A Guide to Cleaning, Seasoning, and Caring for Cast Iron

Cast iron cookware has been popular for generations and with good reason! It's affordable, durable, and can be used at a higher heat than cookware with nonstick coating, but knowing how to care for cast iron is essential to preserving your best cookware. The upkeep is easy and only takes a few minutes after each use.

For as long as I can remember, my Nana cooked skillets of buttery cornbread in her cast iron. Because she took excellent care of her cast iron, I now have a few pieces that I cherish!

Caring for Cast Iron Cookware

The biggest reason many people stay away from cast iron is the belief that caring for cast iron cookware can be difficult or troublesome. Truthfully, well-seasoned cast iron is easy to maintain and keep for years. 

Cast iron cookware well worth the investment and extra care. Whether you’re cooking a steak or a pan of cornbread, the results are always delicious!

Lodge is my favorite off-the-shelf brand. All products are pre-seasoned and well-made. In my opinion, they are one of the best modern-day cast-iron manufacturers out there.

Re-seasoning and Pre-seasoned Cast Iron

Natural seasoning of cast iron occurs via polymerization, which is basically the process of “baking” oil into the cast iron. This process protects the cookware. A well-seasoned cast-iron piece prevents sticking during cooking and keeps it rust-free.

With regular use and time, your cast iron will naturally season itself from the oils you use while cooking, making the surface naturally nonstick. 

Tip: Lightly oil your cast iron after each use. Allow it to cool after cooking, lightly rinse until the water runs clear, then apply a thin layer of olive, canola, or vegetable oil with a paper towel. 

The most common causes of wear and tear on cast iron cookware are the result of poor care. With proper care, you can minimize damage and keep it looking great for years to come. 

Buying Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron

Most skillets you buy in a store are already pre-seasoned. Most manufacturers only lightly season the cast iron, which means that you might want to further season it before use to avoid food sticking during cooking.

Be sure to read the directions and familiarize yourself with the manual that came with your cookware before using it.

If you purchase a cast-iron piece from an antique shop or receive a hand-me-down, you will want to clean the skillet well before using. 

How to Clean Cast Iron

Cast iron has significantly different cleaning protocols than any other type of bakeware or cookware. It can be very finicky to deal with, but is truly resilient if you make a mistake! 

I see a lot of noses turned up when I say not to use soap when cleaning cast iron. Soap can cause rusting and ultimately ruin your cast iron. I’ve read a mild detergent is ok to use, but I prefer to avoid soap altogether.

There are a few different ways to clean cast iron:

1. Wipe away food/grease and store. (great idea after greasy foods!)
2. Rinse the skillet, dry, oil, and store. (use when sauces or gravy is left behind!)
3. Scrub, rinse, dry, oil, and store. (for stuck-on food, smells, and rust)
4. Purchase Seasoned Cast Iron Care Kit from Lodge.

After a typical use, simply wipe down your cast iron with a cloth or paper towel, or rinse it in the sink and leave it to air dry. It’s not necessary to clean your cookware after every use, especially if there’s no food debris left behind.

For example, after baking cornbread, caramelizing onions, or frying bacon or sausage, I’ve not found it necessary to wash and reseason the skillet. Simply, wipe the inside of the piece clean with a paper towel or dish towel and store.

However, if there is a significant amount of food or crust stuck-on, it’s best to give the cookware piece a thorough cleaning to avoid rust and unsavory smells.

For example, let’s say you prepared a steak in your skillet, and there’s leftover bits still stuck to the pan. A simple rinse and dry will not suffice. Follow the directions below to remove stuck on food from your cast iron.

Here’s how to remove stuck on food from your cast iron:

1. Run a little water into the skillet and add a palm-full of kosher salt. 
2. With a sponge, chainmail scrubbing pad, or pan scraper, scrub until the debris loosens. 
3. Rinse the pan thoroughly and dry.
4. With a paper towel, apply a light coat of oil to the interior of the skillet.

Pro Tip: NEVER put your cast iron in the dishwasher or soak for extended periods of time.

How to re-season a cast iron skillet

Reseasoning your cast iron skillet will ensure that it heats evenly and remains non-stick. You will need to reseason it periodically as a part of regular care, even if you store and clean it properly.

How to reseason your cast iron:

1. Preheat the oven to 400F.
2. Clean and dry your cast iron well. 
3. Apply a thin coat of high-temperature oil all over the interior of your cast iron. 
4. Place it in the preheated oven, then turn the oven OFF. Allow it to sit inside the oven (undisturbed) for 1 hour. Remove from the oven.
5. Allow it to cool fully before using it again.

In most cases, cast iron can easily be restored even if it is rusty. Start by using steel wool to scrub away the visible rust. Then, reseason the skillet with oil and baking, following the instructions above.

Store cast iron cookware in a cool, dry, and dark place away from fireplaces, heating elements, or direct sunlight to minimize damage and rust. 

Can you use olive oil to season a cast iron skillet?

Yes! After your skillet is properly cleaned, I always like to add a tablespoon of olive oil to my 12-inch skillet and smear with a clean paper towel. Don't leave too much excess oil - just enough to thinly coat the pan.

But if that delicious steak or chicken left behind some burned-on crispies, you will want to add a little more elbow grease.

Cast Iron FAQ

Take the time and invest in caring for your cast iron cookware. You’ll be so glad you did.