Salt Questions · Home, wellness & DIY
How do you clean a cast iron skillet with coarse salt?
Short answer
While the pan is still warm, add a couple of tablespoons of coarse kosher salt with a little oil and scrub with a paper towel or brush. The salt acts as a gentle abrasive that lifts stuck food without stripping the seasoning. Rinse with hot water, dry thoroughly on the stove, and wipe on a thin layer of oil.
Salt-scrubbing cast iron
- 1Warm pan + coarse salt + a little oil
- 2Scrub with a towel or brush
- 3Rinse; dry on low heat
- 4Wipe on a thin coat of oil
Step by step
- Let the skillet cool slightly but stay warm.
- Pour in 2–3 tablespoons of coarse salt and a teaspoon of oil.
- Scrub with a folded paper towel, cloth or brush.
- Tip out the salt and rinse with hot water.
- Dry completely over low heat to prevent rust.
- Rub in a very thin coat of cooking oil.
Why salt works
Coarse salt crystals are hard enough to scour off stuck bits but soluble, so they rinse away completely and don't scratch the seasoning like steel wool can.
For stubborn residue
Simmer a little water in the pan for a few minutes to loosen it, then scrub with salt again.
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Cite this page
For school projects and reports. Teachers often prefer the original sources too: see the list below.
The Salt Almanac. (2026, November 8). How do you clean a cast iron skillet with coarse salt. https://saltalmanac.com/answers/how-do-you-clean-a-cast-iron-skillet-with-coarse-salt
“How do you clean a cast iron skillet with coarse salt.” The Salt Almanac, 8 Nov. 2026, saltalmanac.com/answers/how-do-you-clean-a-cast-iron-skillet-with-coarse-salt. Accessed [today's date].
“How do you clean a cast iron skillet with coarse salt.” The Salt Almanac. Last modified November 8, 2026. https://saltalmanac.com/answers/how-do-you-clean-a-cast-iron-skillet-with-coarse-salt.
Original sources
- Wikipedia. Cast-iron cookware. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cast-iron_cookware