How to Clean a Cast Iron Pan with Steel Wool

by Gail Logan

Overview

Cast iron pans are popular for their sturdiness and high heat retention. They maintain a non-stick surface when cared for properly and make cooking easy. If you notice rust on your pan, your food begins to stick or you detect a metal taste in your food, the cast iron pan should be cleaned with steel wool and reseasoned before additional use.

Step 1

Rinse the pan under hot water.
Step 2

Sprinkle coarse sea salt into the pan and scrub in circular motions with a steel wool pad until all signs of rust have disappeared.
Step 3

Apply a drop of mild detergent onto the surface of the pan and scrub again with the clean side of the steel wool.
Step 4

Rinse the pan under hot water and dry thoroughly.
Step 5

Pour a small amount of vegetable oil onto a paper towel and coat the interior of the pan.
Step 6

Reseason your pan before you use it again. Cover the interior of the pan with cooking oil. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour. Wipe out the pan with paper towels.

1
Steel wool Sea salt Detergent Paper towel Oil
Steel wool
Sea salt
Detergent
Paper towel
Oil
When not in use, cover the pan with a clean paper towel and insert into a plastic bag to protect from dirt.
When not in use, cover the pan with a clean paper towel and insert into a plastic bag to protect from dirt.

References & Resources