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5.0 from 18 votes

How to Clean Cast Iron

How to clean cast iron cookware in easy steps, plus how to care for and maintain cast iron to make the most of your seasoning and prevent rust! 

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • Stiff brush
  • Kitchen towels
  • vegetable oil , shortening or olive oil
  • Kosher salt/Coarse Salt + raw potato , if you have caked on food

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Clean the skillet immediately after using it while it is still hot or warm. Cast iron holds heat well, so even if you eat your meal, it will still be warm right after you eat.
  2. Wash the skillet using hot water and a stiff brush. See notes above about using soap or steel wool.
  3. If you have stuck-on, stubborn foods, cut a raw potato in half and using the cut end, scrub with coarse salt or Kosher salt. Rinse with hot water.
  4. Dry well with a dry kitchen towel.
  5. Using a cloth or paper towel, apply a light coat of vegetable, shortening or olive oil.
  6. Store the skillet in a dry place. If you nest them, place a paper towel between each. Oil on the bottom of the skillet will smoke when you go to cook with it. 
  7. If you've tried this technique, come back and let us know how it worked!