Secrets to cleaning cast iron to keep it NON-STICK

[@MelissaKNorris]

Thanks for watching! I hope this helps with your cast iron. To get on the waitlist for the wooden dough scraper (aka cast iron cleaner) and wooden bench knives go here melissaknorris.lpages.co/wood-product-waitlist/

[@georgeholder5076]

Hope I got on the wait list in time ---

[@TessC374]

I was going to reply and ask if you could sell me a wooden scraper also suggest you could sell them being I can't find one, You are Great, God has truly Blessed you. God Bless you Sister in Jesus Mighty Name 🙏❤

[@melissa101mel]

I went to the link but I can't find the wait list :/ Can you help me :)

[@LittleRapGuy]

Great video

[@arrrgoyle5695]

I hope he is still making the scrapers. Very informative. Thanks!

[@kellybesse4625]

I’m fortunate enough to have been given cast iron (in excellent condition) from two of my great grandmothers through my grandmothers. I’ve just started cooking in them regularly. It brings me so much joy to hold my family history in my hands and be able to use them in a meaningful way to care for my family!

[@sandygrogg1203]

Someone actually left three Lodge skillets…and a smaller one …in an apartment we lived in years ago…I added a small round, handled griddle.

[@bettinagordon2348]

I was given a ci grill pan from my great grandmother in Switzerland which had been handed down thru the generations. I treasure it so much.

[@janeserovy666]

The older cast iron are also worrh $$$. You probably wouldn't part with them for any amount of $$$.

[@georgiannalee1921]

I was raised with cast iron cooking the food and my father and mom always washed out cast iron in hot soapy water, and rinsed them and wiped them dry right away. It did not ruin their seasoned pan, and we're never rusty. For 16 yrs this is how my parents did it. My dad said you can get sick on uncleaned pans just wiped out because some old oil on pans gets spoiled.

[@sic-n-tiredtired4273]

Hmmm I've been using my cast irons for about the same amount of time 16 18 yrs. and have cooked and baked pretty much everything you can imagine in them and only my chili pot has seen soap and water once ( i let the wife make the chili that time 😉) other than that NO water ever. Scotch bright stainless steel scrubby or similar, wipe it out with a paper towel hang it up for next time. It's all in the temp of the pan when you start cooking.

[@dirtymike3329]

Completely agree. It’s not that complicated

[@karenvanausdall5904]

Dry your cast iron on stove top. I always use dawn dish soap when I clean my cast iron then dry atop the stove.

[@fionaatieno1535]

I also wonder about other people's cast irons. My mom has a cast iron tawa and we wash it with soap and water although there are times we can leave it oily and some rare times when it has been left with just a wash for too long, the thin rust just comes off easy on washing with steel wool and it's smooth AF. I think the whole point with cast irons is too not leave them alone too long without oiling and get a good quality without the pores and grizzly look.

[@donloughrey1615]

@@karenvanausdall5904 Agreed. In the 50s my mom dried hers on the stove she said that is the key. I do the same. Clean them while hot, a couple drops of Dawn and water, dry on stove. Oil if needed.

[@jims1942]

Finally ... someone gets it! :) That is 'almost' exactly the way I've been cleaning mine for over 50 years, and It works great. (We've been married 59 years.) = Difference = Before I do anything else I use paper towels to wipe out any excess grease/food, etc. then just throw them in trash. I use a (plastic type?) spatula instead of the wooden scraper in the bottom of the skillet to scrape out the stuck on stuff while it still has the HOT water in it on the stove top. I use a stiff brush and hot tap water to scrub as needed. (YES even a couple drops of soap ONLY IF needed = NO it will NOT hurt the pan or seasoning, just don't over do it.) Sometimes the little blue scratchy sponge if needed. I use paper towels to wash it and to dry it. I never use the dish cloth or towels for cast iron. When done put it on a stove burner on medium-low for about 5 or 6 minutes to make sure it's hot and dry. Then wipe out the inside with a paper towel pad with a couple drops canola oil on it while it's HOT, Do Not use too much oil. I KNOW this method works well because I've been doing mine for over 50 years. I have 5 cast iron skillets and a dutch oven, four of which I got USED over 50 years ago from my parents and I've been using them every since. They all still look better than new! :)

[@tugaroocrab]

I’ve been married 53 years and inherited cast iron skillets. I do the same thing.

[@weissblau]

My cast ironware, older than the 73 I am, look much better than I do.

[@charlenewilliams219]

Did you use canola oil 50 years ago? I’m just thinking what they would’ve done 50-100 years ago? wouldn’t we have used lard, beef tallow, etc. what are peoples experiences with the natural fats?

[@jims1942]

@@charlenewilliams219 - They probaby used lard, some still do. It works fine. Sometimes I use Crisco from the can, it works well too.

