October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PCOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
Bettesworth Construction
cast iron

The Builder’s Guide to Cleaning, Drying, and Storing a Cast-Iron Skillet

Learn how to clean, dry, oil, and store a bare seasoned cast-iron skillet, plus what to do about stuck food and rust. Enameled cast iron needs different care and does not require seasoning.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 4 min read
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

For a bare, seasoned cast-iron skillet, the basic care routine is simple: wash it with warm, soapy water, dry it completely, wipe on a thin layer of cooking oil, and store it somewhere dry. Do not soak it or put it in the dishwasher. If your skillet is enameled, follow its manufacturer’s care instructions instead; it does not need seasoning.

First, identify your skillet

This guide covers bare, seasoned cast iron. Seasoning is oil baked onto the pan to create its cooking surface, as Lodge explains. Enameled cast iron has a bonded porcelain surface and does not require seasoning. Lodge recommends warm, soapy water, gentle cleaning tools, prompt drying, and dry storage for its enameled cookware. Check your pan’s manufacturer instructions before applying oil or using abrasive tools.

How to clean a seasoned cast-iron skillet

  1. Wash it. Use warm, soapy water and a stiff-bristled brush or scrubbing pad. Modern dish soap is acceptable for routine cleaning.
  2. Loosen stuck-on food. Use a nylon brush or pan scraper under warm water. Do not soak the skillet.
  3. Rinse and dry it completely. Wipe the pan with a paper towel or lint-free cloth. Do not leave it to air-dry.
  4. Oil it lightly. Spread a thin, even layer of cooking oil over the skillet with a paper towel. Avoid leaving visible pools of oil.
  5. Store it dry. Put the clean skillet in a cool, dry place.

These steps reflect Lodge’s care guidance, also corroborated by Field Company. The goal is a clean pan with no retained moisture and only a thin film of oil—not a pan left wet or visibly greasy.

Soap, soaking, and the dishwasher

Current Lodge and Field Company guidance permits ordinary dish soap for cleaning seasoned cast iron. You do not need to leave food residue or old grease in the pan to protect its seasoning. Avoid soaking the skillet: Lodge warns that it can lead to rust. Do not put bare seasoned cast iron in the dishwasher, which can remove seasoning and is likely to cause rust.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet with Silicone Handle Holder, 12 Inches
  • Versatile Cooking Skillet: The Lodge Cast Iron Skillet is a multipurpose, everyday cooking pan that excels at searing, sautéing, baking, frying, and campfire meals
  • Pre-Seasoned & PFAS-Free: This pre-seasoned skillet is made with 100% natural vegetable oil for a naturally nonstick finish and is a non-toxic cookware option, completely PFAS-free
  • Superior Heat Distribution: The heavy-duty cast iron frying pan cooks evenly, making it ideal for precision recipes and consistent results
  • Safe & Comfortable Handling: The skillet includes a silicone heat-resistant handle holder for transport after cooking, plus a teardrop handle for easy lifting and control
  • About Lodge Cast Iron: Made in the USA, Lodge cookware is versatile and as easy to clean as it is to cook with; taste a difference in your cooking with cast iron

Drying and oiling

After washing, dry the skillet fully with a paper towel or lint-free cloth rather than leaving it to drip-dry. Lodge and another cookware manufacturer warn that air-drying or storing the skillet wet can contribute to rust.

Once it is dry, use a paper towel to spread a thin, even layer of food-safe cooking oil over the surface. The purpose is to maintain the seasoning, not to leave a pool of oil behind. Manufacturer guidance supports a thin oil film; it does not establish one universally best oil or brand.

How to store a cast-iron skillet

Store the clean, dry skillet in a cool, dry place. If you store it with a lid, put folded paper towels between the lid and the skillet so air can circulate. Avoid trapping moisture between the pan and lid.

Rank #2
Sale
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, PFAS-Free, 10.25 Inches
  • Quality Cast Iron Frying Pan: The Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet is loved for its great heat retention, incredible durability, and ability to make almost any recipe you dream up
  • Naturally Seasoned for Non-Stick Finish: Each pre-seasoned skillet arrives ready to use with a smooth non-stick finish that cooks evenly and improves with every use, perfect for eggs, meats, and more
  • Heavy-Duty & Long-Lasting: This cast iron frying pan is crafted for durability and multipurpose use, with an easy-grip teardrop handle designed for comfort and control
  • Versatile & Multipurpose: This versatile cooking skillet is oven safe, stovetop compatible, and ideal as a camping cooking pan
  • About Lodge Cast Iron: Made in the USA, Lodge cookware is versatile and as easy to clean as it is to cook with; taste a difference in your cooking with cast iron

Stuck-on food and routine scrubbing

For stuck food, use warm water with a nylon brush or pan scraper. Avoid soaking the skillet, and do not use steel wool or a metal scrubber as routine cleaning tools. Lodge reserves those more abrasive tools for rust removal.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

How to remove rust

Remove rust before cooking with the skillet. USDA FSIS advises that rust is not food-safe to ingest and should be removed from cast-iron cookware or utensils before use.

