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A good cast iron skillet is a valuable addition to any kitchen. Cast iron stands out among other cooking materials; it makes for extra-durable, oven-safe skillets that cook food evenly and perfectly. Plus, cast iron has a non-stick surface that, unlike other non-stick pans, is meant to last for years and years.
However, using cast iron can be intimidating to some, but here at Charlie’s, we love our cast iron pans. If you’re worried about food sticking to your cast iron pans, we explain why seasoning is an important component in achieving that non-stick magic we all want. A pan’s seasoning can be damaged by heavy-duty scrubbing, soaking, or, worst of all, a trip through the dishwasher. Maintaining seasoning is an integral part of making your cast iron pan last.
The good news—even if you ruin your seasoning and damage your pan, there are a few easy ways to repair it. If you’re new to cast iron care, don’t sweat it. Charlie’s Soap is here to give you the dirty details on conserving and rejuvenating your cast iron. Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding Seasoning: The Key to a Lasting Cast Iron Pan
The short version: seasoning is a protective oil barrier that you buff into your cast iron over time.
The long version: as oil is baked into cast iron, it starts a process called polymerization. This results in seasoning—a layer of carbonized oil covering the surface of the cast iron. Seasoning is responsible for keeping the pan non-stick, preventing rust, and creating that trademark black patina.
Today, most cast iron pans come pre-seasoned, but seasoning isn’t a one-and-done process. To keep your cookware in tip-top shape, you need to maintain the material by seasoning it regularly. As a general rule, you’ll want to season your cast iron at least every month, although some experts advise seasoning your pan after every use. Either way, you can easily season your cast iron during the cleaning process.
Let’s get into proper care and maintenance for your cast iron.
How to Clean Your Cast Iron Without Damaging the Seasoning
Our best advice for cleaning cast iron? Don’t. While cast irons do require some basic scraping and washing to maintain, deep-cleaning your cast iron is a no-go. The first rule of cast iron cleaning is to avoid prolonged contact with water.
That means you’ll want to remove food residue and dry your pan quickly. Scrubbing and soaking are the easiest ways to ruin cast iron surfaces. Plus, it’s best to use minimal soap and water—the less, the better. Keep it simple to prevent rust, discoloration, and damage.
Restoring a Worn or Rusty Cast Iron Pan
Since cast irons can be sensitive to wear, tear, and exposure, most cast iron owners will need to address damage and deterioration at some point. If your cast iron has started to develop rust or it’s losing that non-stick surface even with proper seasoning, it’s probably time to give your cast iron pan a more in-depth once-over.
When it comes to stripping and restoring cast iron, the key is in the cleanser. You need a powerful grease-fighting cleanser that won’t damage the exposed surface of your cast iron skillet. Our personal recommendation? Charlie’s Soap laundry detergent. Since our detergents are free of bleaches, caustic chemicals, and harmful additives, they’re safe to use on your dishes. Use our powder laundry detergent for an extra abrasive to help break up residual grease and grime.
- Apply a thin coating of Charlie’s powder or liquid detergent to the main body of your cast iron pan.
- Scrub the entire surface of the pan using minimal water and a stiff brush.
- Let it sit for at least 5 minutes once it has been covered in Charlie’s Soap detergent. While it rests, Charlie’s will work to separate grease and caked-on residue.
- Final scrub using a brush—or, for best rust removal, a cast-iron safe metal tool like a chain mail scrubber—gently scour the cast iron, targeting areas with rust or build-up.
- Rinse the cast iron pan gently.
After you’ve carefully scrubbed the surface, place your cast iron pan back on the stove on high heat. The heat will allow the water to evaporate. When the pan is completely dry, remove it from the heat. Now, you’re ready to restore the seasoning to protect your pan from future wear and tear.
Maintain Your Cast Iron’s Seasoning
Using a paper towel or cloth, rub a few drops of a neutral oil, like vegetable oil, on your pan. Be sure to cover the entire surface. Once the oil is rubbed in, you can consider your pan seasoned. It’s that simple. You can store your cooled cast iron pan with a cloth or paper towel to protect the surface and absorb any additional moisture.
Charlie’s Soap: Your Go-To Solution for Cast Iron Care
From cast iron pans to stained shirts and beyond, Charlie’s Soap has you covered. Our gentle cleaners tackle even the greasiest grime. Then, it rinses completely away, leaving you with a true, deep clean that can’t be beaten. Explore more helpful how-tos and shop Charlie’s Soap now.
