How To: Clean your Cast-Iron Pan

DO NOT THROW IT IN THE DISHWASHER!

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean it.

Step 1: Clean the pan while it’s still hot! This way the food you just cooked will not stick to your pan and harden as it cools. TRUST ME, the extra work you will have for yourself if you decide to take that 10-minute rest after cooking is NOT WORTH IT.

Step 2: Clean the pan with hot water and NO SOAP. Scrub with hot water to help loosen the food that is stuck on the pan. (ideal to buy a cast iron scrubber) You may ask why no soap. Well, let me tell you, studies have shown that soap strips seasoning from the pan.

Step 3: If there are some pieces of food still stuck on your pan use salt and a dry towel to scrub it off. The salt helps wear away the food still stuck and should get whatever is left off without damaging the pan.

Step 4: Dry your pan CORRECTLY! Dry your pan thoroughly with paper towels or it will rust. Place it on the stove on LOW heat until all the water evaporates, then wipe the inside with a vegetable-oiled paper towel and you're done! Just hang it up, and your cast iron is now clean and ready for you the next time you cook.