How to Clean and Season Cast-Iron Cookware?

If I were stranded on a desert island and could only take one piece of cookware, it would undoubtedly be a cast-iron skillet. Its versatility is unmatched—whether you're baking cornbread, roasting vegetables, searing steaks, or frying chicken, this trusty tool can do it all. Affordable, durable, and capable of retaining heat like no other, what’s not to love about cast iron?

Of course, there’s a catch: cast iron requires maintenance. It’s not as simple as tossing it into the dishwasher. But with proper care, your cast-iron cookware can last for generations (even centuries!). As someone who’s spent years cooking with cast iron and testing various cleaning methods, I’ve found what works best.

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about maintaining your cast-iron cookware—from stripping and seasoning to cleaning and storing it for longevity. Trust me, your future self will thank you for the effort.

How to Clean Cast Iron Properly to Maintain the Seasoning

After investing time and care into choosing the best cast iron cookware, and seasoning it to perfection, it’s crucial to maintain the seasoning through proper cleaning. In this section, we’ll share some essential tips for washing and protecting your cast iron’s seasoning.

Cleaning cast iron isn’t difficult once you know the right techniques. I'll show you the proper steps and highlight what to avoid, ensuring your cookware remains in top condition.

Best Foods to Cook in Cast Iron

Once your pans are seasoned and you've started cooking with them, you'll quickly realize that cast iron can handle almost any recipe. However, the best foods to begin with are those that release fat during cooking.

A great way to start is by cooking bacon or breakfast sausage. These fatty foods will release oil, which helps build up the seasoning layer on your pan. The more you cook in your cast iron, the stronger the seasoning becomes, making it easier to cook a wider variety of dishes.

Why Does Food Stick to My Cast Iron Pan?

If you're struggling with food sticking to your cast iron pan, such as with scrambled eggs or fried dishes, it’s likely that your seasoning isn’t fully developed or you're not using the pan correctly. In this case, starting with very fatty foods (like bacon) can help build up the seasoning and reduce sticking over time.

If you've recently seasoned your pan, give it time to develop a good layer before trying less fatty foods. As you use the pan, you'll gradually be able to cook without the hassle of food sticking.

How to Clean Cast Iron Properly

Once you master the cleaning process, cast iron becomes surprisingly easy to maintain. While it’s a bit different from other cookware, with some practice, it becomes second nature. Here’s how to clean your cast iron after use:

• Allow pans to cool: Let your cast iron cool enough to handle before cleaning.

• Scrape off food bits: Use a spatula to remove any remaining food while it’s still warm.

• Run under hot water: Use hot water to rinse the pan, making the cleaning process smoother.

• Wipe down: Gently wipe the pan with a soft washcloth to remove any residue.

• Dry thoroughly: Place your pan on the stove to dry completely to prevent rust.

• Apply a thin layer of oil: To protect the seasoning, rub a small amount of oil on the pan after drying.

Even the best-seasoned pans might experience occasional sticking, but the goal is to have food slide effortlessly out of the pan when done. This is why cast iron is a great alternative to non-stick pans—without the toxins!

Things NEVER To Do When Cleaning Cast Iron

While cleaning cast iron is straightforward once you get the hang of it, there are a few critical mistakes to avoid. Here's a list of things you should never do when cleaning your cast iron cookware:

• Never put a hot cast iron pan directly into cold or hot water—this can cause warping or cracking.

• Avoid soaking your cast iron in water, as it can damage the seasoning and promote rust.

• Never put your cast iron in the dishwasher—it will ruin the seasoning and lead to rust.

• Don’t use abrasive materials like steel wool—stick to a soft cloth to preserve the seasoning.

• Never air-dry your cast iron—this leads to rust formation.

• Always store your cast iron with a protective layer of oil to keep it in good condition.

How to Season Cast Iron Cookware

Seasoning is the secret to cast iron’s non-stick quality. The easiest way to maintain your seasoning is by cooking with your pan. Every time you cook with oil, you’re adding another layer to the seasoning.

While some activities (like cooking acidic foods) may reduce the seasoning, simply rubbing oil on the pan after each use will keep it in good shape. Additionally, oven seasoning is an excellent method for adding an even layer of seasoning, particularly useful when restoring a rusty cast iron pan.

Follow our easy steps for oven seasoning and refer to our Seasoning Guide for further tips on keeping your cookware in prime condition.

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Check out the picture of my Stargazer cast iron pan below. It came pre-seasoned, but I added a couple of extra layers to enhance its seasoning, and it’s been perfect for cooking eggs from day one.

By following these steps, you can keep your cast iron cookware in excellent condition, ensuring it lasts for generations to come. Share this guide with others who love cooking with cast iron, and they’ll be just as grateful for the advice!