Are you looking for handy hints for cast iron skillet cleaning? Read on to find out the best ways in which to get this task done.

Cast Iron Skillet Cleaning

You might have been using your cast iron skillet for years, and might be really happy with the quality of cooking that you get out of it. After all, cast iron is used for cookware because it has amazing heat diffusion and retention properties, and you might have come up with lip smacking fried or seared dishes with your skillet. You might have also experimented with delicious cornbread, egg dishes or even an upside-down cake. However, after it has served you faithfully for years, you note that your skillet is now coated with the residue of your numerous culinary experiments. It is now time to clean the skillet, but you are confused as to how to go ahead with this task. After all, there are numerous conflicting instructions given by various people on how to clean a cast iron skillet, which might just cause you to be more confused than ever. The following tips, however, will give you time tested and proven methods, that you can use for this purpose. Follow these and see your cast iron skillet look as good as new.
 
How To Clean A Cast Iron Skillet 
  • The best way to clean your skillet is to just wipe it gently after use.
  • Just after cooking, while the skillet is still hot, pour boiling water into the skillet. While pouring the boiling water in, rub the skillet with a nylon scrubby, cloth or any other scrubbing tool. This will help clean the skillet.
  • Take the skillet and boil water in it. While the water is boiling, use a wooden spoon to scrub the skillet. You can also place a scrub cloth in the skillet and rub it with the spoon. Do not use soap in this instance.
  • Pour boiling hot water on the skillet to remove any residue of food that might have been left over from cooking. After rinsing the skillet, sprinkle salt on to it and, using a clean cloth, scrub the skillet well. Pour out the salt and rinse again with hot water.
  • Use a clean cloth to scrub the skillet, after sprinkling the skillet with salt and cooking oil. Apply a small amount of oil or grease to a clean cloth and wipe the skillet before storing it.
  • Use regular dish wash soap to clean the skillet. This works well, but it reduces the effectiveness of the seasonings. Therefore, if you choose to use the dishwasher to clean your skillet, always re-season it after washing.
  • Use steel or brass wool to scour the skillet. You will need to scrub it aggressively, but will have a shiny surface as the result of this. Scouring is recommended primarily for the outside of the skillet. In this case, the actual scouring can be done by using oil or grease with the scrubber.
  • Scouring can be done with chemical cleaners. If you are using a chemical cleaner, ensure that you re-season the skillet immediately.

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