I have always cleaned my cast iron pans with Dawn Dish Soap. Then I heat them up on the stove, add some veggie oil, wipe it around with a paper towel till almost dry, let cool and put away till next use! Doing it for many years and pans are like new still.
I use dish soap on mine too and have for over 50 years. I have never done the salt thing. Nothing sticks in my pans. And I feel they are clean enough to be safe to use.
When I wasn’t washing my pan it smelled bad. I began washing it with dish soap and it no longer smells. Also, my seasoning has it been affected at all!
In the past year or so, I started using cast iron. I've broken down and re-seasoned a few heirloom pieces from my family and I have re-seasoned a couple of pieces from garage sales. I've done my research on different aspects of cast iron. Today, I learned something new. Thank you.
I’ve always used light soap on my cast iron. I know many people say to put it in the oven for hours, but I just do my drying and seasoning on the stovetop.
Yes, it was jumbled. Not concise. Interesting? To make your videos interesting, make them shorter. Avoid repetition. Trim away the extraneous. Work from a script. Rehearse the delivery. Have your realia ready, just out of frame, and use it sparingly. Provide a closing re-cap/summary. In the words of many creators before us, including George Cukor, "less is more" -- and there's more in this video than necessary.
I clean mine with a small amount of dish soap. Then I always re-season them before putting away. Also I stor my cast iron on a stainless steel shelf, not in the cabinet, so it dries well. Cast iron that is never cleaned with a bit of soap is pretty nasty, in my opinion. My cast iron (and I have alot of it) is always beautiful, never rusty. The one thing I have seen that will strip seasoning away in a heartbeat is when you put lemon juice or vinegar when cooking in the skillet. If I am doing a seafood recipe where I am using lemon juice, or cooking down some pasta sauce with tomatoes, I use stainless steel or enameled cast iron.
I did a recipe last night that had 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, but was cooking with a lot of other ingredients, including 4 pounds of beef short ribs. I was somewhat concerned, but decided to chance it. What was the worst thing that could happen, I'd have to start the re-seasoning process over. So, I went ahead with the cook in the cast iron camp stove. No issues, whatsoever.
This all makes sense to me. I would say though that a little sudsy water when needed goes a long way. No need to put pure soap right on the pan. And I agree with the earlier comment that if something is really stuck on the pan a little soaking is all that’s needed.
I liked cleaning mine with Dawn, just like below and season with oil also, the reason, is to eliminate Bacteria, as too many people will leave pans for too many hours before cleaning, so that was my method of choice. Unfortunately, glass top stoves, and cast iron pans, don't work well together, plus I can no longer lift cast iron, with my Multiple Sclerosis, so we left them up at the trailer 😢 They do cook well.
I just depends on how dirty and baked on my cast iron is. I do all 3, just depends on what my pans/dutch ovens need on any particular day. And, mine avg from twenty years to over 100 years old. The two things after cleaning I do EVERY time is heat dry and oil very lightly with a lint free rag. Love my cast iron.
K Flan I had just heated my Dutch oven and skillet over the stove top, coated them with olive oil, as the stove preheated to 450•. I then popped the Dutch it’s lid and the skillet in the oven to “bake” for an hour. I checked them round 30 minutes later, saw them smoking, panicked, and shut the oven off. Now they’re cooling off along with the stove for an hour. I hope they’ll be ok.. I’m new at this. By the way, I use dawn to clean them as it’s a good non toxic soap and gets the job done.
Soaps getting better: -isn’t really true. Soap is soap. -detergents have improved. But stronger detergents aren’t what you want to use on your cast iron either!
Great learning video with lots of science. But you know the cast iron zealots won't embrace the new book of cast iron just because it's proved by science. You'll have to drag them kicking and screaming into the 21st century. Thankyou for your work, education and the dog.
@@penknight8532 lye isn’t in soap. It’s mixed with oils to make the soap. And still is. Can’t have soap without lye. People complaining about lye are spreading fake news and harms ones understanding of all things soap related.
Great video. I have always wondered if I was clean my cast iron properly. I have been cleaning it when it is still hot with hot water and add a few drops of dawn soap to clean up the rest. Then a splash of oil and wipe it down to dry.
