Should You Clean Your Cast-Iron Skillet with Soap Lodge Settles the Debate

Chances are you may have a cast-iron skillet you inherited from your grandparents collecting dust and rust in your cupboard. Or perhaps you are a cast-iron aficionado and have a collection of cookware seasoned to nonstick perfection, ideal for cooking everything from fried eggs to seared scallops. Whatever your comfort level with cast iron, I'm here to convince you to use it more frequently and, just as important, to clean your skillet properly.

Whether you are looking to reduce your exposure to chemicals such as PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) found in nonstick pans or you simply want reliable cookware that will last practically forever, cast iron is one of the best options. But these skillets may seem intimidating to the uninitiated. After all, they are heavy, require seasoning, and need a bit more care compared to other pans.

Is It Safe to Use Soap on Cast Iron?

One question a lot of cast-iron newcomers have is whether you can use soap to clean it. To answer this question, I reached out to Kris Stubblefield, chef at Lodge Cast Iron. The answer is fairly straightforward: "It's a common misconception that soap will ruin the seasoning on a cast-iron pan when, really, a small amount of gentle soap is perfectly safe to use," Stubblefield said.

However, you also need to be careful how much soap you use. "Using large amounts of soap can remove some of the cookware's seasoning and cause your seasoning to fade," Stubblefield added. "The key is to avoid soap with lye in it, as that is the main reason why the 'no soap on cast iron' myth started," Stubblefield explained. "The lye in the soap can strip away the seasoning on your cast-iron cookware. Simply wash the cookware with warm soapy water."

How to Properly Clean Cast Iron

Now that we know it's safe to use soap on cast iron, what's the best method to clean these heavy iron skillets? Here's a simple tutorial.

• Wash. Start as you would with any cookware: wash your cast-iron skillet by hand using warm water and a little gentle soap with a sponge. If there is any stuck-on food or residue, Stubblefield recommends simmering the pan with a little water for a few minutes. This will help loosen those stubborn sections. Then let the pan cool until it's safe to touch and use a metal scraper to clean thoroughly. Avoid using steel wool for everyday cleaning.
• Dry. "Once your cast-iron cookware has been properly cleaned, dry it promptly and thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel and apply a thin layer of oil," Stubblefield said. "Some folks heat their cookware on a burner to dry their skillet. This is very effective, just don't forget about it. It only takes a couple of minutes." Once the skillet is dry, that thin layer of oil keeps it lightly lubricated and helps prevent it from rusting.
• Store. You should store your cast-iron cookware in a dry place, away from excess moisture. If you have multiple skillets, try nestling smaller pieces inside larger ones with a layer of paper towels in between. The towel effectively wicks away ambient moisture.

One thing you should always avoid is washing cast-iron cookware in the dishwasher. "The prolonged exposure to moisture and intense water pressure are too harsh for cast-iron cookware," Stubblefield explained. "In general, it's never good to soak your cast-iron cookware in water or run your cast iron in the dishwasher because it will remove the seasoning and expose the bare iron to water, which leads to rusting."

When and How to Season Cast Iron

Most cast-iron cookware pieces, including those from Lodge, come pre-seasoned. That means all you need to do is give them a quick wash with some mild soap before your first use. But over time, and with infrequent use or improper care, your cast-iron cookware may develop some rust or lose its natural nonstick finish. If you notice any rust or if the black iron looks dull or fades, then it's time to season your skillet.

Start by giving it a proper cleaning. Then apply a very thin layer of high-heat cooking oil (skip that expensive extra-virgin olive oil and use a neutral one like grapeseed or canola). Rub the oil all over the skillet, inside and outside. Then place it upside down in the oven on a rack with a foil-lined baking sheet below to reduce mess. Stubblefield recommends heating the oven to 500°F and keeping the pan in the oven for 1 hour. Then turn off the heat and let the pan cool.

"The best way to maintain your seasoning on your cast-iron cookware is to cook with it because every time you cook with oil, you're potentially adding another layer to the seasoning," Stubblefield said. "With regular use and care, your cookware shouldn't need to be re-seasoned. Some activities may remove a bit of seasoning, such as cooking acidic foods, using excessive heat, or scrubbing with abrasive utensils or scouring pads." Overall, cast iron is pretty easy to maintain and can be a useful addition to your cooking arsenal.