cleaning cast iron

How do you clean your cast iron skillets? I have been just wiping it down with a warm wet sponge. No soap. But a couple nights ago I got some cheese from a burger stuck on it. We had a friend over who went to cooking school who said to soak it over night with warm water and soap. isn't that a no no with cast iron or was he correct? I ended up just scrapeing it a little and wiping it down and sprayed it with some cooking oil.

Re: cleaning cast iron

I always wash mine with just a little soap and water and then let it dry with whatever is stuck on - when it's really dry I just use a toothpick to clean the stuck on parts off. I also always preheat it until it's really hot and then rub it down with a paper towel that's been soaked in oil - that always makes it appear much cleaner!

Re: cleaning cast iron

no soap. hot hot water and a soak.

Re: cleaning cast iron

thank you for the responses. :)

Re: cleaning cast iron

These are the instructions that I follow.
From the lodgemfg.com website

Cleaning your Lodge Cast Iron

After cooking, clean utensil with a stiff nylon brush and hot water. Using soap is not recommended, and harsh detergents should never be used. (Avoid putting a hot utensil into cold water. Thermal shock can occur causing the metal to warp or crack).

TIP: If you are having trouble removing stuck-on food, boil some water in your pan for a few minutes to loosen residue, making it easier to remove.

Towel dry immediately and apply a light coating of oil to the utensil while it is still warm.

Re-Seasoning your Lodge Cast Iron

While maintaining the seasoning (as in Step 5 above) should keep your Cast Iron in good condition, at some point you may need to repeat the seasoning process. If food sticks to the surface, or you notice a dull, gray color, repeat the seasoning process:

Wash the cookware with hot, soapy water and a stiff brush. (It is okay to use soap this time because you are preparing to re-season the cookware).

Rinse and dry completely.

Apply a thin, even coating of MELTED solid vegetable shortening (or cooking oil of your choice) to the cookware (inside and out).

Place aluminum foil on the bottom rack of the oven to catch any dripping.

Set oven temperature to 350 – 400 degrees F.

Place cookware upside down on the top rack of the oven.


Bake the cookware for at least one hour. After the hour, turn the oven off and let the cookware cool in the oven.


Store the cookware uncovered, in a dry place when cooled.

Re: cleaning cast iron

i clean in like anything else, BUT then I out it on one of the burners on high to make sure the heat dries it good so it does not rust!