Can You Use Soap on Cast Iron Pans? Lodge Settles the Debate

A cast iron skillet is the little black dress of the kitchen—versatile, timeless, and made to last. Whether you’re roasting a spatchcocked chicken in the oven or cooking over a campfire, a cast iron skillet always delivers. But then comes the dreaded part: cleaning. Do you really need a nine-step cleaning routine, or can you scrape it clean and call it a day?

We consulted the experts at Lodge Cast Iron—a leading cast iron cookware brand since 1896—to set the record straight and debunk a few common myths.

Myth 1: You Should Never Use Soap

False! According to Lodge, a little soap is perfectly fine. While large amounts of soap can strip the seasoning, a small amount of mild dish soap won’t harm your skillet. Use warm water and clean by hand for best results.

Myth 2: You Need a Heavy-Duty Scrubbing Pad for Stuck-On Food

Also false! Avoid using heavy-duty scrubbing tools like steel wool—they can strip the seasoning and leave behind small black flecks. While harmless, those bits are far from appetizing. Steel wool should only be used when removing rust before reseasoning the pan.

Don’t soak the pan to loosen food, either—leaving it in water can lead to rust. Instead, try these Lodge-approved methods for removing tough, stuck-on bits:

• While the pan is still warm, use a nylon bristle brush or chainmail scrubber.
• Make a paste using coarse kosher salt and water to gently scrub away debris.
• Boil a little water in the pan for a few minutes to loosen stuck food, then scrape it clean (after it cools slightly).
  

Myth 3: You Must Dry Your Pan in an Oven or on the Stove

Not exactly. Lodge Cast Iron’s in-house chef, Kris Stubblefield, recommends drying your cast iron immediately after washing. Here’s how:

“After cleaning, dry your cast iron with either a lint-free cloth, paper towel, or by heating it on the stove or in the oven,” says Stubblefield. “Once your cast iron has been thoroughly dried, apply a thin layer of oil."

The Lodge-Approved Cast Iron Cleaning Routine

At the end of the day, a cast iron skillet can last a lifetime—if you care for it properly. Follow these three Lodge-approved simple steps:

1. Wash: Clean by hand with a small amount of soap and warm water. For stubborn food, use a scraper, nylon brush, or simmer water in the pan for 3-5 minutes before scrubbing.
2. Dry: Promptly and thoroughly dry the pan with a towel or by heating it on the stove.
3. Oil: Once dry, apply a thin layer of high-heat oil or seasoning spray. Wipe away excess oil with a paper towel.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need to overthink cleaning your cast iron skillet. Use a little soap when needed, dry it well, and season it lightly to keep the nonstick surface strong. Whatever you do, never put it in the dishwasher—and your cast iron will reward you with decades of reliable cooking.