Learn how to clean your cast iron quickly and easily so that it lasts generations.

Cast Iron 101 :: How to Clean Cast Iron | Add a Pinch

 

I frequently receive emails asking about cast iron – how to care for it, how to select the best size, the sizes of skillets that I use, etc. I love answering each one of these emails and thought that it might be helpful for even more people for me to write a series on the topic!

Properly cared for, cast iron cookware can last for generations and will become on of those prizes heirlooms handed down through your family. Cast iron cookware has long been a treasured tool for cooking for their weight, conductivity of heat, as well as the ability to cook just about anything in it! While there are definitely more expensive pieces of cookware available, there are few pieces that are as versatile as cast iron.

Since I use my cast iron cookware so frequently, I definitely want to make sure I am taking proper care of it – especially the skillets given to me from my Grandmothers as well as my husband’s family.

 

Cast Iron 101 :: How to Clean Cast Iron-2

How to Clean Cast Iron

1. Once your cast iron has cooled to a slightly warm temperature after use, pour about 1/4 cup of Kosher salt onto the cooking surface

2. Use a paper towel and scrub the salt in a circular motion to remove the cooked on residue.

3. If the residue still does not release, pour about 1 tablespoon of oil onto the cookware, grab an old store rewards card or similar hard plastic card and scrap away the problem area.

4. Wipe clean with paper towel to remove all of the salt and residue you’ve removed from the cookware.

5. Rub a light coat of oil over the surface and place on the stove top over low heat for a few minutes to completely dry.

 

 Do you use cast iron cookware? What’s your favorite thing to cook in it?

 

 

 

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About Robyn

Robyn Stone is a cookbook author, wife, mom, and passionate home cook. Her tested and trusted recipes give readers the confidence to cook recipes the whole family will love. Robyn has been featured on Food Network, People, Southern Living, and more.

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52 Comments

  1. Robyn, I love your site. This article on properly taking care of cast iron cookware is great. I tried it on my Lodge 12 inch cast iron skillet and it worked like a charm. I shared it on Facebook.

  2. I have my grandmothers skillet and it is one of my most favorite cooking vessels- mostly for the memories! How do you clean the outside of the skillet? My grandmothers has lots of what I can only assume is decades of burnt items on the bottom and sides. How can I remove this or will it damage the skillet?

  3. I use mine for cooking cornbread mostly. I have been washing my skillet so definitely won’t do that anymore. Thanks for your help!