How to Take Care of Cast Iron Grill Pans

A cast iron pan is an essential kitchen tool that empowers you to cook a wide variety of cuisines. However, once the kitchen is closed for the day, do you know how to take care of cast iron grill pans? 

When maintained properly, a cast iron grill pan is a reliable cooking tool that can outlast even your most durable stainless steel or non-stick pans. 

After you’ve served up your signature dishes, you can follow these effective steps on how to clean and season your precious cast iron pan. With these maintenance tips at your disposal, you can count on it that your sturdy cast iron pan stays in optimal condition for your household or commercial kitchen.  

There are many methods that can be used for cast iron pan maintenance. In this guide we will break down the following methods, step by step:

• How to Clean a Cast Iron Pan with Salt  
• How to Clean a Cast Iron Pan with Salt and Water 
• How to Clean a Cast Iron Pan with Boiling Water 
• How to Clean a Cast Iron Pan with Soap

How to Clean a Cast Iron Pan with Salt

It may vary from one chef to another, but if you believe in keeping your cast iron grill pan as far away from water as possible, you can opt for the salt cleaning method. Chefs who want to be extra careful when keeping the seasoned surface intact commonly use salt over detergent. 

Cast iron pan maintenance using salt offers an efficient abrasive effect that battles food residue and build-up. Here’s how it works: 

Step 1: Sprinkle the top surface of the pan with a generous amount of coarse kosher salt. 

Step 2: Use a folded paper towel to gently rub the salt into the food residue and build-up. 

Step 3: Continue to scrub the pan with a paper towel and add salt as needed. 

Step 4: Grab a new paper towel to perform an extra wipe-down for good measure. 

Cast Iron Pan Maintenance Using Salt and Water

Sometimes, salt alone for cast iron pan maintenance won’t cut it. This is when you need backup from water. Here’s how to take care of cast iron grill pans using a combo of salt and water. 

Step 1: Make sure that the pan is cool to the touch but not entirely cooled off.

Step 2: Cover the surface with a generous amount of coarse kosher salt. 

Step 3: Pour a small amount of hot water onto the surface. This causes the salt to stick together to form a paste-like texture. 

Step 4: With a sponge, scrub the salt around the pan. Make sure to get in between the ridges and the sides as well for a proper cleanup. 

Step 5: Rinse the cast iron pan with hot water to eliminate any salt and leftover debris. Repeat the steps as needed.

How to Clean a Cast Iron Pan with Boiling Water

Boiling water is also a great method for cleaning cast iron grill pans. However, it is important to note that this technique only works on cast iron grill pans with tall sides, as they need to contain the water. 

Step 1: Place your cast iron grill pan on the stove and fill it with approximately two to three inches of water. Then let it boil for a couple of minutes. 

Step 2:  Once you see the food particles float to the surface, use a spatula to gently scrape in between the ridges to further loosen up any excess food residue and build-up. 

Step 3: Let the cast iron pan cool down for a few minutes.

Step 4: Once the pan is fully cooled, dump the water and residue away. 

Step 5: Rinse the empty pan with hot water. 

Step 6: Use a paper towel to wipe and dry the pan. 

How to Clean a Cast Iron Pan with Soap

Rumour has it that you should never wash your cast iron skillet with soap, but in truth, soap and water is an excellent method for cast iron pan maintenance. 

Aside from removing oil, dirt, and other types of food residue, soap and water can easily eliminate rust. Just keep in mind that this cleaning technique can break down the flavour-enhancing properties of the seasoning, so it is recommended that you resort to this technique only when absolutely necessary. 

Here’s how to take care of cast iron grill pans using soap: 

Step 1: Pour a small amount of non-abrasive soap or detergent in the middle of your cast iron grill pan. 

Step 2: Use a sponge, scrubber, or steel wool to scrub down all the surfaces of the pan with soap and a small amount of hot water. 

Step 3: Rinse the cast iron pan with hot water. 

Step 4: With a sponge or non-abrasive pad, do one more scrub with soap. 

Step 5: Rinse off any leftover soap residue with hot water. Then, dry the pan off with a paper towel. 

High-Quality Cast Iron Pans You Can Trust

Now that you are fully equipped with the top tips on how to take care of a cast iron grill pan, it might be time to add a few more high-quality cast iron pans to your collection—because every kitchen needs a set of cast iron pans that they can count on. 

At s.t.o.p. Restaurant Supply, you are bound to find cast iron grill pans and other types of cooking must-haves that will help elevate your cuisines to the level of Michelin-star-worthy. 

Browse our comprehensive online catalogue today and add your picks “to cart” for an upgraded culinary experience!