For a small rust spot, Lodge recommends scouring the cool, dry skillet with a rust eraser or steel wool in warm, soapy water, then washing and drying it. Apply a very thin, even layer of oil inside and out. Lodge says a small amount of rust may need only oiling; for more extensive rust, follow its reseasoning directions.

Rank #3
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, PFAS-Free, 12 Inches
  • Quality Cast Iron Frying Pan: The Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet is loved for its great heat retention, incredible durability, and ability to make almost any recipe you dream up
  • Naturally Seasoned for Non-Stick Finish: Each pre-seasoned skillet arrives ready to use with a smooth non-stick finish that cooks evenly and improves with every use, perfect for eggs, meats, and more
  • Heavy-Duty & Long-Lasting: This cast iron frying pan is crafted for durability and multipurpose use, with an easy-grip teardrop handle designed for comfort and control
  • Versatile & Multipurpose: This versatile cooking skillet is oven safe, stovetop compatible, and ideal as a camping cooking pan
  • About Lodge Cast Iron: Made in the USA, Lodge cookware is versatile and as easy to clean as it is to cook with; taste a difference in your cooking with cast iron
  1. Heat the oven to 450–500°F.
  2. Place the cookware upside down on the top rack.
  3. Bake for one hour, then let the pan cool in the oven.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your skillet. Do not treat ordinary cleanup as a reason to strip and reseason the pan.

Cleaning after handling raw food

Clean the skillet after handling raw foods; seasoning is not a substitute for washing. FDA advises washing cooking tools with hot, soapy water after preparing each food item and keeping raw animal foods separate from other foods to help prevent cross-contamination.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

FAQ

Can I use dish soap on a seasoned cast-iron skillet?

Yes. Lodge and Field Company both allow ordinary dish soap for routine cleaning. Wash the pan, rinse it, and dry it completely.

Rank #4
Utopia Kitchen Cast Iron Skillet Set 3 Piece 6 8 10 Inch PFAS-Free Black
  • Superior Heat Retention: The Cast Iron Skillet distributes heat evenly across the surface for perfect cooking results. Ideal for searing, sautéing, frying, baking, and more.
  • Versatile Cooking: Our cast iron cookware is suitable for use on stovetops, ovens, grills, and even campfires, offering unmatched versatility for indoor and outdoor cooking.
  • Pre-Seasoned for Immediate Use: Comes pre-seasoned with vegetable oil, to enhance the non-stick performance and deliver authentic flavors right out of the box. Is an ideal cooking gift for men and women.
  • Easy-Grip Handles: Features ergonomically designed handles, for a secure grip and safe handling, even with oven mitts.
  • Easy Care: It is recommended to rub the pan with a light coating of vegetable oil after every wash. Allow the cast iron skillet to cool completely before washing it in hot soapy water with a sponge and a regular dish washing liquid soap.It is not dishwasher-safe.

Can I soak cast iron or put it in the dishwasher?

No. Lodge warns against soaking and dishwasher use; both can contribute to rust, and the dishwasher can remove seasoning.

Should I let cast iron air-dry?

No. Dry it completely with a paper towel or lint-free cloth before storing it. Manufacturer guidance warns that air-drying or storing it wet can lead to rust.

How much oil should I put on after cleaning?

Use only a thin, even film of cooking oil spread with a paper towel. Do not leave visible pools of oil.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
Utopia Kitchen Cast Iron Skillet 12 Inch Pre-Seasoned PFAS-Free Black
  • Exceptional Heat Retention: Enjoy perfectly cooked meals with cast iron skillets that provide even heat distribution, ideal for searing, frying, and baking in a 12 inch frying pan.
  • Versatile Cooking Options: Utilize this multipurpose skillet on the stove top, during camping trips, or on the grill; perfect for various cooking methods and outdoor adventures
  • Pre-Seasoned for Immediate Use: Comes pre-seasoned with vegetable oil, to enhance the non-stick performance and deliver authentic flavors right out of the box. Is an ideal cooking gift for men and women.
  • Ideal Size for Any Occasion: The 12 Inch Skillet is perfect for both indoor and outdoor cooking a reliable Chef's Pan that meets all your culinary needs.
  • Ample Cooking Space: Experience the convenience of a large frying pan that can handle family meals also great for smaller tasks with a small cast iron skillet option available.

Does enameled cast iron need seasoning?

No. Enameled cast iron has a bonded porcelain surface and does not require seasoning. Follow its manufacturer’s directions for cleaning and storage.

What should I do if my skillet has rust?

Remove the rust before cooking. For a small spot, Lodge recommends scouring with a rust eraser or steel wool in warm, soapy water, then washing, drying, and oiling. Follow Lodge’s reseasoning directions for more extensive rust.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Site Office

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.