routine, or can you just brush it off and call it a day?
We consulted the experts at Lodge Cast Iron. Cast iron cookware Brand Since 1896To set the record straight and dispel a few common myths.
Myth 1: You should never use soap.
Liar! According to Lodge, a little soap is just fine. While Large amounts of soap While the seasoning can take off, a small amount of mild dish soap won’t hurt your pan. Use warm water and hand wash for best results.
Myth 2: You need a heavy-duty scrubbing pad for stuck-on food
Lie too! Avoid using heavy-duty scrubbing tools like steel wool – they can strip the spice and leave small black spots. While harmless, those bits are far from appetizing. Steel wool should only be used to remove rust before refinishing the pan.
Do not soak the pan. Loosening food, either by leaving it in a bowl of water Rust leadership. Instead, try these lodge-approved methods for removing tough, stuck-on bits:
- While the pan is still hot, use a nylon bristle brush or chainmail scrubber.
- Make a paste using coarse kosher salt and water to gently remove debris.
- Boil some water in the pan to loosen the stuck-on food, then scrape it clean (after it has cooled slightly).
Myth 3: You should dry your pan in the oven or on the stove.
Absolutely not. Lodge Cast Iron’s in-house chef, Chris Stubblefield, recommends drying your cast iron immediately after washing. Here’s how:
“After cleaning, dry your cast iron either with a lint-free cloth, paper towel, or by heating it on the stove or in the oven,” says Stubblefield. “Once your cast iron is thoroughly dry, Apply a thin layer of oil“
Lodge approved cast iron cleaning routine
At the end of the day, a cast iron skillet can last a lifetime — if you take proper care of it. Follow these three. Approved by the Lodge Simple steps:
- to wash: Wash by hand with a small amount of soap and warm water. For stubborn foods, boil water in a pan for 3-5 minutes before scraping, nylon brush, or scrubbing.
- dry: Dry the pan quickly and thoroughly with a towel or by heating it on the stove.
- The oil: After drying, apply a thin layer of high heat oil or spice spray. Wipe off excess oil with a paper towel.
The bottom line
You don’t have to think too much about cleaning your cast iron skillet. Use a little soap if needed, dry it thoroughly, and season it lightly to keep the non-stick surface strong. whatever you do, never Throw it in the dishwasher — and your cast iron will reward you with decades of reliable cooking.