I use dawn dish soap, dry it completely, and rub a little olive oil all over it. Then rub off the excess with a paper towel. Mine are used constantly and look as new as the day I first seasoned them with olive oil. I learned that from a chef years ago, but I am not an authority on that subject.
D B I had just heated my Dutch oven and skillet over the stove top, coated them with olive oil, as the stove preheated to 450•. I then popped the Dutch it’s lid and the skillet in the oven to “bake” for an hour. I checked them round 30 minutes later, saw them smoking, panicked, and shut the oven off. Now they’re cooling off along with the stove for an hour. I hope they’ll be ok.. I’m new at this. By the way, I use dawn to clean them as it’s a good non toxic soap and gets the job done.
I would say that this video makes perfect sense...however I personally limit my use of soap in my cast iron pans just because I dislike the taste of soap...lol. Seriously though, modern soap is rather safe on Cast Iron but to be used when really really really needed. Hot water and a scraper will take care of most of the crud we all get when cooking...it's the acid based foods that I tend to use soap on quickly to get the tomato residue out of my cast iron quickly...then dry and re-season.
GardenFork Hi! Eric, Yes TH-cam is terrible for that I guess its the second (e) that throws them I guess.. My wife has had similar problems .. Great to hear from you! Kenney.
Who would be mean? Frankly, I think you did your usual fine job. May I suggest putting the flash cards on an easel, so you have more control over your props (unless you are shooting for a Jerry Lewis type delivery). Otherwise, I thought your explanation was very good, and cleared up some age old questions. I was interested in the part about oils. I noticed you did not mention Canola oil. I remember hearing that it was good for this purpose. I have been using olive oil for years, but I can now make more informed choices. Thank you, and keep up the good work!
Loved the video. I sure learned a lot. I was always taught to never use soap. I heard keep it oiled keep it a 100 years. I use my cast iron everyday and am completely lost without it at other people's houses when I help cook.
A guy trying to explain how to take care of your cast iron pan, while he admits he messed up his pan.... I'll stick to oil only as I have been for over 10 years and steam cleaning it with hot pan + water + salt. Food taste great and no illness from it. I see no need for soap on something especially before you heat it up to 400f before cooking.
The best way I found to clean cast iron, especially when you burn up a steak or something else that leaves deposits on the pan is this: Put about 1/4 inch of clean water into the pan, put pan back on stove on medium high heat. Allow to heat for 1-2 minutes. While still on stovetop, take a stiff dish brush and lightly scrub the pan. Heat & water & brush will remove everything. Then take pan to the sink and under hot running water scrub whatever remains. rinse. replace back on stove, heat till hot and hit it with a tiny amount of flax oil (just enough to cover the whole pan), rubbing into the iron with a paper towel. remove from heat. done.
they have a name for this it's called de glazing ,I do it before removing whatever i'm cooking with a little beer ,wine,water,broth even a lot of vegetables will do it what ever suits my thoughts.
“Polymerization - it’s a big word” LOL, love it. I use all of those techniques and then some, to clean my cast iron. All just depends on the situation ideal situation is when nothing has stuck and I can just wipe it out. I mainly use animal fats (butter, bacon grease) and olive oil. But now that I've watched your video and learned the science behind it all, I will probably get some sunflower oil and use that some. Thanks.
I get my pan hot and run it under hot water and the steam lifts off most of whats stuck on and kills any bacteria I do use a small amount of soap if i need to but try to avoid it.
my other half even puts ours through the dish washer ,can't stop her ,any way they need some help after that but it still don't destroy them ,just the finish or polymerize on them, re-coat and heat.
I always ask people this simple question. Have you ever burnt something in a stainless steel pan and gotten it black? Have you ever been able to remove that black with soap? It is the same thing on your cast iron.
Hi Francis You can try smoothing it out with a sanding disc on a right angle grinder, then re-season, wear eye and ear protection and a good dust mask. thx !
