Clean Cast Iron Without Water {Despite What Everyone Else Does}

You have to use water to clean your cast iron pots, right? Wrong! If you clean cast iron without water {despite what everyone else does}, it is easier to keep your cast iron’s seasoned finish beautifully non-stick. I’ll show you how!

Why Without Water?

Water is never a friend to cast iron, especially if you don’t get your cast iron thoroughly dry when it’s been wet. Prolonged exposure to water leads to rust. It also strips away a little of the seasoning when you clean your cast iron with water. If you avoid using water to clean, you can avoid these issues.

How To Clean Cast Iron Pans Without Water

Instead of using water, try this method instead. It works very well without risking the seasoned finish. Furthermore, this method works fantastic when you’re camping.

• After cooking with your cast iron pot, use dry paper towels to wipe out as much food residue as you can.
• Place the cast iron over a heat source and get it warm, but not so hot that you can’t touch it.
• For sticky food residues, sprinkle course salt in the bottom of the cast iron pot. Use a cloth or paper towel to work the salt into the gunky areas of the pot and loosen the food residues.
• Wipe the pot out again, using dry paper towels.
• If stubborn stains remain, add a little oil to the warm cast iron, and scrape at the those stubborn areas with a spatula. Warm oil works wonders at cleaning cast iron!
• Remember that after every cleaning of your cast iron, you must apply a fresh coat of oil to the surface. Wipe excess oil away with paper towels before storing your cast iron pots and pans.

There you have it! A little course salt, and some warm oil are the keys to clean cast iron. Make sure you’re taking proper care of all your pots and pans, no matter what they’re made of!