[@brightantwerp]

Nowadays you can use soap to clean CI. In the old days there was lye in the soap, which does remove the seasoning. There is no lye in soaps anymore, so it's save to use. Afterwards you can dry the it on the stove and oil it while still hot, if needed. I love the scraper! Great idea.

[@stevelavalette6898]

@@repentofidols I agree, I use dish soap with zero issues. It's important to dry it after you clean it. I heat it dry on the stove then coat with a super thin layer of oil.

[@georgeholder5076]

As a youngster , I was told "Never clean cast-iron with anything you wouldn't put in your mouth / and eat"

[@aquaseahorselove3939]

I don’t get the mercury comment

[@jamesSmith-fl5wv]

What kind of oil

[@stevelavalette6898]

@@jamesSmith-fl5wv it really doesn't matter. Coat it very lightly while still warm. Than wipe it almost dry.

[@jenniferkluender9936]

Your husband needs to make those wooden pan scrapers a side business because I would buy one in a heartbeat and there's very many many people who are cast iron pan enthusiast collectors and lovers that would buy it too.

[@johnl119]

I have been using my cast iron for years and it is so so smooth, functions just like a non-stick pan. And I wash it with regular dish soap every time I cook in it. This is what I do after I wash it, I place it back on the heat for 10 mins on med-low heat so that all the water dries off and it's pores open and then I add a few drops of oil in the pan and spread it All over the pan, everywhere and then once cooled I store it. So the moral of the story is that you can wash it, but after you do it has to dry completely and then apply some oil and then store it. Works like a charm and is very smooth and clean for the next use

[@jaimegasca9556]

What oil you use

[@jaimegasca9556]

What oil you use

[@jaimegasca9556]

What oil you use for your cast iron pan

[@johnl119]

@@jaimegasca9556 Olive oil, the same one I cook with

[@sydneyevan1333]

Thank you!

[@ljshoreslokal]

Great video!! I use paper towels to wipe out any left over food or grease, lodge plastic scrapers to scrape any tough food bits, splash water in the pan and wipe out clean. Let the pan stay on the medium heat to dry completely and then wipe on some Crisco and let it cool down. I love cast iron!

[@michaelmiller9452]

A cotton shaped into a bag, filled with salt works great. I've also used a clean fairly 3M green scrubby wih hot water for seriously stuck on stuff.

[@daisycouchfarm2464]

I had a love-hate relationship with cast-iron in the beginning but now that I understand it more it’s really all we cook with

[@MelissaKNorris]

I can totally see how it can be frustrating if you don't know how to care for them properly thanks for sharing!

[@marissaboomin]

I love this comment because right now I’m mad at my cast iron but it seems like once I can learn to use it best, I’ll use it for everything.

[@johnterry8958]

Well, if you cook something with garlic and other intense flavors and don't use dish detergent, the next time you cook your brownies or whatever, they're gonna absorb the leftover flavors. I go ahead and use dish detergent and immediately dry the pan, and usually give it a very light oiling afterwards. No issues so far.

[@MelissaKNorris]

Sorry, I cook meat with onions and garlic, clean the pan as shown and then bake brownies without any cross over of flavor. The pan is clean without the soap and with a good seasoning it doesn't absorb flavors.

[@jims1942]

I agree with you Melissa, never a problem here either. ... (besides, what's wrong with garlic and onion flavored brownies?) :)

[@RayMrRobert]

This is proper cast iron cleaning. I use. Stainless pad for cleaning with Dawn power spray then I dry and coat the pan. I make quick and convenient cleaning and my seasoning always performs well for me.

[@tinabohren881]

My grandmother told me to boil water with a drop of dish soap after cooking with something spicey. Then rub a little oil. The hot opened the pores in the iron and released the spice. I made the mistake of making peach cobbler after spicey garlic sauce. BUT my grandmother always kept a pan just for pies.

[@joycej9415]

Use a small drop of soap on my cast iron pans and don't submerge in water, just rinse thoroughly. They have been working perfectly for me for 52 years!

[@tinab7791]

I warm all of my heavy pans, cast iron or not, prior to cleaning. It was something I learned from a chef and it's amazing.

[@MrJamesw1958]

If you season it right in the beginning your go to go. Mine was preseasoned and I used steel pads to strip out what they had done and started from scratch. That was over ten years ago and I wash it every time I use it. It still works better than any nonstick pan.

[@mirawind9126]

This is honestly one of the best ways I've seen someone not wash their pan and I appreciate it. I do wash and reseason my pans just because I'm a freak about the gems but this is pretty great. Two small things, one it's always a good idea to not just wipe out the water because the cloth will leave some behind but to reheat the plan until it steams and then stops streaming so you've removed all the water. Two while the dough scrapers are great there's also cast iron safe chain wool for when things are just too stuck (like burnt bbq chicken)

[@robinwoodard7898]

My dogs would lick that up outside and any other animals

[@frankcampos1251]

I think the ultimate point is that she’s trying to sell the wood scraper her husband makes 😉

[@johndonahue4777]

Make a paper pattern to match the inside corner of pan. Transfer to any thin scrap of wood and cut out with a coping saw available at Home Depot for little or nothing. Cut off fuzz with a quarter sheet of garnet paper and you have a 'Custom Pan Scraper'.

