How To Clean A Cast Iron Frying Pan

Cleaning and caring for a cast iron frying pan is relatively easy. Just follow these simple tips and you will enjoy cooking with these pans for many years to come.

Frying chicken in a cast iron pan over a gas flame.

Cast iron skillets can be an invaluable piece of equipment in your kitchen. These frying pans are versatile, inexpensive and extremely durable.

Traditionally known as a chicken fryer. This pan can fry chicken that is tender and juicy. These chicken thighs were simply coated with butter and herbs then fried in olive oil. These are easy and delicious.

What Are The Benefits Of Using A Cast Iron Skillet

When I first got married, we were given a new cast iron skillet as a wedding present. I had no idea what I had. This pan was intimidating and I just didn’t like it. I didn’t know how to properly season it and it rusted every time I used it. Foolishly, I donated that pan.

Little did I know, that skillet was a jewel in the rough and years later I would become a devoted fan.

Recently, we purchased a gas stove and I wanted to get the best use from it. It was recommended that I get a cast iron skillet. I did a bit of research because my previous experience with this type of skillet was not particularly good.

This is what I found:

Seasoned skillets are non-stick.
They are tough which means that they can withstand a lot of abuse.
The heat retention is fantastic and it heats evenly.
When properly cared for, these skillets last indefinitely.
They can be used in both the stove and the oven.
Clean up is easy.
Inexpensive and can be bought just about anywhere.
Great for everyday use since it just gets more seasoned as you use it.
High temperatures are no problem especially when using gas stoves.

I now own two of these skillets. A ten inch and a twelve inch. The ten inch gets the most use but there are times when both are on the stovetop cooking away.

A cast iron frying pan with chicken and vegetables.

What Is Seasoning

Seasoning is the layer of oil that has been baked onto the cast iron. This is what makes the skillet non-stick and prevents it from rusting.

It used to be that when you had a brand new pan, you would need to go through the process of seasoning. That is generally not the case any longer.

Many cast iron pans are already seasoned when manufactured. This means that you don’t have to go through that process. Check to make sure yours is pre-seasoned before using it for the first time.

How To Use A Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet For The First Time

Since the skillet is already seasoned, all you need to do is wash it in warm soapy water. Then be sure to dry it thoroughly with a kitchen towel. Don’t let it air dry.

Then place a thin layer of oil onto the pan with a paper towel. Coat all the surfaces of the iron skillet.

Always apply oil before cooking. Even to a well seasoned pan. This will ensure your pan stays non-stick and will continue to build up the layers of seasoning.

Now you are ready to cook with your new pan.

The Best Cooking Oil For Seasoning A Cast Iron Skillet

You want to use an oil that has a high smoke point. This can be vegetable oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil or avocado oil.

A high smoke point is when an oil begins to burn and smoke at high heat. With this type of skillet, you need an oil that can withstand high temperatures because cast iron retains heat very well.

I have used both vegetable oil and avocado oil. Simply because that is what I had in my pantry. They work very well. I couldn’t taste any difference in my foods when I used either oil.

How To Clean A Cast Iron Skillet After Cooking

You need to clean your cast iron skillet after each use. This will ensure that any stuck on food is removed before the next time you use it.

There is a myth that washing your iron frying pan with soap and water will remove the seasoning. That is absolutely false. Soaps are more gentle now compared to years ago. As long as you don’t use harsh abrasives such as steel wool, your pan will be fine.

A wood handled brush inside a cast iron skillet.

Steps To Cleaning A Cast Iron Frying Pan

Let your frying pan cool before washing. Hand wash only. Do not place it in the dishwasher.

Using warm water and dish soap, wash your pan with a stiff bristle dish brush. The brush will remove any stubborn foods that may be left over. Then rinse to remove all soap.

After washing, dry your pan thoroughly with a kitchen towel before putting away. Do not let it air dry. Your pan could possibly rust.

A scrub brush in a cast iron skillet filled with bubbles.

The Best Practices When Cleaning Cast Iron

First, never let your pan soak in water. There is no need to do this. A well seasoned pan can easily be cleaned of any food left behind. Even sticky foods.

Secondly, do not ever place your pan in the dishwasher. The harsh detergent would ruin all the seasoning that has been built up. You would also risk rusting the skillet.

And lastly, don’t use any harsh abrasives such as steel wool. This is just unnecessary.

The best way to clean your pan is to wash it with warm, soapy water after it cools down. Or when you are finished with your meal.

Then be sure to thoroughly dry your skillet with a hand towel before putting it away. Don’t let your pan air dry. It may rust.

A peanut butter brownie in a skillet next to plates and forks.

These skillet peanut butter brownies are just one example of baking in cast iron. Baking is one more reason to love the versatility of these pans.

A brownie with ice cream next to a cast iron skillet.

This skillet has become my favorite cookware in the kitchen. It is the one I reach for nearly everyday.

Take good care of your cast iron skillet and it will last a lifetime.