Can You Use Soap on Cast Iron? The Truth Revealed

<- Return to the ultimate cast iron skillet guide

If you’ve spent any time cooking with cast iron, you’ve probably heard the age-old advice: “Never use soap on cast iron.” It’s practically kitchen gospel. I’ll admit, when I first started using cast iron, I followed this rule religiously. I was terrified of ruining the seasoning I had worked so hard to build up.

But over time, I started to question this advice. I thought….can you use soap on cast iron without destroying the seasoning? Can you use soap on cast iron regularly? Can you use soap on cast iron to remove grease?

I decided to do some experimenting, and what I found may surprise you.

In this article, I’m going to explore the pros and cons of using soap on cast iron, when it is or is not okay to use it, and why this longtime debate exists. If you’ve been wondering, can you use soap on cast iron, read on for a full breakdown!

Why People Say You Shouldn’t Use Soap on Cast Iron

The origin of the “no soap on cast iron” rule dates back to when soap was made with harsh chemicals that could strip the pan’s seasoning, leaving it vulnerable to rust. Back then, using soap was practically a death sentence for cast iron cookware, as it would remove the protective layer of seasoning that keeps the skillet non-stick and rust-free.

This idea stuck around even after modern soaps became gentler and less likely to strip seasoning. It’s one of those pieces of advice passed down from generation to generation, and while it’s not completely wrong, it’s also not entirely accurate. So, can you use soap on cast iron in today’s world? The short answer is: yes, but there are some considerations.

When Can You Use Soap on Cast Iron?

After several years of cooking with cast iron, I’ve learned that there are times when soap can be used safely, and times when it’s best to avoid it. Here’s a breakdown of the scenarios where soap can be used safely:

1. Light Cleaning After Cooking

One of the first times I hesitantly used soap on my cast iron skillet was after cooking a particularly greasy meal. I had fried bacon and, despite my best efforts to clean it with hot water alone, the pan still felt greasy. That’s when I decided to use a small amount of mild dish soap, and to my surprise, it didn’t damage the seasoning at all. The key was using only a few drops of soap and scrubbing gently with a soft sponge.

If your skillet is well-seasoned (meaning you’ve built up multiple layers of oil over time), the soap won’t penetrate deep enough to remove the entire seasoning. In this case, can you use soap on cast iron? Yes, as long as it’s a gentle dish soap and used sparingly.

Tip: The best way to remove grease is to let the pan cool to the point where the grease begins to solidify. Then you can wipe most of it out with a paper towel. Then if it’s still too greasy, reach for a little soap.

2. Post-Restoration Cleaning

There was another time when I had left my skillet in the sink overnight (I know, rookie mistake), and it developed some rust spots. After scrubbing the rust off with steel wool, I used soap to ensure the rust was completely gone. Since I had to re-season the pan anyway, using soap was a smart choice to start with a clean surface.

So, can you use soap on cast iron when you’re going to re-season it? Absolutely. If you’ve stripped the pan down to bare metal, whether by accident or by design, soap is helpful for removing any residue before you begin the seasoning process again.

3. New Cast Iron Cookware

When you first get a new cast iron skillet, it’s usually pre-seasoned, but it might still have factory residue or oils that you don’t want in your food. In this case, can you use soap on cast iron? Yes, one good wash with soap helps remove any unwanted materials, and then I can start building my own seasoning on top of the manufacturer’s base layer.

When Not to Use Soap on Cast Iron

Of course, there are times when you should avoid using soap on cast iron, especially if you want to preserve that well-earned seasoning. Here are the scenarios where you shouldn’t use soap on cast iron:

1. Can You Use Soap On Cast Iron For Regular Maintenance?

No! When I’m just doing my regular cleaning routine after cooking, I skip the soap. Most of the time, hot water, a chainmail scrubber, or a little salt are all you need to clean cast iron effectively. The natural oils left behind from cooking help maintain the seasoning, and using soap too often can slowly erode that protective layer.

For everyday cleaning, I simply rinse the pan with hot water, use a scrubber or brush to loosen food particles, and dry it completely on the stovetop. Once it’s dry, I apply a thin layer of oil to maintain the seasoning. This has worked well for me over the years, keeping my skillet non-stick and rust-free.

2. Avoiding a Sticky Skillet

The first time I overused soap on cast iron, I noticed that my food started sticking more during cooking. That’s because soap can strip the oils from the surface, especially if you use it too often or scrub too vigorously.

If your cast iron is feeling sticky or isn’t as non-stick as it used to be, can you use soap on cast iron to remove the gunk? No, in fact it’s already a sign that you may have used soap a bit too much. In this case, it’s best to re-season the skillet to restore its smooth surface.

The Pros and Cons of Using Soap on Cast Iron

Now that I’ve shared my experience, let’s talk about the pros and cons of using soap on cast iron cookware. Understanding these can help you decide when it’s appropriate to use soap and when it’s best to stick with traditional cleaning methods.

Pros of Using Soap on Cast Iron:

• Removes grease and residue: Sometimes, water alone isn’t enough to clean greasy or sticky residues. In these cases, a little soap can make the cleaning process much easier.
• Helpful for re-seasoning: If you need to start over with your seasoning, soap ensures the surface is clean before you re-apply oil.
• Safe for well-seasoned pans: If your skillet has a solid layer of seasoning, a small amount of soap won’t cause significant damage.

Cons of Using Soap on Cast Iron:

• Can strip seasoning: Overusing soap or using harsh soap can strip the skillet’s seasoning, making it more prone to sticking and rusting.
• Not necessary for everyday cleaning: In most cases, hot water and a brush are sufficient for cleaning cast iron, and using soap unnecessarily may shorten the lifespan of the seasoning.
• Can lead to rust: If soap removes too much seasoning and you don’t re-season the skillet properly, the pan may be more susceptible to rust.

How to Safely Use Soap on Cast Iron

So, can you use soap on cast iron? Yes, but it’s important to do so correctly. Here’s a simple guide I follow when I do use soap on my cast iron skillet:

1. Use a Plant Based Soap (Best Option): Even mild dish soaps have added perfumes that may affect the way that your food tastes. Cast iron is pourous, and will inherently absorb these perfumes. Plant based soaps are perfume free and less harsh than chemical soaps.
2. Use Mild Soap: Always opt for a gentle dish soap. Harsh cleaners can strip too much seasoning from the surface.
3. Use a Small Amount: A little goes a long way. I use just a few drops, enough to clean without saturating the entire skillet in soap.
4. Rinse and Dry Immediately: After using soap, rinse the skillet thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue, and dry it completely to prevent rust.
5. Re-Season as Needed: If you notice that your skillet has lost some of its non-stick properties after using soap, don’t worry—just apply a light layer of oil and re-season it in the oven to restore the surface.

Final Verdict: Can You Use Soap on Cast Iron?

In conclusion, can you use soap on cast iron? The answer is yes, but with care. While soap was once considered the enemy of cast iron, modern soaps are gentle enough to use in moderation without ruining the skillet’s seasoning. The key is to avoid using soap too often and to always re-season your pan when necessary.

From my experience, the occasional use of soap won’t destroy your beloved skillet, but sticking to water and a good scrubbing brush, or kosher salt for everyday cleaning is still the best practice. When in doubt, trust your instincts and follow these guidelines to keep your cast iron skillet in great shape for years to come!

<- Return to the ultimate cast iron skillet guide