So, you’ve just finished cooking up a masterpiece in your trusty cast iron skillet, and now comes the dreaded cleanup. You glance at your dishwasher and think, Wouldn’t it be so much easier just to toss it in there? Hold up! Before you make that move, let’s talk about whether cast iron and dishwashers are a match made in heaven—or a recipe for disaster.
Short Answer: Nope, Don’t Do It!
If you take away just one thing from this article, let it be this: Never put cast iron in the dishwasher. But why? Let’s break it down.
1. Rust Alert!
Cast iron is highly susceptible to rust, and dishwashers are basically rust factories. The combination of prolonged exposure to water, high heat, and detergent strips away the skillet’s seasoning (that natural non-stick layer you worked so hard to build). The result? A sad, rusty pan that will need some serious TLC to recover.
2. Say Goodbye to Your Seasoning
One of the best things about cast iron is its seasoning—a protective layer of polymerized oil that makes cooking (and cleaning) easier. Dishwashing detergent is designed to cut through grease and oil, and guess what? That includes your seasoning. Without it, your skillet turns into a sticky, food-clinging mess.
3. Warping Woes
Extreme temperature changes can cause cast iron to warp. If your pan goes from a hot meal straight into a cold dishwasher, it could end up with an uneven surface, making cooking less effective. And let’s be honest—no one wants a wobbly skillet.
How to Clean Cast Iron the Right Way
Alright, so if the dishwasher is off-limits, what’s the best way to clean your cast iron? It’s easier than you think!
- Let it cool – Never submerge a hot skillet in water; it can crack or warp.
- Scrub gently – Use a stiff brush or a chainmail scrubber with warm water. No soap needed!
- Dry immediately – Wipe it down with a towel and place it on low heat for a minute to evaporate any leftover moisture.
- Re-season – Rub a thin layer of oil (vegetable oil, flaxseed oil, or shortening) all over the skillet and heat it until it lightly smokes. This keeps it smooth and rust-free.
Final Thoughts
The dishwasher may be a modern convenience, but cast iron is old-school and needs special care. Treat it right, and it’ll last for generations. So next time you’re tempted to toss your skillet in the dishwasher, remember: hand wash, dry, and season—it’s the secret to cast iron that just gets better with age!