Cleaning cast iron is often recommended using a variety of methods, and experts seem to disagree in some cases. Some experts advise against using soap or abrasives, while others claim that thorough cleaning will cause no long-term damage. Using soaps or abrasives can often reverse the seasoning process, causing foods to stick to the bottom of the pan and necessitating the seasoning process to be repeated. This is especially true for pans that are newer. Older pans that have been well used and seasoned should be able to withstand a hot soapy water wash.
Although cast iron pans can be purchased already seasoned and ready to use, it is recommended that the process be repeated after purchase. The more times the process is repeated, the better the finish and the more resistant the pans will be to washing. A pan that has been well-seasoned can withstand washing and even scrubbing.
If scrubbing is required, it’s probably best to start with warm water and a plastic scrubber when cleaning cast iron. These are less abrasive than copper or steel wool, and they often work just as well. Plastic scrubbers may require more vigorous scrubbing and take a little longer to remove food, but they are less likely to remove the seasoning from the pan. Scrubbers made of plastic are usually inexpensive and should be replaced on a regular basis. It’s probably a good idea to replace them when their surfaces begin to flatten out due to wear.
The open fire method is another option for cleaning cast iron pans, but it should only be used if the pan is extremely soiled. This method entails placing the pan over an open flame, such as a grill or a fireplace, and leaving it there until the food curls and burns away. The food will eventually burn to the point where it will simply flake off. In most cases, this eliminates the need for abrasives. Before attempting to remove the pan, the fire should be extinguished and the pan sufficiently cooled.
Any method that uses detergent or abrasives to clean cast iron may cause some of the seasoning to be lost. If this happens, the seasoning process may need to be repeated. This can be accomplished by coating the entire pan in grease or oil and baking it for about an hour in a preheated oven. During this process, the oven should be set to medium heat. Cooks should take precautions to keep cooked foods from burning into the bottom or sides of pans, as this can save a lot of time and aggravation.