How to Clean Cast Iron Without Soap

Cleaning your cast iron skillet shouldn’t feel like guesswork. If you’ve heard that using soap is a no-go — you heard right. The best way to clean your pan is without soap or harsh chemicals. Here’s how pros and home cooks do it naturally.

❌ Why Not Use Soap?

Cast iron gets better with time thanks to seasoning — a layer of oil baked onto the surface. Soap strips it away, forcing you to re-season constantly and putting your pan at risk for rust.

✅ What You Need Instead

• Salt and Soda Scrub (just salt + baking soda)

• Chainmail scrubber or dishcloth

• Warm water + towel

🧼 How to Clean Cast Iron Without Soap

Step 1: Sprinkle Salt and Soda Scrub directly into your pan.
Step 2: Scrub with chainmail or cloth in circular motions.
Step 3: Rinse, towel dry, and heat briefly to remove moisture.

No damage. No chemicals. Just a pan that stays perfectly seasoned.

💡 Bonus Tip: Avoid letting your pan soak

Even without soap, water left too long can lead to surface rust. After cleaning, always dry thoroughly and give it a light coat of oil to preserve the finish.

Salt and Soda Scrub is trusted by cast iron lovers, chefs, and home cooks alike for one reason: It works. Simply.