
What is the best cast iron cleaning brush?
The Crown Choice cast iron cleaning brush sets itself apart from the competition in several ways: For one, the handle is made from sturdy plastic instead of wood, so it's less likely to break — especially where the head meets the handle. It's bristles are dense, stiff, and well-suited for cleaning both flat pans and textured griddles.
Do you need a cast iron scrubber?
Claire Krieger/Taste of Home Cast-iron pans are our go-to for weeknight meals, comforting dinners and even some delightful desserts. But when it comes to cleaning these sturdy skillets, you often need more than your average dish sponge—you need a cast iron scrubber.
Can you use dish soap to clean cast iron?
To reseason your pan, scrub it thoroughly with a touch of dish soap and a plastic scrub brush, dry it completely, then season it just as you would before a first use. Because it can remove the seasoned nonstick coating, soap is not recommended as a regular cleaner, but it can be used to prepare cast iron just prior to reasoning.
What is the best cast iron skillet scrubber?
While the Scrub Mommy and Casabella scrubbers are great for everyday use, reach for a Scoth-Brite Stainless Steel Scrubber when you want to start over from scratch with your cast iron. Use this steel scrubber to remove rust and other debris from your messiest recipes. Then season your cast iron skillet again and it’ll be as good as new.
How Do You Smooth Out the Bottom of a Cast Iron Skillet?
Is It Safe to Use Metal Utensils On Cast Iron?
Can You Use a Nylon Brush on Cast Iron?

Can I use a scrubber on cast iron?
Cast-iron pans are resilient! They can stand up to all kinds of scrubbers, sponges and cleaning tools. Just stay clear of harsh cleaners—a mild dish soap is all you need. For other methods of cleaning cast iron, we recommend using coarse sea salt or chainmail, which is a chain link piece of stainless steel.
Can you use a bristle brush on cast iron?
No soap, no problem with this heavy-duty brush. The rows of stiff bristles are ideal for anything from cast iron pans to griddles to grill grates. And while it can clean most everything from your cookware, these are the four foods you should never make in cast iron.
Is it OK to use a wire brush on cast iron?
Don't use a wire brush or steel wool, which are too abrasive and could damage the surface. Pour out the dirty hot water, rinse the pan well with more hot water, then blot dry with paper towels, making sure that no moisture remains on the pan.
What kind of brush can I use on cast iron?
10 Inch Scrub Brush And you don't have to worry about your cookware's finish, because the nylon bristles gently brush away food debris, making it the perfect everyday tool to use on both seasoned and enameled cast iron.
What brush is best for cast iron?
The 5 Best Cast Iron Cleaning BrushesThe Crown Choice Cast Iron Brush. Amazon. $11. See On Amazon.Full Circle Tenacious C Cast Iron Brush. Amazon. $8. See On Amazon.GAINWELL Stainless Steel Chainmail And Brush Set. Amazon. $12. ... OXO Good Grips Cast Iron Pan Brush. Amazon. $15. ... Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Care Kit. Amazon. $18.
Should you clean cast iron hot or cold?
Rinse your warm, but not hot, cast iron pan in an empty sink under hot running water using a clean cloth or brush to remove any traces of food.
Does brass brush scratch cast iron?
A brass brush will leave itself behind because brass is a soft metal and is used went you don't want to scratch a polished surface. Even though the steel brush is hard, it's the same strength as the cast iron so it won't hurt the iron and won't leave anything behind.
Is it OK to use water on cast iron?
Cast iron is porous, meaning that long exposure to water can cause it to soak up the moisture and eventually rust. While a short soak won't do much harm, I avoid soaking the thing for fear of forgetting it and ruining the cure I've worked so hard develop.
Does brass brush scratch cast iron?
A brass brush will leave itself behind because brass is a soft metal and is used went you don't want to scratch a polished surface. Even though the steel brush is hard, it's the same strength as the cast iron so it won't hurt the iron and won't leave anything behind.
Can you use nylon on cast iron?
According to Lodge, one of the leading purveyors of cast iron cookware, a nylon scrubbing sponge works best. This keeps your all-purpose dish sponge from getting tarnished with food byproducts, like grease.
Can you clean a cast iron skillet with steel wool?
Can I use steel wool or a metal scrubber to clean my cast iron pan? No! We recommend using a pan scraper or the Lodge Chainmail Scrubber to remove any stuck-on residue. We only recommend using steel wool or a metal scrubber to remove rust before reseasoning.
How do you season a cast iron?
How to Season a New Cast Iron PanStep 1: Wash and Dry Your Pan. ... Step 2: Rub It All Over With Oil and Buff Well. ... Step 3: Heat It in the Oven. ... Step 4: Repeat 3 to 4 Times.
What to use to clean cast iron?
Find out what we use to get our cast iron clean. Taste of Home. Oven Cleaner. Sometimes self-clean doesn't do enough to get your oven completely clean. Give your oven a refresh—and save yourself extra scrubbing—with a good spray-on oven cleaner. Check out our top pick. Taste of Home. Surface Stain Eraser.
