Cast-iron skillets are considered to be old fashioned cookware that provides undisputed cooking performance. These skillets tend to last for a pretty long time as long as they are cared for and used accordingly.
In fact, it’s not a wonder to find someone using a cast-iron pan that was previously used by their long-gone relative. Despite having tough properties, the effectiveness of a cast iron skillet can be ruined if you clean it the wrong way.
People make the mistake of cleaning their skillets in the dishwasher and end up ruining them. In this article, I will walk you through the reasons why you should not put your cast iron skillet in a dishwasher. I will also give you some tips on how to clean cast-iron in order to avoid ruining it.
The Dishwasher Results
Having a dishwasher is good for you but that does not imply that you toss all your cookware in there. Not everything in your kitchen is dishwasher safe.
Putting your cast iron skillet in the dishwasher destroys your seasoning pretty bad. Once your skillet’s seasoning is gone, then that means it will be susceptible to rusting.
Besides, putting it in the dishwasher does not remove the extreme blackening on the outside. You still have to clean it manually using elbow grease.
How to wash a cast-iron skillet
If you really want your skillet to serve you accordingly, then you must be prepared to get your hands dirty. By now you should know that there are a lot of dos and don’ts when it comes to cast iron.
You have to follow the manufacturer’s instructions if you want your skillet to stay rust-free and well-seasoned. The first thing you should know is that steel wool, soap, and dishwasher are enemies of cast iron.
If you want to get some good cleaning results, you should clean the skillet immediately after use. Of course, you have to wait for it to cool otherwise it might start warping.
You should clean the pan using a stiff brush, hot water, and a sponge. If these are not enough, then you might want to throw some mosher salt in there to loosen the food residue.
Once your pan is clean, dry it with a towel and apply a thin layer of vegetables on the inside and wipe it off using a paper towel. Do not forget to store your skillet in a dry place.
What if you clean it in a dishwasher by mistake?
I am pretty sure some of you guys have cleaned a cast-iron skillet in the dishwasher by mistake. Does this mean your skillet is no longer useful?
It is still useful as long as you restore the seasoning. The seasoning prevents food from sticking. You only need to rub a thin layer of oil into the skillet and place it in your oven for approximately 40 to 60 minutes.
Make sure you are doing this in low heat. Once you have the pan ready, retrieve it from the oven and give it time to cool. Make sure you dry off any oil left and you will be good to go.