How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet (And Keep It Seasoned)

Cast iron skillets are amazing, but a lot of people are scared to use them because they don't know how to clean them properly. I've had my cast iron skillet for 5 years, and it's still in perfect condition. In this guide, I'll show you how to clean a cast iron skillet without ruining the seasoning.

How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet After Use

Let the skillet cool down completely. Never put a hot cast iron skillet under cold water – it can crack.
Scrub the skillet with a stiff brush and hot water. Don't use soap! Soap will remove the seasoning.
If there are any stuck-on food particles, sprinkle some coarse salt on the skillet and scrub with the brush. The salt acts as an abrasive.
Rinse the skillet with hot water.
Dry the skillet completely with a towel. Any moisture left on the skillet will cause it to rust.
Apply a thin layer of vegetable oil to the skillet with a paper towel.

How to Re-Season a Cast Iron Skillet

If your cast iron skillet has lost its seasoning or is rusty, you can re-season it.

Scrub the skillet with steel wool to remove any rust or old seasoning.
Wash the skillet with hot soapy water.
Dry the skillet completely.
Apply a thin layer of vegetable oil to the entire skillet, inside and out.
Place the skillet upside down on the middle rack of your oven.
Put a sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom rack to catch any drips.
Bake at 375°F for 1 hour.
Turn off the oven and let the skillet cool down completely inside the oven.

Pro Tip

The more you use your cast iron skillet, the better the seasoning will get. Cook fatty foods like bacon and eggs in it to build up the seasoning.

Related Home Cleaning Tips

Cast iron skillets are easy to care for once you know how. They'll last you a lifetime if you take good care of them! For more easy cleaning tips, check out our Home Cleaning section or return to home.