[@johndonahue4777]

Or just throw a cedar shim in the sink and use the butt end on your pans. Cost 10¢)

[@jamestaylor5143]

I founded a chain mail pad (sold by Lodge) for scrubbing and it works quite well for stuck on foods.

[@deeholm1644]

I have used baking soda and kosher salt with a damp scrub sponge. Works extremely well for me to get stuck bits off. Then I heat the WagnerWare and put a light coat of oil on it.

[@melissa101mel]

Loved, loved, loved this video!! I've always been afraid to cook certain things because of the cleaning aspect and fearing having to reseason my pan. Thank you!!!

[@mylittlerebornlove8851]

This method you shared is the best! It has left my cast iron in the best non-stick condition than ever before! Thank you for sharing!

[@michaelvitale4029]

Chain mail. Ordered it from Amazon. Best thing ever.

[@shayladawson6268]

I have a mug of hot water to pour into pan right after cooking. Using a wooden spatula is also very useful 👌 thx for your video.

[@sheilaboomershine7142]

I have a square of stainless chainmail to scrape up stuck on food. I use it with hot water and it works great. Got it from Amazon.

[@johnNJ4024]

I've been using cast iron for years and love it! It's surprising how many people don't know how to properly care for and clean cast iron cookware. My girlfriend introduced me to your channel and you make great videos. Thank you for sharing and your time and effort!

[@MelissaKNorris]

My pleasure! Happy to have you here!

[@aquaseahorselove3939]

I have a friend with an old cast iron pan. She told me she hates it because everything sticks to it. I asked her when was the last time she seasoned it. She said, she doesn’t need to season it because she bought it preseasoned. She had it for years and never seasoned it. I had to explain to her that she still needs to season the “preseasoned” pans. LOL

[@Viggen-vert]

God love this traditional wife and home maker.

[@frazeejr]

I've been using the salt scrub technique whenever necessary, but I really like this idea of using the wooden scraper...so I just finished placing myself onto the waiting list. I've also been stepping up my game when it comes to seasoning the cutting boards and wooden utensils, so I'll just add the dough scrapers to my standard regimen. Your sourdough starter blog and video is about to lead me into a whole new set of adventures.

[@despicabledavidshort3806]

Lol, you put yourself on a list to get simething you don't need from someone making money from it 😅

[@sharonmcmann-morelli4896]

where can i find a little brush like you have ? you made it looked so easy thanks 👍🏼

[@doyleholloway1818]

I now have 12 cast iron skillets .. sizes from small one egg skillet to a big heavy 14 inch one. Ive used the plastic scraper and also kosher salt to clean them with good luck from both ways.. nothing like a nice tri tip steak cooked in a cast iron skillet ...

[@davidmorgan7591]

Wash the damn thing and mild soap and water. Dry it completely over a low flame. Then wipe with a mixture of beeswax and lard. I’ve been doing this for over 20 years and it works great!

[@stefanie_jones]

We use a brush that looks like a circular whiskbroom to clean our cast iron. The broom maker at the country fair sells them and they work really well. Use the bottom for most things and the top for caked on stuff.

[@matth2868]

That's one way. Hot water from the sink and chainmail will do it. Then reheat to dry thoroughly and coat with a thin layer of cooking oil. Avocado is best for that. Otherwise if you use them often, I use mine daily, you can get away with just wiping it out. Some say that's dirty. Maybe it is but how often do you clean your grill with soap and water, or scrub the grates? That oil is good for the nonstick feature. I've found that's the best way that works for me anyway. Chainmail is worth its weight in gold when it comes to cleaning cast iron.

[@katiresnick9539]

You can totally use soap!!! You just have to dry right away, thoroughly, and then apply a thin layer if oil before you put it away. Easy peasy. (I use olive oil because I can't have vegetable oil. But you can use whatever oil you like.)

[@MelissaKNorris]

I prefer to not use the soap so I don't have to oil it every time. Oil is more expensive and it cleans fine without the soap. I'm happy you've found a method that works for your cast iron though :)

[@thejim3501]

Usually don't use soap, but do sometimes. If the soap removes the seasoning, it isn't seasoned properly.

[@cbarnes9808]

Didn't think it was a good idea to use olive oil that u shld use caster oil. 🤷‍♀️

[@marthahubbard9463]

There are several ways to clean cast iron. I’m 67 years old and have experience in seasoning cast iron and caring for my own. You can use soap, but don’t scrub with steel wool, and dry immediately and grease with crisco, which is best in my opinion. You can use boil method, which is good too. If food isn’t stuck, just wipe down with a paper towel and store in dry area. The best advice I can give is to use your cast iron skillet often to seal the seasoning. Don’t make it complicated. Just use it, clean it, dry thoroughly, and lightly grease with crisco.

