Inside: Cast iron skillets are known for their durability and ability to retain heat, but cleaning them can be a challenge. Learn effective and easy ways to clean your cast iron skillet and keep it in top condition.
I've had my cast-iron skillet for years and love cooking with it. I feel like it's easy to cook with, and I don't need a bunch of skillets, just my one.
The only problem I have with my cast iron skillet is that it is impossible to keep clean.
I became so frustrated with the cast iron I almost bought a non-stick skillet to use instead. Then, I figured out an easy way to clean my cast iron to keep it always looking great!
Why Proper Cleaning Is Important
Cast iron skillets are different than others because you can't use soap on them and still keep them working great.
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You want to get all the food off and still keep your cast iron clean and free from rust. With these simple tips and a little tool, you can easily keep your cast iron cookware for years.
Materials Needed For Cleaning
To clean your cast iron you will need a few things.
- Chain Mail Scrubber (I have this one from Amazon)
- Water
- Towel
- Oil
Tip
If you have been wondering how to easily clean a cast iron skillet, look no further than this awesome tool. It is the key to cleaning it properly.
Note: Check out this article for removing rust from cast iron pots or pans if you are dealing with rust stains.
Check out my skillet before cleaning it. I made two batches of eggs in the cast iron skillet. Then, got busy and didn't clean out the skillet. I woke up in the morning to find this disgusting mess.
I put the skillet in the sink and ran some hot water to fill up the skillet. Then I ran the chain mail scrubber around the pan. The dried up burnt on eggs came off in under 20 seconds. Look at the difference it made.
Once the cast iron skillet it clean I like to dry it off and heat it up on the stove really quick. I have heard that because cast iron is so porous heating it up makes all the water evaporate.
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I then rubbed on a little Crisco and my pan was clean and dry. The difference is amazing and the whole process took just a couple of minutes.
When you are done cleaning the cast iron skillet you will want to wash out your chain mail scrubber and lay it out to dry.
It really is that easy to clean your cast iron skillet. Just a minute or two of your time and your cast iron skillet looks like new again. Have a cast iron skillet? Just head over here to grab a chain mail scrubber and it will be clean in seconds.
RobertCadena says
Thanks for the tip ! But what is a chain mail scrubber or what does it look like ?
Done & Dusted says
Ugh I hate doing scrambled eggs for the same reason. My skillet has small ridges in the bottom making it even worse. The chainmail scrubber thing looks very effective but are you sure it can't damage it? Looks a little on the harsh side!
Susan says
A problem in our "germ o phobia" culture, is that the pan MUST be seasoned with oil, which makes it "icky". In a properly seasoned pan, used correctly, the food will come right out, without leaving reside that has cooked into the porous surface of the cast iron. The porous surface must have a slight (or heavy) coat of oil to cook, but not burn, the food on. Cleaning problems occur when you remove the oil coating. If your pan rusts-you do not have enough oil to coat all the nooks and crannies.
Barbara Dolan says
Thanks. I am 73 years old and have always used the chain mail scrubbers . They are even good for plastic spatulas that have eggs stuck to them. Just do them the same way you did the skillet.
Sarah | The Teacher's Wife says
Good to know because I have the same problem with mine and eggs! Thanks for sharing!!