I still use hot water to wash out any item in the cast iron and use the salt and oil method to clean it. sense most pans calls for a mild detergent to use. Personally i dont know what is a mild detergent soap so better safe i say :P
i guess what i was saying was that it is kinda hard to know which detergent is a mild soap compared to that of a harsh or soft soap in most cases but thanks
i put my cast iron skilletts in awood stove burn it clean then scrub with steel wool and ajax dry off than put oil on it bakein oven 300 degrees for an hour seems to work well
Galaxys Gacha I had just heated my Dutch oven and skillet over the stove top, coated them with olive oil, as the stove preheated to 450•. I then popped the Dutch it’s lid and the skillet in the oven to “bake” for an hour. I checked them round 30 minutes later, saw them smoking, panicked, and shut the oven off. Now they’re cooling off along with the stove for an hour. I hope they’ll be ok.. I’m new at this. By the way, I use dawn to clean them as it’s a good non toxic soap and gets the job done.
Stop using steel wool and Ajax and you won’t have to do that. If the food doesn’t come off with salt and water then you’re doing something wrong, or your pan wasn’t properly seasoned to start with (which it probably wasn’t if you were scrubbing with wool and Ajax every time!)!
I'm in the No Soap Camp regardless of lye based soap or new non lye based soap. I prefer using one of three items for maintenance seasoning &/or a complete strip and reseason. A> Crisbee Stick or Puck B> Avocado Oil for its high smoke point and it has given me great results in comparison to grape seed oil or even flaxseed oil. C> Grandma's and Great.....Grandma's tried and proven just cook on it seasoning. Bottom line, I'm a purist. I'd straight up go Billy Batts on ya if you put soap on any of my cast iron. 🍳🔪🔫💀😂😂😂
I have always cleaned my cast iron pans with Dawn Dish Soap. Then I heat them up on the stove, add some veggie oil, wipe it around with a paper towel till almost dry, let cool and put away till next use! Doing it for many years and pans are like new still.
Perfect Norman. Not sure why all the drama surrounding soap on cast iron. thanks for taking the time to write! eric
I use dish soap on mine too and have for over 50 years. I have never done the salt thing. Nothing sticks in my pans. And I feel they are clean enough to be safe to use.
Exactly !
Ditto... I've been using olive oil after rinsing real well. Exactly what Norman said above.
Good to hear Lois, thx! Eric
When I wasn’t washing my pan it smelled bad. I began washing it with dish soap and it no longer smells. Also, my seasoning has it been affected at all!
I have cast iron cook ware at my camp. We wash them with soap & water & never had an issue.
Yeah!
Excellent video. I’ve always used a little Dawn on my skillets.
In the past year or so, I started using cast iron. I've broken down and re-seasoned a few heirloom pieces from my family and I have re-seasoned a couple of pieces from garage sales. I've done my research on different aspects of cast iron. Today, I learned something new. Thank you.
Yeah!
I’ve always used light soap on my cast iron. I know many people say to put it in the oven for hours, but I just do my drying and seasoning on the stovetop.
yes, works for me Annnie. thx! eric.
Annfam5 by the way, I use dawn to clean them as it’s a good non toxic soap and gets the job done.
Me too.
This is the most concise - and therefore best - explanation on this subject. Thanks, Eric!
I thought it might be a little jumbled Chris, but I seem to have gotten my point across. Thx!
Yes, it was jumbled. Not concise.
Interesting? To make your videos interesting, make them shorter. Avoid repetition. Trim away the extraneous. Work from a script. Rehearse the delivery. Have your realia ready, just out of frame, and use it sparingly. Provide a closing re-cap/summary.
In the words of many creators before us, including George Cukor, "less is more" -- and there's more in this video than necessary.
I always give mine a quick scrub with dish liquid, rinse well, dry quickly and a a touch of oil as needed. No problem.
There you go Imogene! i'm not the only one, yeah!
I never felt right not using a little soap and it never negatively affected the season on my skillet. Finally an answer!
Thanks for the sunflower oil tip. I’ve had great results with flaxseed oil but like you said, it’s expensive.
Hey Tim, sunflower oil is the next best oil, if you can find it.