[@badassbees3680]

@@marthahubbard9463 exactly

[@tomduncan3822]

Just now learning about cleaning and seasoning pans. Thank you.

[@Defofone]

Thanks for the tips! I appreciate how you’re being careful with your plumbing. No one likes it when the toilets don’t flush well because grease has solidified in the drain on the way out of the house.

[@BrianGay57]

I use soap on occasion with no problems. The soap thing was from back in the day when people made their own lye soap. It’s no longer a real issue. Dishwashing detergent won’t dissolve seasoning. It will remove oils and can make your seasoning look dry, but it won’t remove polymerized oil (seasoning).

[@misskat3218]

Great to know! Cleaning is why I don't use my cast iron

[@MrDoakleaf]

This is absolutely correct. It's the lye based soaps that remove the polymerization. Modern soaps like dawn are detergents and will not remove the seasoning.

[@BrianGay57]

@@misskat3218 Glad to help! I always use the most gentle process I can to get them clean. Ideally wiping with a paper towel while still warm. For stuff that is stuck on, I have a plastic scraper that works great. A coarse salt and oil rubdown is great. If you can just wipe it out, do so. Your seasoning will get better faster the less you have to scrub it, and the more often you cook with it.

[@debgersh5555]

Soap is fine as long as the pan is properly dried right away...oil is essential tho

[@i2sky532]

Right. Once the pan is well seasoned the oils polymerize (similar to a Teflon pan) and soap won't affect the seasoning.

[@amysgardenstead2879]

I got a stack of rusty cast iron pans at an auction. I put them in the wood burning stove under the evaporator while making maple syrup. It burns all the yuck and rust right off. I wiped them down and seasoned them and they shine. I have been using soap but I love the wood scrapper and hot water trick. Thank you so much!

[@regenranch]

This was super helpful! We love our cast iron, but have never really nailed down how to clean them properly without having to re-season semi-frequently. We also use the plastic dough scraper (it was actually the scraper to clean off the pampered chef stones), we'll have to look into a wooden one! So smart! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@anthonyfootball80]

When you 1st got your cast iron did it smell when baking/seasoning it? I seasoned mine for the 1st time and it kind of gave a strong smell

[@katiegleaves3792]

@@anthonyfootball80 yes, it is common for new cast iron items to have a "factory coating" on them, whether or not the item is labeled as "pre-seasoned," and it will smell strange the first time or two it is heated. Most pieces come with some info/instructions on the packaging, advising to at least rinse the item in very hot water and apply a thin coat of oil before cooking with it for the first time. For example, my Lodge pre-seasoned pan said that the oil they use for protection during shipping ("the factory coating") may smell funny, but is safe and will diminish with use" but I can't speak to that on any other brands. If you know the brand of pan you have, but it didn't come with info/instructions, you could check their website for more information. Hope this helps.

[@anthonyfootball80]

@@katiegleaves3792 yeah it's a lodge I was guessing the smell will go away ... thanks for replying!

[@BobPulgino]

If dish detergent removes your seasoning, it wasn’t seasoning - it was grease. Proper seasoning won’t be affected by soap.

[@CitizenKate]

I'm confused... if the seasoning is formed on the surface of the pan from polymerized oils or fats (a.k.a. grease), and you keep dissolving any grease from the pan after each use, how does the pan become seasoned?

[@AVoiceForThePeople]

Never put soap on a cast iron. It will eventually get into the pores

[@AVoiceForThePeople]

@@CitizenKate you put it on high heat either in the oven or on the stove top to open the pores. When the pan is hot put your fat or oil on the pan. It will go into the pores and also create a layer of oil. When you are cooking always keep the heat low to medium at max

[@BobPulgino]

@@AVoiceForThePeople if your cast iron is properly seasoned there will be no “pores”.

[@BobPulgino]

@@CitizenKate This is the whole point - when grease becomes polymerized, it isn’t grease anymore and soap won’t dissolve it.

[@wickedbird1538]

😊😊My wooden spoon set has a spatula that works nicely for cleaning my pan. Thanks for the video. I see some ideas to add to my plain salt&oil scrub. ❤❤

[@alicenakajima6014]

I am glad I ran into your channel. I love how you present the information, slowly and clearly. Thanks for the great tips. Also, can you share what you use over the handle to prevent burning your hand?

[@MelissaKNorris]

It was a gift from a reader but these are silicone ones on Amazon amzn.to/3cEmNy7 *affilaite link

[@teresacarter8577]

Good morning from Georgia. I have really enjoyed watching your videos. I have binged watched them all. I continue to learn something new after each video. Look forward to receiving a cast iron wooden scraper. Just like you the plastic ones do not last very long.

