3 Rules for a Lifetime Pan
Clean Gently, Dry Immediately: Skip long soaks. Scrub with warm water and dry with heat.
Season Regularly: After cleaning, oil lightly and heat. It’s not optional—it’s armor.
Restore When Needed: Rusted or sticky? Strip it, reseason it, revive it.
Cast Iron Cleaning
The Right Way to Clean After Cooking
Most people overthink this and feel like it is more challenging than cleaning marks off walls. Let your pan cool a bit. Rinse with warm water and scrub gently—preferably with a brush or chainmail scrubber. Skip the soap unless the pan’s gunky and you plan to reseason right after.
Pro tip: A damp skillet left on the counter is a rust trap. Always dry completely—on the stovetop if possible.
Can You Use Soap on Cast Iron?
Yes—but sparingly. The myth that “soap ruins seasoning” is outdated. A mild dish soap won’t destroy polymerized layers. Still, frequent soap use strips seasoning faster than water alone.
So, use soap when necessary, and follow with a thin oil coat and heat.
Soaking: A Cautionary Tale
Don’t soak cast iron. Water exposure invites rust and lifts the seasoning. Not just for skillets, this applies to cleaning a grill. If stuck-on food won’t budge, scrub with kosher salt or simmer water in the pan briefly.
Soaking is a shortcut to restoration—and not the good kind.
Tools That Actually Work
Chainmail scrubber or stiff brush
Plastic scraper
Paper towels or lint-free cloth
Neutral oil (grapeseed or flaxseed preferred)
Avoid: Dishwashers, abrasive detergents, and leaving it wet.
Cast Iron Restoration & Reconditioning
When Does Your Skillet Need Restoration?
Sticky surface? Rust spots? Uneven color? These are signs the seasoning is compromised. If your food starts sticking—or worse, smelling—it’s time to start fresh.
How to Restore Cast Iron (Step-by-Step)
Strip It: Remove rust or buildup with steel wool or a vinegar soak (no more than 30 minutes).
Dry It: Heat on stovetop to evaporate moisture.
Season It: Apply a thin coat of oil. Bake upside-down at 450°F for an hour. Let cool in oven. Repeat 2–3 times.
This rebuilds a durable, slick finish.
Aftercare That Prevents Repeat Offenses
Now that it’s seasoned, keep it that way:
Clean it while warm
Dry immediately
Oil lightly
Store in a dry spot
Never stack cast iron without padding between pieces.
FAQs and Common Fixes
Sticky Skillet? You used too much oil or didn’t bake long enough. Strip and try again.
Rust Spots? Steel wool + heat + oil.
Strange Smells? Bake empty at 400°F for 30 minutes.
Orange Tint? Early-stage rust. Clean and reseason fast.
Cracks or warps? Unfortunately, that’s beyond DIY repair. Time to replace.
Final Word: Cast Iron Isn’t Fussy—It’s Loyal
This isn’t maintenance. It’s ritual. A properly cared-for skillet outlasts its owner. Clean it well. Season it often. Restore it without fear.
What you’re building isn’t just a pan—it’s a legacy.
