A big part of the allure of cast iron skillets and other cast iron cookware products is the relative ease of cleaning compared to other material. This is both true and false. Yes, you’re not supposed to use soap or put it in a washing machine. With that said, you can’t neglect it either. I usually rinse everything off with hot water 30 minutes to an hour after I finish cooking. However, that won’t always be enough. Some of you out there are probably reading this knowing your cast iron is either past the point of being salvageable, or right on the border.

A little accessorizing can go a long way! Let’s take a look at one of the cheaper items on any of these luxury cookware websites, a chainmail scrubber from Smithey. It’s no surprise Smithey has a solution for cleaning cast irons, given their expertise in the area.

What’s unique about a chainmail scrubber it is not only stronger at removing food residue than a sponge or brush, but also does a better job leaving the seasoning on the skillet. I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention their pan scraper, which works especially well for ridged cookware.

To Clean, Or Not To Clean

That truly is the question! Everyone is told that you don’t use soap on a cast iron skillet, but there is actually evidence to the contrary. The thing is, cast irons are probably the most neglected pieces of cookware for this exact reason. We all think they magically clean themselves, so they sit on our stovetop collecting gunk.

The truth lies somewhere in the middle. Yes, it is true that using soap can remove the seasoning or even damage the cast iron, but if you practice moderation you will likely see the benefits. Ideally, your sponge is non-scratch to preserve the skillet. I would recommend heating the cast iron up before cleaning. The warmer temperature allows the residue to be washed off easier.

Ultimately, you have to experiment and see what works for you. Too much scrubbing and you run the risk of damaging the cast iron, whether chainmail or sponge. On the other hand, no maintenance results in a messy collecting of grease and food residue. If you are going to use soap and give it more of a “full clean”, I would strongly recommend a light coat of oil after the fact. Cast irons are a lot like your grandparents – you don’t want to see them naked. Happy cooking!