[@MelissaKNorris]

Thrilled to have you here! So glad to hear the videos have been helpful too!

[@AMXSShirt]

Thanks 🙏 love my Wagner. I do prefer a gas stove. We ditched the elec a few years ago. CI and gas go together like peas and carrots. 😊

[@Rachels123]

I have a small stainless steel spatula. I rounded the corners and keep the edge sharpened. First I scrape the food loose, the i sprinkle pan with salt and with a paper towel wipe out the rinse with clean water. Dry or heat to dry.

[@woodsie5796]

I've been using cast iron all my life. Mom kept it all seasoned well and never let us kids wash it. I learned early on to listen and learn. If you have a little "something" still stuck on, you can use salt. Pour a little on the area and use those arm muscles. Sometimes, the place is so small I just use my finger.

[@woodsie5796]

By the way, I inherited some of her Griswold!!

[@adventurerhoades]

Nice job. Handy scrappers your husband is making

[@cathyc1268]

I enjoyed your video and look forward to viewing others on your channel. I am new to cooking with cast iron and truth be told, new to cooking anything that involved more than 3 ingredients or 3 steps. However, last year with more time at home, I become somewhat obsessed with trying to find the very best way to cook steak (indoors) and it didn't take long to discover that a cast iron skillet was the best bet. So now, after many youtube videos, mistakes, blunders, and the occasional ouch burns, I cooked a flat iron steak and received my first "wow" from my skeptical family! Now, I'm going to look beyond steak to further my cooking adventures but first I'll review your advice and tips because I suspect that I'm doing something wrong during either or both the cleaning, seasoning steps. Thanks for your help and have a wonderous day!

[@Boilermedman]

Nice video content. I like the idea of a wooden scraper, especially handmade ones. A chainmail scrubber is great also, and will last as long as your iron. If I see the dull finish, I'll wipe an oily cloth around the surface, then wipe it off with a dry towel. This will take care of any deep scrapes in the seasoning layers until it builds up again.

[@suzannefronzaglio2427]

My dad built a cabin when I was a young child, and we went up to the mountains to stay at the cabin every summer. There was a lake for fishing and lots of nature to explore. He had remodeled my mom's kitchen in a new house we moved into, and took the old kitchen metal cabinetry up to the cabin and installed it there. Mom had an old style white porcelain sink and counter at the cabin too. But...we didn't have running water yet. So dad always brought up large water storage containers, and plenty of cleaned out milk jugs.....and he'd drive down the road from our cabin to a natural spring that had a long pipe coming out of the ground, and we would fill all the water containers up. Subsequent water trips were made by myself and my brother and sister to the spring with the milk jugs. We all helped doing the dishes, and the water would drain out of the sink by the pipe, straight under the cabin (no basement. Had concrete block pillars). Dad got Mom a cast iron skillet, and they used it now and then. So one night it was just me doing the dishes, and I looked to see if there were any dirty skillets in the stove. I saw the cast iron skillet and thought it looked "greasy". I proceeded to wash and scrub that "dirty" skillet and get all of the greasy feel off of it. I think my parents had gone to the store or a drive. Later when they came back, my mom saw the skillet in the rinse rack.... realized I washed it. And had to explain to me that the cast iron skillet was supposed to be shiny and greasy looking. Lol, they both let out a heavy sigh.... saying "we just got the skillet perfect!". It was a new thing for them. And me too, I was 12 and had no idea. They weren't mad at me. They told that story now and then, and laughed about it later.

[@nickbushta282]

*not learned about that yet..... sorry

[@MelissaKNorris]

Love your sharing ❤

[@garycasper2929]

@@nickbushta282 don't have to be sorry... Just shut your trap and rather add a cast iron story of your own.

[@JacksonWalter735]

Your parents were so kind. I did something similar when I was young while my parents went grocery shopping. One of my chores was doing the dishes and I saw a greasy looking skillet on the range so I decided to clean that as well. My parents weren't happy at all especially since it was a skillet that once belonged to my great grandmother. My mom told my dad what I did and he hit me with a belt to the point where I had welts on my back. I quickly learned not to do something dumb like that ever again and that lesson has always stuck with me 😬

[@pattyshelbrack9967]

Tf Trapping

[@joannesmith6819]

I don't have access to a handy woodworker, and my Pampered Chef pan scrapers work excellent [but NEVER when the pans are still hot]. I've been using them for as long as I've been using cast iron - about 25 years - and they work just fine. They're also cheap and easy to come by. Major stores have knockoffs that I'm sure will work well, too. Even if my cast iron does not look like it needs oiled, I still oil them as part of the cleaning and drying process; I use my cook top for heat. I've been using coconut oil for most of these years, however recently as an experiment I've been using avocado oil and it works just as well [noticed no difference]. Some cheap veg oils can make your pans sticky.