I clean mine with a small amount of dish soap. Then I always re-season them before putting away. Also I stor my cast iron on a stainless steel shelf, not in the cabinet, so it dries well. Cast iron that is never cleaned with a bit of soap is pretty nasty, in my opinion. My cast iron (and I have alot of it) is always beautiful, never rusty. The one thing I have seen that will strip seasoning away in a heartbeat is when you put lemon juice or vinegar when cooking in the skillet. If I am doing a seafood recipe where I am using lemon juice, or cooking down some pasta sauce with tomatoes, I use stainless steel or enameled cast iron.
I did a recipe last night that had 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, but was cooking with a lot of other ingredients, including 4 pounds of beef short ribs. I was somewhat concerned, but decided to chance it. What was the worst thing that could happen, I'd have to start the re-seasoning process over. So, I went ahead with the cook in the cast iron camp stove. No issues, whatsoever.
This all makes sense to me. I would say though that a little sudsy water when needed goes a long way. No need to put pure soap right on the pan. And I agree with the earlier comment that if something is really stuck on the pan a little soaking is all that’s needed.
Yes Peter just a bit of soap goes a long way thx!
Great video! I have used soap on mine, knowing that it was fine, but not knowing why it was fine. You explained it perfectly. Thanks!
Yeah!
It’s not fine. Stop doing that.
I just got mine and I wanna wash it regular so I came to you
Long time subscriber. Eric, congratulations on 100k! Tim
Thx Tim! email me and i can help promote your channel if you like, eric@gardenfork.tv
I liked cleaning mine with Dawn, just like below and season with oil also, the reason, is to eliminate Bacteria, as too many people will leave pans for too many hours before cleaning, so that was my method of choice.
Unfortunately, glass top stoves, and cast iron pans, don't work well together, plus I can no longer lift cast iron, with my Multiple Sclerosis, so we left them up at the trailer 😢
They do cook well.
I just depends on how dirty and baked on my cast iron is. I do all 3, just depends on what my pans/dutch ovens need on any particular day. And, mine avg from twenty years to over 100 years old. The two things after cleaning I do EVERY time is heat dry and oil very lightly with a lint free rag. Love my cast iron.
Exactly! Same here. Thx!
100 years old !!!!???? WOW
K Flan I had just heated my Dutch oven and skillet over the stove top, coated them with olive oil, as the stove preheated to 450•. I then popped the Dutch it’s lid and the skillet in the oven to “bake” for an hour. I checked them round 30 minutes later, saw them smoking, panicked, and shut the oven off. Now they’re cooling off along with the stove for an hour. I hope they’ll be ok.. I’m new at this. By the way, I use dawn to clean them as it’s a good non toxic soap and gets the job done.
Super interesting. Great presentation. The key is that the oils and soaps have gotten better over the years.
Yes, I should have said that!
Soaps getting better:
-isn’t really true. Soap is soap.
-detergents have improved. But stronger detergents aren’t what you want to use on your cast iron either!
Great learning video with lots of science. But you know the cast iron zealots won't embrace the new book of cast iron just because it's proved by science. You'll have to drag them kicking and screaming into the 21st century. Thankyou for your work, education and the dog.
Kinda like a lot of issues recently, don't you think? Thanks for the note and watching Robert, I appreciate it. eric.
No, you have this one backwards. You still don’t want to use soap on your cast iron. Just as you don’t want to put it in the dishwasher.
Love the flash cards and science lesson
Did not realize they were flash cards but yes! Easier than creating graphics in the edit too. Thx! Eric
I know right his so awesome
I learned a new word - polymerization. Thanks, Eric. Seems definitive to me!
It’s a good word for spelling contests 😀
Lyes! It's all Lyes! You're exec producer should have caught that.
Very good!
And you don't even know how to spell !! Correct spelling is
LIES.....NOT LYES !!! DON'T COMMENT IF YOU CAN'T SPELL !!!
@@nthomason9612 lol... he was making a pun about how LYE used to be used in soap and LYE would ruin the seasoning in the cast iron.
@@penknight8532 lye isn’t in soap. It’s mixed with oils to make the soap. And still is. Can’t have soap without lye. People complaining about lye are spreading fake news and harms ones understanding of all things soap related.
Great video. I have always wondered if I was clean my cast iron properly. I have been cleaning it when it is still hot with hot water and add a few drops of dawn soap to clean up the rest. Then a splash of oil and wipe it down to dry.
