Can You Wash Cast Iron With Soap After BBQ?

Are you wondering, “Can you wash cast iron with soap” after a barbeque? The good news is that contrary to popular belief, using soap on your cast iron skillet won’t ruin its seasoning or strip off the flavor. It’s an effective way to remove any stubborn bits of food and bacteria lurking on the surface.

Cleaning your cast iron skillet with soap is a simple process. As a person who enjoys barbecuing with friends or family, you want to ensure your cast iron skillet is well-maintained and durable for generations to come.

Following these simple steps, you can confidently wash your cast iron skillet with soap after a barbeque and keep it in top condition for all your searing and frying needs.

Keep reading!

Key Takeaways

You can wash your cast iron skillet with soap after a barbeque.
Use mild dish soap or castile soap and a gentle scrub brush to clean the surface.
Dry the skillet thoroughly and apply a thin layer of vegetable oil to maintain the seasoning and prevent rust.

Can You Wash Cast Iron with Soap?

If you have used cast iron cookware, you might have heard the myth that you should never wash it with soap. But is this true? Can you wash cast iron with soap after the BBQ? The answer is yes, you can wash cast iron with soap, but only if you do it correctly and use the right kind of soap.

The myth that soap will ruin cast iron comes from the old days when soap was made from lye, a harsh chemical that can strip away the seasoning and cause rusting. However, modern dish soap is much milder and does not contain lye.

It can remove some of the oil and grease from the surface of cast iron, but it will not damage the seasoning as long as it is not scrubbed too hard or left to soak for too long.

We recommend using a small amount of soap to clean cast iron after barbeque or cooking, especially if the pan has sticky or burnt-on food residue that water alone cannot remove.

Soap can also help to sanitize the pan and remove any bacteria or germs that may have been transferred from the raw meat or other ingredients.

What Kind of Soap is Safe for Cast Iron?

You should try this cast iron soap from Caron & Doucet.

When cleaning cast iron, not all soaps are created equal. You should avoid using soap containing harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or citrus, as they can corrode the metal or leave a residue on the surface.

You should also avoid using soap with added moisturizers, fragrances, or colors, as they can interfere with the seasoning or impart unwanted flavors to your food.

So, what kind of soap is safe for cast iron? The best soap is a mild, unscented dish soap for hand-washing dishes. You should use only a small amount of soap and dilute it with water before applying it to the pan.

Here’s the dish soap we recommend to wash your dirty cast iron skillets.

It’s important to note that while using soap on cast iron is safe, you should avoid using strong degreasing soaps and detergents, as they can damage your pan’s seasoning layer. Instead, scrub lightly with a dish brush, rinse and dry well, and apply a thin coat of oil to the pan after washing.

In summary, a mild, unscented dish soap designed for hand-washing dishes is the best soap to use when cleaning cast iron. Avoid using soap containing harsh chemicals or added moisturizers, fragrances, or colors.

Remember to use only a small amount of soap, dilute it with water, and avoid using strong degreasing soaps and detergents to prevent damaging your pan’s seasoning layer.

How to Clean Cast Iron Skillet With Soap

Cleaning your cast iron skillet after a barbeque is crucial to maintain its quality and extend lifespan. While some people believe that using soap on cast iron is a sin, the truth is you can clean it with soap as long as you do it properly.

Here are the steps you should follow to clean your cast iron skillet with soap:

Step 1: Wait for the pan to cool down completely before washing it. Never put a hot cast iron pan in cold water, which can cause thermal shock and crack the metal.

Step 2: Rinse the pan with hot water and use a stiff brush or a scraper to remove any loose food particles. Do not use steel wool or abrasive pads; they can scratch the surface and damage the seasoning.

Step 3: If any stubborn bits of food are stuck in the pan, boil some water for a few minutes to loosen them up. Then, drain the water and scrape off the residue.

Step 4: Add a few drops of mild dish soap to a sponge or a cloth and gently scrub the pan with circular motions. Do not use too much pressure or soap, which can strip away the seasoning. Focus on the areas that need more cleaning and avoid scrubbing the entire surface.

Step 5: Rinse the pan thoroughly with hot water and ensure no soap is left on it. Soap residue can cause rusting or affect the taste of your food.

Step 6: Dry the pan completely with a clean towel or paper towel. Do not leave it to air dry, as this can cause rusting.

How Do You Dry Cast Iron After Washing It?

Drying cast iron after washing is essential to prevent rusting and preserve its seasoning. Here are some tips on how to do it properly:

After washing the pan with soap and water, dry it thoroughly with a towel or paper towel. Remove all the moisture from the surface, including the handle and the bottom.

Once the pan is dry, heat it over low to medium heat on the stove for a few minutes until completely dry. This process will help evaporate any remaining moisture and prevent rusting.

Alternatively, you can put the pan in a preheated oven at 200°F for 10 to 15 minutes to dry it thoroughly. This method is especially useful if you have multiple pans to dry simultaneously.

After the pan is dry, apply a thin layer of oil to the entire surface, including the handle and the bottom. You can use any cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or flaxseed. This step will help protect the pan from rusting and maintain its seasoning.

Wipe any excess oil with a paper towel and let the pan cool before storing it. You can store it in a dry place with a paper towel or a cloth between it and other pans to prevent scratching.

It’s essential to repeat this process of drying and oiling the pan after every use to maintain its seasoning and prevent rusting. This way, your cast iron pan will last many years and provide delicious meals.

Wrap Up!

In summary, you can wash cast iron with soap, but you must be careful and use the right soap and cleaning tools. When washing cast iron with soap, it is important to follow a few rules to avoid damaging the seasoning or causing rusting. Remember these tips:

Use a mild dish soap that does not contain lye or other harsh chemicals.

Use a soft sponge or brush to scrub the pan’s surface gently. Do not use steel wool or other abrasive materials that can scratch the seasoning.

Rinse the pan thoroughly with hot water to remove all soap residue.

Dry the pan completely with a towel or by heating it on the stove. Do not let it air dry, as this can cause rusting.

With proper care, your cast iron cookware can last generations and provide delicious meals for years.

Happy BBQ!

Frequently Asked Question

Should I oil my cast iron after every use?

To maintain your cast iron, oil it after every use. Use high smoke point oils like vegetables, canola, or flaxseed. Apply a thin layer and wipe off excess oil with a paper towel. This creates a nonstick coating and prevents rusting.

How do you maintain cast iron daily?

To maintain cast iron daily, clean it after each use with hot water and a stiff brush. Avoid soap, steel wool, or abrasive pads. Boil water to loosen stubborn bits of food, then dry the pan with a towel or paper towel. Heat it over low to medium heat on the stove or in the oven to remove any remaining moisture. Oil the pan and store it in a dry place.

How do you remove rust from cast iron without scrubbing?

One way to remove rust from cast iron without scrubbing is to use vinegar. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and add it to a container that will fit your rusty cast iron skillet, such as a bucket or a deep foil pan.

Can I use a sponge on cast iron?

Yes, you can use a sponge on cast iron, but there are some things to remember. A sponge can help you scrub off food and grease from your cast iron pan, but you should avoid soaking the pan in water or using harsh detergents, as this can damage the seasoning and cause rusting.