[@fayiznalu8411]

Please let me know when you get more wood scrapers, I like to try it on my iron pan. I like your videos. Thank you.

[@izzysmith2435]

Great video! I instinctively cleaned mine like this and a bamboo scraper. Has worked fantastically. Much better than all the other videos that make it look so tedious and daunting. DID YOU KNIT THOSE HANDLE COVERS?? I need to know where you got them and what they are. I don’t want silicone covers.

[@michaelcolloton6971]

I have a few wood and bamboo spatulas that also work really well for those sticky bits. You can get a pack of 3 for about $3.

[@1339su]

Good tutorial techniques. 👌🏼👏💞 Thanks. For second-time water from your kitchen faucet, I think it is better to use that to boil your kettle. I like 💕 that knitting handle for your cast iron pan

[@janetbattaglia8869]

I would love to purchase a scraper! I am currently using the plastic type. Thank you so much for all of your wonderful/informative videos!!

[@tixximmi1]

I'll also add a bit of oil at the end. But thanks for the info. Love those dough scrapers.

[@MelissaKNorris]

I do if it still does look shiny

[@scottborders1844]

Thanks for the video and happy easter😀😎🙌

[@MelissaKNorris]

Welcome and same to you!

[@johnniebullard7496]

I use salt from time to time but mostly do as you are doing,. i Love the wooden tool and in your comments I saw where a lady is using a wooden spoon that too was an ah ha moment (I can do this) its all about the simple things. I absolutely LOVE your dish drainer. where did you get it from?

[@whiskeywomanwhisks]

TRUST ME when I say as Melissa said-Do not put grease down drain!!! We’ve had plumber &septic work 3 times in 1 month- we don’t dump grease down drain but apparently the previous owner dumped ALot of grease-it’s a nightmare and expensive!

[@myathehappy_1]

I have a that same bamboo scrub brush it works great!

[@stephaniemckenzie3552]

I will occasionally use soap and a gentle scrubbie for stuck on stuff, my cast iron is still wonderfully non stick. I always thoroughly dry it and oil it after. It is my understanding that the nonstick seasoning is bonded to the pan, you would need to use something very rough to damage the seasoning. I never let my pan sit and soak in water, that is extremely damaging! I have found cast iron extremely easy to clean, most of the time I just wipe it down and it's good to go, I think people make it more complicated that it needs to be!

[@goldencalf5144]

You are right. It's ok to use soap as long as it's non lye based, which most dish soaps are these days. I think a lot of people confuse seasoning with residual oil left in the pan. Dish soap removes the liquid oil but doesn't affect the solid seasoning. So long as the pan is lightly oiled after cleaning, it's fine.

[@richardmh1987]

Well I have a set of three cast iron skillets with different sizes that came without seasoning. I seasoned them five times each and now use them mostly for meat, potatoes, pan pizzas and pancakes and the food rarely sticks. When I clean them I usually just throw a bit water and lightly scrub them with a soft sponge, I only add soap (regular bleach free soap, no detergent) if something is really sticked but just few drops. Once I have them clean I dry them with a towel and give them a very light oil before storing them. I found this method works for me, however I never though about the water temperature, which makes sense, so I´ll try to use warm water instead of room temperature water. Thanks for the advice.

[@gerardreed613]

Great tutorial, I'll be doing 4 pans this weekend thanks.

[@alfredneuman6840]

Soap and water ia a big YES on my cast iron..... 👍

[@stevenhanacek8851]

Hi! Please let me know when you have some of those wood scrappers ready to sell. Nice idea!!

[@MelissaKNorris]

you can sign up for the waitlist. the link is in the description of the video!

[@donlew8222]

I've always hand washed with Dawn. Dry and spray with canola oil and heat up on stove a bit. Seems to always work.

[@digitalpunkdiva2894]

If your pan is properly seasoned gently scrape it while it's still warm, rinse, wipe down and place on low heat until dry. I always give a wipe down with a drop of oil so it's ready for next use. Also if your pan is full of grease let it get cold then wipe it out with a paper towel rinse the crumbs and heat the pan on the burner until dry. You can absolutely use a drop of dish liquid to break up and emulsify excessive grease. As others have pointed out lye is no longer used in dish detergents now. Just make sure its rinsed well and dried properly.

[@tessie652001]

I wipe all greese out very well . Put hot water in a little bit swish it good . And then I pour it out out side. Then yes. I use dish soap and a hot water to clean it with a stainless steel scrubber lightly scrub it I dont loose my seasoning at all .

[@tessie652001]

And put on stove burner to dry

[@bellm60]

What brush did you use and where can it be purchased?

