The short answer
While the pan is still warm, rinse it with hot water and scrub off stuck-on food with a chainmail scrubber. Add a drop of Cast iron pan soap if it is greasy. Dry the pan over low heat, then wipe on a thin layer of Cast iron conditioner.
What you need
- Küche Chef chainmail scrubber
- Hot water
- Cast iron pan soap, for greasy pans
- A dish towel
- Cast iron conditioner
Step by step
Start while the pan is warm
Clean the pan soon after cooking, once it is cool enough to handle. Food lifts off warm iron more easily than cold.
Rinse with hot water
Rinse the pan under hot running water. Never leave cast iron to soak: standing water causes rust within hours.
Scrub with the chainmail
Scrub the cooking surface with the chainmail scrubber in small circles. The rings lift stuck-on food without scraping away the seasoning. For a greasy pan, add a drop of Cast iron pan soap.
Dry it on the stove
Rinse the pan, wipe it with a towel, then set it over low heat for a few minutes until every drop of water has gone.
Wipe on a thin coat
While the pan is still warm, wipe on a thin layer of Cast iron conditioner with a cloth or paper towel.
Tip:For stubborn residue, add a spoonful of kosher salt and scrub with the chainmail. The salt works as a gentle abrasive and rinses away.
Why chainmail instead of a scourer
A chainmail scrubber is a sheet of interlinked stainless steel rings. The rings are tough on food and grime but smooth, so they lift residue off the surface instead of cutting into it. Scouring pads and steel wool can scratch through the seasoning and leave bare iron that rusts.
Chainmail also lasts. It does not fray, fall apart or hold onto smells the way sponges and brushes do, and it works on stainless steel pans, woks and baking sheets too.
Common questions
Will a chainmail scrubber damage my seasoning?
No. A well-built seasoning is bonded to the iron, and the smooth rings lift food off without cutting into it. If you ever see dull gray patches, bake on a fresh coat of Cast iron oil.
Can I use soap on cast iron?
Yes. A gentle soap made for cast iron cleans without stripping a well-built seasoning. Read why use a soap made for cast iron.
How do I clean the chainmail scrubber?
Rinse it under hot water and leave it to dry. It is also dishwasher safe.
Can I put cast iron in the dishwasher?
No. The water and detergent strip the seasoning and cause rust. Always wash cast iron by hand.