I use dawn dish soap, dry it completely, and rub a little olive oil all over it. Then rub off the excess with a paper towel. Mine are used constantly and look as new as the day I first seasoned them with olive oil. I learned that from a chef years ago, but I am not an authority on that subject.
but it works for you! good to hear, thx!
D B I had just heated my Dutch oven and skillet over the stove top, coated them with olive oil, as the stove preheated to 450•. I then popped the Dutch it’s lid and the skillet in the oven to “bake” for an hour. I checked them round 30 minutes later, saw them smoking, panicked, and shut the oven off. Now they’re cooling off along with the stove for an hour. I hope they’ll be ok.. I’m new at this. By the way, I use dawn to clean them as it’s a good non toxic soap and gets the job done.
Well. I’m exhausted... did you give up the bone? (I’m asking for a friend).
Yes
I would say that this video makes perfect sense...however I personally limit my use of soap in my cast iron pans just because I dislike the taste of soap...lol. Seriously though, modern soap is rather safe on Cast Iron but to be used when really really really needed. Hot water and a scraper will take care of most of the crud we all get when cooking...it's the acid based foods that I tend to use soap on quickly to get the tomato residue out of my cast iron quickly...then dry and re-season.
Exactly! Thx for the note !
As always enjoyed your program and learned something ! Thanks Again Eric !!
Good to hear Kenney! TH-cam is trying to auto-correct your name to Kennedy. Does happen all the time?
GardenFork Hi! Eric, Yes TH-cam is terrible for that I guess its the second (e) that throws them I guess.. My wife has had similar problems .. Great to hear from you!
Kenney.
Who would be mean? Frankly, I think you did your usual fine job. May I suggest putting the flash cards on an easel, so you have more control over your props (unless you are shooting for a Jerry Lewis type delivery). Otherwise, I thought your explanation was very good, and cleared up some age old questions. I was interested in the part about oils. I noticed you did not mention Canola oil. I remember hearing that it was good for this purpose. I have been using olive oil for years, but I can now make more informed choices. Thank you, and keep up the good work!
Thanks Uncle, an easel is a good idea. Or a chalkboard mbe?
Loved the video. I sure learned a lot. I was always taught to never use soap. I heard keep it oiled keep it a 100 years. I use my cast iron everyday and am completely lost without it at other people's houses when I help cook.
Yes other people’s pans are kinda flimsy IMHO. Thx!
Why does my pan leave a black residue on paper towels when wiping it?
A guy trying to explain how to take care of your cast iron pan, while he admits he messed up his pan....
I'll stick to oil only as I have been for over 10 years and steam cleaning it with hot pan + water + salt. Food taste great and no illness from it. I see no need for soap on something especially before you heat it up to 400f before cooking.
The best way I found to clean cast iron, especially when you burn up a steak or something else that leaves deposits on the pan is this: Put about 1/4 inch of clean water into the pan, put pan back on stove on medium high heat. Allow to heat for 1-2 minutes. While still on stovetop, take a stiff dish brush and lightly scrub the pan. Heat & water & brush will remove everything. Then take pan to the sink and under hot running water scrub whatever remains. rinse. replace back on stove, heat till hot and hit it with a tiny amount of flax oil (just enough to cover the whole pan), rubbing into the iron with a paper towel. remove from heat. done.
this works for me as well. I don't use soap all the time, just when all else fails. water works pretty good. thx! eric.
they have a name for this it's called de glazing ,I do it before removing whatever i'm cooking with a little beer ,wine,water,broth even a lot of vegetables will do it what ever suits my thoughts.
And throw in a ton of salt and it will help scrub off the bits.
I didn't know always used dish detergent on cast iron
I use soap on cast iron only when it’s hard to clean otherwise. Bout it’s good to know it’s ok to use thx!
“Polymerization - it’s a big word” LOL, love it. I use all of those techniques and then some, to clean my cast iron. All just depends on the situation ideal situation is when nothing has stuck and I can just wipe it out. I mainly use animal fats (butter, bacon grease) and olive oil. But now that I've watched your video and learned the science behind it all, I will probably get some sunflower oil and use that some. Thanks.
Yeah! Thx for the note!