[@babzee7111]

Thanks for your teachings! When adding water to the HOT cast iron skillet to remove stuck-on bits, whether to clean or make sauce .... make sure the water is NOT COLD - I have read multiple places, adding cold liquid to hot cast iron can crack your pan! Whether that’s true or not, it only takes a moment longer to turn cold liquid to warm 😁

[@debbielewis3986]

I've been reading up & I have been following a guy called cast iron cris who absolutely says its a myth that you can't use soap h rather disgusting to not clean it. Once its been seasoned, it becomes a solid. He does this for a living!

[@rogerbeck5704]

I like the way you explained the cleaning....I purchased one of those stainless steel cleaning pads...I'm assuming that isn't what I should clean my pans with and use the heated water on the stove to loosen any caked on food....everyone please feel free to offer your advise as I enjoy cooking with these pans and want to treat them right....thank you.

[@MelissaKNorris]

I've never used one of those so I don't know how abrasive it is.

[@rogerbeck5704]

@@DugoutBanana Thank you, I'm learning and appreciate the advice.

[@almoody7155]

scrambled my two eggs this morning and then ran the sink water to max hot and put the hot skillet under the water and scrubbed it with a brush. Came perfectly clean. Same very morning ands still perfect patina

[@suzieq9009]

Me to except mine cooled off while having breakfast but it washed perfectly clean when I got ready to wash it

[@gatoryak7332]

You are doing something wrong - I'm guessing that you are not allowing enough time for the entire bottom of your skillet to heat up. I make scrambled eggs, omelettes, or fried eggs every day. I have absolutely no egg stuck onto the skillet - ever. I don't need to scrub, scrape, or even run water over the skillet. I simply keep it on the cooktop, ready for tomorrow's breakfast.

[@p.84594]

@@gatoryak7332 wow, that's great. I've been using a new lodge pan for a few months, but I still have issues. Eggs are one of my favorites - but I find I have to use oil or butter, or I have issues. I don't mind using oil/butter, but I cook something else first, and there's not enough oil/butter left, if I don't add more they tend to stick. Not sure what I'm doing wrong. I definitely let the skillet heat up for a while first and the handles/rim are hot. Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

[@gatoryak7332]

@@p.84594 Yes, you must have oil or butter and it must be hot before putting the eggs in. And the pan has to be hot enough but not too hot. I use bacon grease that I have poured into a jar on the previous day. All the cracklings sink and what's left on top is clean and tasty bacon fat. Don't need much. So good!

[@p.84594]

@@gatoryak7332 Thanks. I feel like I'm doing it right... The time I typically have a problem is when there's residual (plenty) meat fat in the pan, and then I cook some eggs in it. Seems strange to add oil/butter for the eggs when I've already got that meat fat, but maybe that's what I have to do? We don't cook bacon too much (mess), but it would be nice to collect some cooking lard. Thanks for the tip. Perhaps it's not seasoned well enough? I got a Lodge which said it was pre-seasoned twice, but I've been cooking plenty of good fatty dishes. Thanks again.

[@papadave9061]

Really good video. Time to head to the shop to make myself a couple/few scrapers. Using my CI skillet for scrambled eggs drives me crazy, and we love 'em. What a PITB. I always think I've got my pan seasoned quite well................until I make scrambled eggs. Nope. It's a work in progress.

[@charlenequinilty7252]

I do as you do but I put back on stove for a couple of minutes to dry completely

[@NinaSimone24U]

My Grandmother was 96 and her cast iron pans was her Grandmother's..we always wash them in water and even soaked them. We cooked tomatoes sauce, gravy and all..They're always slick like..butter. but they're well seasoned.

[@vinquinn]

I have some old (30 /40 years) cast iron pans. They are not just seasoned, they have a shiny layer on them that looks like baked enamel. You can clean them any way you want and you will not hurt them. Soak your newer pans in hot water and scrub them out, wipe on a little oil and blast them with heat until they smoke. Just keep at it and you will be all set. You don't have to baby them.

[@carfvallrightsreservedwith6649]

Wood shims from a hardware store work too. Cheap. Cut back enough to get the rigidity you need and sand the bevel on the scraping end. Can improve its longevity by coating with linseed oil (not boiled linseed oil since it is in contact with food surfaces).

[@FermentedHomestead]

What a great idea for the wooden bowl scraper! I bought a plastic one and ruined it right away 😩

[@MelissaKNorris]

At least I'm not alone lol

[@southtexasprepper6605]

Thanks for this vid, I have a lot of cast iron pans and this is a very useful video!

[@MelissaKNorris]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheVicki2win]

Is your husband still making the little scrubber thing to clean out your cast iron pans? I just saw this & just got my 1st 1 & want to use it! I'm 68 & sold my mothers in a yard sale, which I should've kept I guess. I never saw her doing the things I'm seeing on here! Yours seems to be the easiest & best way to do it!! Thanks Vicki

[@bellwethr]

Love your cast iron skillets! What brand are they?

