How to Clean and Care for Cast Iron Cookware (the Right Way!)
Whether it’s a skillet passed down from your grandma or a trusty Dutch oven you snagged on sale, cast iron cookware is a kitchen staple in Saint Louis homes. These heavy-duty pieces are prized for their versatility, durability, and that unbeatable home-cooked flavor they bring to your meals. But they also come with a learning curve—especially when it comes to cleaning and maintenance.
At Maid 4 Cleaning, we love helping homeowners take care of the tools that make their kitchens shine. So here’s a foolproof, drama-free guide to cleaning cast iron cookware—soap or no soap, we’ve got you covered.
Soap or No Soap? Let’s Clear It Up
This age-old debate is the “Cardinals vs. Cubs” of the kitchen world. Some folks swear by water-only cleaning to protect the seasoning, while others don’t mind a gentle scrub with dish soap. The truth? Both methods can work—as long as you're drying and re-seasoning properly afterward.
How to Clean Cast Iron Without Soap
For the purists, here are three easy ways to clean your cast iron cookware without using soap:
1. Wipe and Oil (for light messes)
While the pan is still warm (not hot!), wipe it down with a paper towel.
Add a small amount of vegetable or canola oil.
Use the towel to scrub away food bits and evenly coat the pan.
That’s it. Quick and simple.
2. Hot Water Rinse and Scrub
Run hot water over the pan (no soaking!).
Use a non-abrasive sponge or a cast iron brush to gently scrub.
Dry thoroughly and oil lightly to prevent rust.
3. Salt Scrub for Stuck-On Messes
Add 1/2 cup of coarse kosher salt to the warm pan.
Use a folded dish towel or a pan scraper to scrub away residue.
Dump the salt and rinse with warm water.
Dry completely and re-oil before storing.
How to Clean Cast Iron With Soap (It’s Okay, Really!)
If you’ve got stubborn residue or you just feel better using a little soap, here’s how to do it without harming your skillet:
Use mild dish soap and warm water.
Scrub with a non-scratch sponge.
Rinse and dry thoroughly with a towel.
Place the pan on a burner over medium heat to evaporate remaining moisture.
Once dry, add a teaspoon of oil, rub it in with a paper towel, and let it smoke slightly on the burner for 2–3 minutes.
Let cool completely before storing.
Pro Tip from the Pros: Drying cast iron over heat is one of the best ways to prevent rust. Never skip it!
How to Keep Your Cast Iron Looking Brand New
To make your cookware last generations, keep these maintenance tips in mind:
Never soak or dishwasher-clean cast iron. Water is its enemy!
Re-season as needed. If it looks dull or food starts sticking, it’s time to re-oil and heat.
Store it dry and loosely covered. Humid Saint Louis summers can cause rust if stored damp or airtight.
Use it often! Cooking with cast iron improves the seasoning and keeps rust away.
And if rust does creep in, don’t panic—just scrub it off with steel wool, rinse, dry, and re-season. You’ll be back in business in no time.
Be Swept Away with Saint Louis’ Trusted Cleaning Service
At Maid 4 Cleaning, we know the value of a well-kept home—and that includes the kitchen essentials you use every day. Need help keeping your entire home fresh, organized, and guest-ready? We’ve got you covered.
Call (314) 626-5885 today to schedule a professional cleaning or request a quote online. Let us do the dirty work while you cook up something delicious. Be Swept Away.