I get my pan hot and run it under hot water and the steam lifts off most of whats stuck on and kills any bacteria I do use a small amount of soap if i need to but try to avoid it.
Thank you. Needed to see this.
I say whatever works for you 👍❤️
Yes! just wish more people thought the same way about a lot of things. thx!
my other half even puts ours through the dish washer ,can't stop her ,any way they need some help after that but it still don't destroy them ,just the finish or polymerize on them, re-coat and heat.
there you go! keep her happy!
Thanks
Jeremy from Jersey just subscribed
Total fan!!!!
Ok, thanks
I always ask people this simple question. Have you ever burnt something in a stainless steel pan and gotten it black? Have you ever been able to remove that black with soap? It is the same thing on your cast iron.
We use a little soap on our.s than a little oil
Perfect Danny!
I clean mine with Dawn. Is there a way to redo a pitted cast iron pan?
Hi Francis You can try smoothing it out with a sanding disc on a right angle grinder, then re-season, wear eye and ear protection and a good dust mask. thx !
Stop using soap or dawn! That’s why you have to redo it!
I still use hot water to wash out any item in the cast iron and use the salt and oil method to clean it. sense most pans calls for a mild detergent to use. Personally i dont know what is a mild detergent soap so better safe i say :P
most dish soaps today are technically detergents, but we all use the word soap, which is fine with me. thx!
i guess what i was saying was that it is kinda hard to know which detergent is a mild soap compared to that of a harsh or soft soap in most cases
but thanks
Oh ok! I understand now. Thx! Eric.
no problem Eric
Well now I want to take out my cast iron and make some cornbread but not until I watch your cornbread gone wrong vid.:)
lots of corn bread vids on our channel! here they are: goo.gl/FNPZLi
Interesting video, I still will not let soap touch my cast iron. I season with bacon grease. Don,t want to risk removing season of enhanced flavor.
Yet.... when I washed my cast iron with Dawn, it reeked of soap..... I would never use soap again.
Well why do you use so much damn soap? Try just one drop of soap.
Great video! 👍 Soap making video next? 😉
Mbe! Thx for your help with this. Eric.
i put my cast iron skilletts in awood stove burn it clean then scrub with steel wool and ajax dry off than put oil on it bakein oven 300 degrees for an hour
seems to work well
Is that how you clean your CI every time you use it?
Galaxys Gacha I had just heated my Dutch oven and skillet over the stove top, coated them with olive oil, as the stove preheated to 450•. I then popped the Dutch it’s lid and the skillet in the oven to “bake” for an hour. I checked them round 30 minutes later, saw them smoking, panicked, and shut the oven off. Now they’re cooling off along with the stove for an hour. I hope they’ll be ok.. I’m new at this. By the way, I use dawn to clean them as it’s a good non toxic soap and gets the job done.
Stop using steel wool and Ajax and you won’t have to do that. If the food doesn’t come off with salt and water then you’re doing something wrong, or your pan wasn’t properly seasoned to start with (which it probably wasn’t if you were scrubbing with wool and Ajax every time!)!
What's corrected?
Part of the vid was confusing about old style soaps and I needed to clarify that. Thx Russ!
I'm in the No Soap Camp regardless of lye based soap or new non lye based soap. I prefer using one of three items for maintenance seasoning &/or a complete strip and reseason.
A> Crisbee Stick or Puck
B> Avocado Oil for its high smoke point and it has given me great results in comparison to grape seed oil or even flaxseed oil.
C> Grandma's and Great.....Grandma's tried and proven just cook on it seasoning.
Bottom line, I'm a purist. I'd straight up go Billy Batts on ya if you put soap on any of my cast iron. 🍳🔪🔫💀😂😂😂
NPHuskerFL 😂😂
But how is it clean if u don't wash it? Ewww....
Is the Lye thing the only different part to yesterdays video ?
yeah, i messed up about that, had to fix it. good eyes, sir. thx! eric.
Why use soap?
Say whaaat!?
Jesus you take forever to explain something
Longest video in the history of mankind.....UGH!
I got rid of all my cast iron pans. They stunk.
look at how many times you repeat yourself
yes.
Larry Kramer repetition is the key to learning.
:-)
:)