Can You Use Soap on Cast Iron? The Truth About Washing
You may have heard “never use soap on cast iron.” The advice has an origin, but it’s mostly outdated.
Why people said no
Old soaps were made with lye, which could strip away seasoning. Modern dish soaps are much milder. A quick wash with a little mild dish soap won’t ruin a well-seasoned pan.
The method that works
- Wash while the pan is still warm, with hot water, a brush or sponge, and a small amount of mild dish soap if the pan is greasy.
- Scrub stuck-on food. For tough bits, add coarse salt and scrub with a paper towel, or use a stiff brush or chainmail scrubber.
- Rinse and dry straight away. Use a towel, then warm the pan on the stove for a minute to evaporate any leftover moisture.
- Add a few drops of oil and rub it in with a paper towel until the surface looks matte, not shiny or wet.
What to avoid
- Soaking in the sink, which leads to rust.
- The dishwasher, which strips seasoning and rusts the pan.
- Harsh scouring with abrasive cleaners that remove seasoning.
If the pan gets sticky or rusty
See our guides on how to season cast iron and how to restore a rusty pan.
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Further reading
- Art of Manliness: you can use soap: Argues the soap myth dates from harsher lye soaps. Modern dish soap removes grease, not the hardened seasoning.
- America’s Test Kitchen: is soap OK?: Another trusted test kitchen weighing in on the same question.
- Field Company: soap on cast iron: Says soap is safe but not required; rinsing, drying and heating the pan is enough to keep it clean.