Learn how to expand the life of this cookware essential
Previously published by Woman's World -
Cast iron skillets are more than just regular pans. They’re durable, versatile kitchen tools that can last for years if cared for and maintained properly. Plus, the seasoned surface enhances the flavors and cooking experience. However, seasoning and cleaning your skillet regularly is essential to keep their non-stick quality and prevent rust. Here, experts share how to clean a cast iron skillet, tips for seasoning and things to avoid when using one.
Why cook with a cast iron skillet?
Ask any experienced cook, and they’ll tell you that there’s something special about cast iron. It heats evenly and retains heat like a champ, which means your food cooks more consistently, explains Shantae Duckworth, professional organizer and founder of Shantaeize Your Space. She adds that “it’s naturally nonstick when correctly seasoned (more on that below) so you can use less oil (which saves money and keeps meals lighter).
Another bonus? It is incredibly durable and can be used in the oven, over a fire or on a stovetop. Cast iron skillets also help infuse small amounts of iron into your food, which is actually a health benefit.
What does it mean to season a cast iron skillet?
“Seasoning a cast iron skillet is just a fancy way of saying you’re building up a natural, nonstick coating by applying a thin layer of oil and baking it into the surface,” says Duckworth. “This process creates a protective barrier that prevents rust, helps food cook evenly and makes cleanup easier (goodbye, stuck-on eggs!).” It’s best to season your pan before using it for the first time, but you can also do it if you notice that the surface is starting to look dull or scratched.
Robbie Shoults, chef and third-generation owner of Bear Creek Smokehouse, adds that many modern cast iron skillets come pre-seasoned, so it’s just something you’ll have to maintain as you cook with one.
You can also season your cast iron in the oven. Preheat the oven to 450°F, rub oil thoroughly all over the pan, bake the skillet for an hour and let it cool.
Why it’s important to clean a cast iron skillet
If you want your cast iron skillet to be a kitchen staple for generations, cleaning it is the best way to keep it in shape. It’ll also help you save money on replacements. “Interestingly enough, a well-maintained cast iron pan gets better with time, developing a natural nonstick surface that makes cooking easier and food taste even better,” says Duckworth. “If you don’t clean it properly, leftover food and grease can build up, leading to rust, sticky residue, and unwanted flavors in your next meal.”
How to clean a cast iron skillet
Cleaning cast iron is simple, but it’s important to do so after each use to prevent buildup and keep it seasoned. Shoults’ number one piece of advice is to forgo the dish soap. Here, his instructions for proper cleaning:
- Wash your cast iron with hot water and a non-abrasive sponge or brush. “If you have baked-on food that is tough to remove, you can create a paste that’s made with coarse salt and water to scrub with,” he says.
- Rinse well with hot water once clean.
- Dry with a paper towel. An alternative is to place the clean skillet on medium heat to finish drying, he says.
- When your cast-iron is completely dry, you can use a paper towel to apply a thin layer of cooking oil to help maintain its seasoning.
Duckworth suggests the boiling water trick if you have an extra stubborn mess. “Add a little water to the skillet, bring it to a boil for a minute or two, and use a wooden spoon or spatula to loosen any stuck-on bits,” she says.
More important maintenance tips for cast iron skillets
In most cooking instances, your cast iron skillet should be cleaned after every use, unless you’re making something like cornbread, which leaves no residue, explains Shoults. To keep your cast iron skillet in tip-top shape, follow these tips:
- Never soak it in water for a long time. Duckworth notes that it will rust quickly if exposed to water. You also want to dry it immediately, as moisture in the air can cause rusting.
- Don’t put your cast iron in the dishwasher. High heat and detergent will ruin the finish, she says.
- “Never use soap or steel wool when cleaning your cast-iron skillet because, over time it can slowly strip away the seasoning or layer of oil from the surface,” says Shoults.
