Q&A for How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet

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Can you clean rust off of a cast iron skillet?

James Sears
House Cleaning Professional
James Sears leads the customer happiness team at Neatly, a group of cleaning gurus based in Los Angeles and Orange County, California. James and the team have nine years of experience and offer green cleaning, interior and exterior window washing, and general apartment cleaning services. He provides transformative cleaning experiences by reducing clutter and renewing your home environment. James is a Trustee Scholar at the University of Southern California.

James Sears

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

To clean rust off of a cast iron skillet, use hot water and baking soda. Let the cast iron skillet sit and soak for five minutes in the solution. After, clean off the solution by scrubbing the cast iron with a sponge.

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Question

Can I use canola oil instead of vegetable oil?

Community Answer

Yes. Canola oil is a vegetable oil, along with peanut, corn, coconut, safflower, etc.

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Question

How do I remove buildup on my cast iron skillet?

Community Answer

If the buildup is from years of use, I would suggest a lye bath to remove it. Directions for the bath can be found online. Using a lye bath will require that you re-season your skillet.

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Question

How do I remove rust from a cast iron pot?

Community Answer

Use a 50 percent solution of white vinegar to water. Soak the rusted area (you can immerse the whole pan) for up to three hours. Any remaining rust should scrub off. Re-season the pan as the vinegar will dissolve most of the seasoning.

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Question

If I use salt in a cast iron skillet, would it affect the pan's seasoning?

Community Answer

Not at all. Salt actively cleans cast iron, and naturally you're going to rinse it out. Dry, wipe with vegetable shortening, and heat it in the oven upside down.

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Question

How do I clean the stuff on the outside of my very well-used skillet?

Community Answer

If you scrub an iron skillet, you have to re-season it. Oil the skillet and place it in a preheated oven for 30 minutes at about 250 degrees F. Clean the skillet by wiping only.

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Question

How do I remove stuck-on chicken?

Community Answer

Try using a spatula as a lever, or soap-free steel wool under hot water.

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How do you get the outside of a cast iron pan clean?

Community Answer

The same way you clean the inside. Avoid soap, and use very hot water.

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Question

What do I do if my cast iron skillet is sticky due to olive oil use?

Community Answer

If you’re getting a tacky buildup, you can cook off the tack by heating it past its smoke point in the oven using the method mentioned above, 30 minutes at 250 degrees. Heating it past its smoke point will start to break the oil chains down and allow it to essentially “soak” into the cast iron, allowing you to re-season and fill in all of the pores, creating a smooth finish.

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