Hi Pantry Magic family, how are you doing? I hope you guys are doing very well.

If you have cast iron pan, you are likely to hear the controversy about whether you can use soap to clean your cast iron pan.

Let’s try to delve into it. The expert at Lodge Cast Iron (lodgecastiron.com) can vouch that it is generally ok to use soap to clean your cast iron.

So why are there people worrying about using soap for cleaning cast iron? It turns out that in the old days, soaps were mostly made of lye and vinegar which almost certainly will strip the seasoning and damage the pan (https://www.southernliving.com/food/kitchen-assistant/can-you-use-soap-on-cast-iron). Today’s soap is a lot milder, so they will clean the surface but not destroy the seasoning.

Having said that, while you can use soap, you don’t have to. As long as you wipe it clean after washing (without soap) and heat it up to completely dry it, it will be perfectly safe to use.

How to clean cast iron with soap?

– After the pan has cooled after cooking, use a pan scraper to get rid of stuck-on food and debris
– Pour a small amount of soap in the pan. Add a small bit of warm water and use brush or sponge to clean the pan, inside and out.
– Promptly dry the pan with a paper towel or lint-free tea towel.
– Put the pan back on the stove and turn the heat to medium. Let the pan heat thoroughly, about three to five minutes. Then, let pan cool completely.
– Rub a very light layer of cooking oil—you can use flaxseed, canola, or vegetable oil—on the surface of the skillet. Wipe out any excess and store the pan until you’re ready to use it again.

If you have problem with you cast iron pan, we share more on how to season your cast iron pan and what oil is best for seasoning your cast iron pan.