What is the best way to clean a cast iron skillet?
While the Scrub Mommy and Casabella scrubbers are great for everyday use, reach for a Scoth-Brite Stainless Steel Scrubber when you want to start over from scratch with your cast iron. Use this steel scrubber to remove rust and other debris from your messiest recipes. Then season your cast iron skillet again and it’ll be as good as new.
What is Casabella mini scrubber?
Need a quick, hands-off cleanup? Try these Casabella Mini Brush Scrubbers, which have a handle and come with a holder to keep them handy near your sink. The handle keeps your hands clear of all that grease and grime, while the stiff bristles brush away your messes. In our tests, this scrubber held up well to a lot of elbow grease, which makes it good for stubborn caked-on food.
Does Scotch Brite steel scrubber work?
In our tests, Scotch- Brite steel scrubbers got rid of all burnt-on food (even bacon crumbles) and left a smooth surface behind. But since the steel is so abrasive, it can quickly go from cleaning to removing your seasoning. Be mindful as you clean—both for the sake of your pan and your hands.
Can you use a cast iron scrubber on a rusted skillet?
After trying multiple different scrubbers on their own cast-iron skillets, members of our Test Kitchen team found the best cast iron scrubbers for getting rid of burnt-on bits, sticky food and even rust (yes, you can restore rusted cast-iron skillets !). Here are their three favorites.
Can you use dish soap on cast iron pans?
Just stay clear of harsh cleaners—a mild dish soap is all you need.
Do you need a dish sponge for cast iron?
Cast-iron pans are our go-to for weeknight meals, comforting dinners and even some delightful desserts. But when it comes to cleaning these sturdy skillets, you often need more than your average dish sponge—you need a cast iron scrubber.
How I Tested the Scrubbers
To find out which tool would be the most effective and easiest to use, I tested all of them on the same pan crusted with the same gunk: cooked-on refried beans. Then, I tested them all on a different cast iron skillet crusted with cooked-on scrambled egg. At this point, I had narrowed down my favorites.
Chainmail Scrubber
For years, I had heard from other cast iron aficionados that a chainmail “cloth” was the best way to scrub cast iron. But I resisted getting one because I just didn’t like the idea of scraping metal on metal. I thought, Wouldn’t that damage the seasoning? It also seemed silly to have a tool that I couldn’t use on anything else.
OXO Cast Iron Pan Brush
This is the tool I actually look forward to using when scrubbing my pans. Here’s why: The handle makes it comfortable to hold and keeps my hands out of the hot water. The bristles are sturdy and stiff, so they easily scrape up stuck-on gunk. In terms of efficiency, it performed the same as the chainmail during my tests.
How to clean cast iron pans?
If you need to dislodge cooked-on food, certified House Cleaning Technician and author of Clear the Clutter, Find Happiness Donna Smallin Kuper suggests using a credit card instead of a store-bought scraper to gently remove the residue. A handful of sea salt, a touch of vegetable oil, and a plastic scouring pad or poly dish scrubber will scrub off what’s left. Rinse the pan with water and dry immediately.
How to clean a rusty pan?
Clean off all rust with a metal scouring pad or fine steel wool, then wash the pan thoroughly using water, a soft brush, and a small amount of soap—if you feel you must use soap at all. Rinse and dry the pan immediately, then reseason the pan as if you’re seasoning it before a first use.
How to season lodge cast iron skillet?
To season your cookware, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven warms, wash and thoroughly dry the skillet. Then, using a paper towel, apply a thin coating of vegetable oil to the inside and outside of the skillet.
How long does cast iron cookware last?
With proper care, cast-iron cookware can last 100 years or more. If you haven’t fallen in love with your cast-iron cookware yet, forget about the seasoning and cleaning challenges and just start cooking. It’s really hard to mess up a cast-iron skillet for good. Scrubbing and reseasoning can almost always give cast-iron cookware a new life and provide a second chance for cooks who are just getting to know their cookware. Great cooking opportunities and unlimited second chances? Just two more good reasons to give your old cast-iron cookware a try.
How long to cook a cast iron pan on low heat?
The Lodge website also suggests that you “rub with a light coat of vegetable oil after every wash,” then set the seasoning by placing the cookware over a burner set on low heat for three to four minutes.
Can you put cast iron in the dishwasher?
DON’T send cast-iron cookware through the dishwasher. Putting your cookware in the dishwasher or using harsh detergents or abrasive scrubs will break down the seasoning, removing the nonstick coating and flavor-enhancing properties of your cast iron.
Can you leave cast iron wet?
DON’T let it stay wet. Cast iron is still, after all, iron, and iron rusts when exposed to water for too long. For that reason, leave wet tasks like boiling water to your other cookware, and let your cast iron tackle the searing, baking, frying, and other non-water-based cooking. When it’s time to wash your wares, ...
What is the best tool to clean cast iron?