[@MelissaKNorris]

I don't know we found them in the house we were renting when we first got married and there isn't a brand name on them. I haven't researched the 8 on the handle to know the maker

[@vickiebazemore]

I just got some cast iron cookware and it has rusted what do you recommend for cleaning the rust to bring them back?

[@tonymusolino2369]

I heat my CI pan and use distilled white vinegar and a nylon scrubby pad to clean it. Works like a charm

[@rchuso]

I can do that going forward, but previously I've just cleaned the pan with the next meal. ;-)

[@debgersh5555]

That's funny...and more common than one would think

[@rebelstudio2493]

Parchment paper on the bottom will prevent sticking for brownies and cakes. I use steel wool to clean them. With some elbow grease. When I get ready to use them. I heat them up then put some lard on it.

[@candywong4697]

Thank you for your sharing and I from Hongkong

[@gardennonsense]

You really inspire me thank you for all the hard work in the videos

[@MelissaKNorris]

Appreciate the kind words and glad you enjoy the videos!

[@Christopherjames1B2G]

I don’t use soap and I never get left over flavor in the next dish. When I scrape and rinse my skillet after cooking meat I put it on dog food, they love it :)

[@merlenebledsoe1808]

I would like to be notified when you have some wooden scrapers avaliable

[@mugotyou]

Melissa, did you make the handle insulators which are on your cast iron pans? If not, where did you find them? Thanks for your awesome channel and helpful videos!

[@timrogers961]

You can get them from lodgecastiron.com . Insulated cloth, silicone, and also hand crafted leather. Must haves for hot cast iron, and easier to use than a pot holder.

[@mugotyou]

@@timrogers961 Thanks Tim, greatly appreciate the info!!

[@synctronic2976]

I've used soapy water occasionally with no harmful effects to my cast iron seasoning. Been doing it for decades.

[@michelep1130]

So no chicken or eggs need to be cleaned out other than scraping or hot water with a good seasoning beneath? The hot water without soap will clean it better? I was always worried about that. Thank you so much!

[@vinceoneal31]

Hey Melissa, love your video. Quick question for you, what kind of handle covers do you have on your pans? I have the red silicone ones that are useless. I noticed yours don't move around or slide or come off, where did you get those?

[@bjrudder8538]

Love your videos. Great information.

[@vivienetiu7935]

What do you call the little wood thingy? And where can I buy this

[@brucehaulley8117]

I boil water in the kettle and pour it into the cast iron pan. After sitting for a few minutes, I use a soft scrub brush. Thanks.

[@leaphillips6670]

I would love to see how you store your cast iron pans. I have some in my camper and maybe it's because they've been used on a fire, but they always seem to leave black marks on everything that they are set on.

[@elizabethwest9729]

I sit mine on a thick piece of cardboard and if they’re stacked, I put more between them. In my mind it keeps the moisture out.

[@susette7066]

My husband took a piece of 3/4" oak x 48" x 6" or so and finished the edges with a special router bit, found some heavy hooks at a hardware store and placed them a good distance apart (measure your pans for sizes) the screwed the whole plank to a wall behind a door in my pantry so the are easy to get to and store out of the way. I cannot possibly lift a stack of pans that are from 10-14" in diameter so this works really well for us. It came out really nicely and I like being able to see my pans- we don't have a lot of cabinet space so it works on many levels.

[@harrygoodman6724]

Super surprised you don’t have (or talked about) using a piece of chain mail, or a chain mail covered silicon pad. We have one in both our house and the camper. Works great to loosen dried on food or keep the surface clean and smooth while washing with hot water. Lodge sells these.

[@busterboyd4125]

I use steel wool to clean my Lodge cast iron when it's really dirty. Other times I just rinse it with water. My pan is thicker than hers and I use cold water on a hot pan all the time and never had a problem in the years I've done this. I always reheat the pan after rinsing to dry it completely and this keeps the rust off. I don't get all crazy about the seasoning like a lot of people. I find that as long as I wait until the pan gets up to temperature and I have some oil or fats on the pan I don't have a problem with food sticking. I haven't grilled a steak over a fire since I started using a cast iron pan. Now all my meats are cooked on cast iron.

[@hannahv.03]

Great idea with the wood scraper!! What wood did your husband make it out of, if different woods would effect it? Would sealing the wood also have a bad effect?

[@MelissaKNorris]

We have maple and koa and use a wood conditioner made from organic coconut oil and beeswax.

[@gatoryak7332]

When scraping is necessary, I simply use the steel turner that I use for cooking. Mine has radius corners, so the skillet edges are no problem.

[@gtsbarbecueandcuisine4837]

Great tips. Thanks for sharing!

[@carnicavegirl7214]

I always put a cup of boiling water in it while it’s still hot and then clean the bottom with my tongs and paper towels.. very easy

[@dansmith124]

Hi iMelissa - let me know when you have some wood dough type scrappers avaiilable for sale. I looked for your link at the end of our video but was unable to find it. Thanks Dan