Can You Put Cast Iron in the Dishwasher?

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If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a pile of dirty dishes, you might have wondered: can you put cast iron in the dishwasher to save time and effort? Trust me, I’ve been there. After a long day of cooking, it’s tempting to throw everything in the dishwasher and call it a night. But when it comes to your beloved cast iron cookware, the dishwasher is the last place you want it to be!

In this article, I’ll dive into why you should avoid putting cast iron in the dishwasher, the potential consequences of doing so, and the best ways to clean your cast iron without risking damage. By the end, you’ll understand why this is one kitchen tool that demands a bit of extra care and attention.

Can You Put Cast Iron in the Dishwasher?

Let’s get straight to the point: No, you really shouldn’t. While dishwashers are great for cleaning most types of cookware, they are too harsh for cast iron. The intense heat, water, and detergent used in dishwashers can strip the seasoning—the protective layer of polymerized oil—from your cast iron, leaving it exposed to rust and damage.

Even though the answer to can you put cast iron in the dishwasher is a firm no, let’s take a closer look at why dishwashers and cast iron don’t mix.

Why You Shouldn’t Put Cast Iron in the Dishwasher

There are a few key reasons why dishwashers can wreak havoc on your cast iron skillet or pan. Knowing these reasons will help explain why the answer to can you put cast iron in the dishwasher is a resounding NO.

1. It Strips the Seasoning

Seasoning is the cornerstone of cast iron cooking. It’s what makes the pan non-stick, gives it that signature dark patina, and protects the surface from moisture and rust. The high temperatures and harsh detergents used in dishwashers can easily strip away this seasoning, leaving the bare metal exposed.

I made the mistake of putting a cast iron pan in the dishwasher once, thinking it would be fine if I re-seasoned it afterward. Unfortunately, the dishwasher stripped the seasoning so thoroughly that it took multiple rounds of re-seasoning to get my pan back to its former glory. Trust me when I say, you don’t want to go through that hassle.

2. It Causes Rust

One of the most serious consequences of putting cast iron in the dishwasher is rust. Cast iron is prone to rust if it’s exposed to moisture for long periods, which is exactly what happens inside a dishwasher. Not only is your cast iron submerged in water for an extended time, but it’s also subject to the high humidity of the drying cycle.

Rust is not only unsightly but can also damage the structure of your cast iron over time. So, can you put cast iron in the dishwasher to clean rust? Absolutely not, unless you want to spend time scrubbing off rust and re-seasoning your cookware from scratch.

3. Detergent Is Too Harsh

Dishwasher detergents are designed to break down tough food particles and grease, but they’re also far too abrasive for cast iron. Detergents can eat away at the seasoning, leaving your skillet or Dutch oven vulnerable to damage. Even if your cast iron is enameled, the exposed edges (like the rims) can still be affected by the harsh chemicals in dishwasher detergent.

4. It Warps the Pan

Another problem with putting cast iron in the dishwasher is the potential for warping. Cast iron retains heat very well, but extreme temperature changes—like going from the hot water in a dishwasher to a cool rinse—can cause the metal to warp.

Once a pan is warped, it won’t sit flat on your stovetop, making it difficult to cook with evenly. This alone will hopefully make you realize that the answer to the question “can you put cast iron in the dishwasher”, should never be asked again 🙂

What to Do If You Accidentally Put Cast Iron in the Dishwasher

So, can you put cast iron in the dishwasher by accident and save it afterward? If you’ve made this mistake, don’t panic—there are steps you can take to restore it. Here’s what you should do:

1. Check for Rust: The first thing you’ll want to do is inspect your cast iron for any signs of rust. If there’s rust, you’ll need to remove it before re-seasoning the pan.

• Tip: Use steel wool or a scouring pad to scrub away any rust. It might take some elbow grease, but you’ll want to get rid of all the rust before moving on to the next step.

1. Wash by Hand: After removing the rust, wash the cast iron thoroughly by hand with warm water and a gentle brush. Avoid using soap unless absolutely necessary.
2. Dry Immediately: One of the golden rules of cast iron care is to dry the pan completely after washing. Use a clean towel to dry it off, and then place it on a low-heat burner for a few minutes to ensure all moisture is evaporated.
3. Re-Season the Pan: Once the pan is dry, apply a thin layer of oil (I prefer flaxseed oil or vegetable oil) to the entire surface of the cast iron, including the handle and bottom. Place the pan upside down in a preheated oven (450°F) and bake for one hour to restore the seasoning.
4. Repeat as Necessary: If the pan’s seasoning has been severely stripped, you might need to repeat the re-seasoning process a few times to fully restore it.

The Best Way to Clean Cast Iron

Now that we’ve answered the question can you put cast iron in the dishwasher with a resounding no, let’s talk about the best ways to clean cast iron without damaging it. Thankfully, cleaning cast iron by hand is quick and easy, and it only takes a few simple steps.

Everyday Cleaning

For everyday cleaning, you can simply use hot water and a scrubber or soft brush to remove any food residue. If there are stubborn bits of food stuck to the pan, I like to use coarse salt as a natural abrasive to help lift the debris. Just sprinkle a tablespoon of salt into the pan and scrub it with a cloth or brush. Once the food is gone, rinse with warm water and dry immediately.

Deep Cleaning

If your cast iron needs a deep clean (for example, if it’s gotten greasy or sticky), you can use a small amount of mild dish soap. I know this goes against the “no soap” rule, but if your pan is well-seasoned, a little soap won’t hurt. After washing, make sure to dry it thoroughly and apply a thin layer of oil to maintain the seasoning.

How to Prevent Rust on Cast Iron

Preventing rust is one of the most important parts of caring for cast iron. Now that you know the answer to can you put cast iron in the dishwasher is no, here are a few extra tips to keep your cast iron rust-free:

1. Dry Immediately: Always dry your cast iron completely after washing. Water is the enemy of cast iron, and leaving it damp will cause rust to form quickly.
2. Re-Season Regularly: Season your cast iron regularly to maintain the protective layer of oil. This will help prevent rust and keep the surface non-stick.
3. Store in a Dry Place: Make sure to store your cast iron in a dry environment. If you live in a humid climate, placing a paper towel inside the pan can help absorb any moisture.

Final Verdict: Can You Put Cast Iron in the Dishwasher?

So, can you put cast iron in the dishwasher? Absolutely not. The dishwasher’s heat, water, and detergent can strip away the seasoning, cause rust, and potentially warp your pan. Cast iron is best cleaned by hand using water, a gentle scrubber, and a little oil to keep it in pristine condition.

While it might take a little extra effort, caring for your cast iron properly will ensure it lasts for generations. And once you’ve gotten into the habit of hand-washing and drying, you’ll find that it’s really not that much more work than using the dishwasher—plus, your cast iron will thank you for it!

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