Scrub Mommy. If there’s one thing that Taste of Home editors agree on (besides the fact that this is the best bacon ever ), it’s that the Scrub Mommy is the best cast iron cleaning tool. Use the stiff side to scour off stuck-on gunk, then flip it over to the soft side to wipe it all clean. Find our entire cast iron cooking guide here.
How long does cast iron last?
10 Products That Can Clean Your Cast Iron—Fast! Your cast iron can last for over 100 years —if you treat it right. To help save your skillet, we've rounded up the products you should be using to clean cast iron.
Can you use soap on cast iron grill grates?
No soap , no problem with this heavy-duty brush. The rows of stiff bristles are ideal for anything from cast iron pans to griddles to grill grates. And while it can clean most everything from your cookware, these are the four foods you should never make in cast iron.
Is Crisbee Stik good for cast iron?
Crisbee Stik. Everyone knows the secret to good cast iron is the seasoning. To keep it smooth (and more importantly, non-stick), re-season your cookware as needed with the super convenient Crisbee Stik.
Does sea salt scrub cast iron?
Hey, sometimes your cast-iron cookware needs a little exfoliating, too. The coarse grains of sea salt in this cast iron scrub remove even the most stubborn residue while the coconut oil base helps strengthen your skillet’s seasoning. When you’re finished, it will be all ready for you to make one of our top cast-iron recipes.
Can you soak a cast iron skillet?
You know you aren’t supposed to soak your skillet (even though it’s one of the top mistakes people make when cooking with cast iron ). But how are you supposed to get those dried pieces of last night’s one-pan pasta off the bottom? Easy—with one of these bamboo scrapers. They won’t scratch the surface and have anti-microbial properties. Win-win!
Can you use soap on cast iron?
Soap on cast iron?! Gasp! But fear not—the popular warning is actually an urban myth. The oil that you use to season a skillet is so well-bonded to the pan that detergent won’t hurt it. Bonus: The Caron Doucet soap, specially formulated to clean cast iron, is also 100% natural and free of parabens and synthetic foaming agents.
What is Crown Choice cast iron cleaning brush?
The Crown Choice cast iron cleaning brush sets itself apart from the competition in several ways: For one, the handle is made from sturdy plastic instead of wood, so it's less likely to break — especially where the head meets the handle. It's bristles are dense, stiff, and well-suited for cleaning both flat pans and textured griddles. A wide brush head with bristles on the top for hard-to-reach spots and strong back bristles make this a cleaning powerhouse, and this brush comes with a second replacement head, free of charge.
What is the best way to clean cast iron?
A dry cloth, a chainmail scrubber, a sponge — there are plenty of tools that people recommend for cleaning cast iron cookware, but all of these tools have different applications. The best cast iron cleaning brushes, for example, are ideal for a thorough cleaning session before you re-season your skillet or griddle. That said, you can't use any old brush and hope it'll get the job done; the best options have the right shape to suit your specific cookware and are made from dense, sturdy materials that can handle any job.
What is chainmail for cast iron?
Chainmail is another great tool for removing stuck-on residue without damaging your pan's seasoning , which is why this two-in-one set is a buyer favorite with a 4.6-star rating. It comes with both a stainless steel chainmail scrubber (complete with a hanging hook) and a handheld wooden brush with stiff bristles. Together, they help you keep your cast iron looking and cooking like a dream— and if you're not happy with your purchase, this company offers a lifetime guarantee.
What is a full circle tenacious C brush?
It's not indestructible, but it does have extra-tough nylon bristles, a comfortable ergonomic handle, and a built-in scraper to remove stuck-on food. Like all of Full Circle 's products, it's made from eco-friendly materials like recycled bamboo plastic by a company with a deep commitment to sustainability.
Can you clean a cast iron griddle pan?
One reviewer wrote: "I hated cleaning my cast iron griddle pan before I bought this. This magically makes it super easy to clean the pan without ruining the seasoning. Hot water, salt, use this tool and the pan is clean. [...] This makes life so easy."
Is a good grip brush good for cast iron?
Because of their groove design, cast iron griddles can be a little more difficult to clean when compared to flat pans. Luckily, the OXO Good Grips cast iron brush is perfectly suited for this purpose. Instead of one solid head, this brush has over a dozen tiny circles that contain short, stiff bristles, so it reaches deep between groves to remove any baked-on residue. It also has a built-in scraper and a comfortable, nonslip handle.
How Do You Smooth Out the Bottom of a Cast Iron Skillet?
A great way to smooth the bottom of your cast iron is by sanding. This method is effective and doesn’t damage your item.
Is It Safe to Use Metal Utensils On Cast Iron?
A common concern when dealing with cast iron is how to care for its seasoning. Cast iron needs to be treated with care to keep their incredible nonstick surfaces.
Can You Use a Nylon Brush on Cast Iron?
Nylon brushes can be used on cast iron since they’re pretty hardy. Again, if you wouldn’t want to scratch the surface you are cleaning, a nylon brush would be a great choice, considering that other types of brushes may be harder. After you’re done using the brush, you can simply throw it in the dishwasher and get it cleaned within no time.
