Imagine this—you’ve just finished cooking a perfect meal in your trusty cast iron skillet. It’s greasy, maybe even a little sticky, and you’re thinking, Why not just toss it in the dishwasher and let it do the hard work?
Hold on. That’s a big mistake! Cast iron and dishwashers do NOT get along. Let’s break down why.
1. The Dishwasher Will Strip the Seasoning
One of the biggest reasons cast iron is beloved by chefs and home cooks alike is its seasoning. That glossy, non-stick surface isn’t just for looks—it’s built up over time through layers of oil that bond with the pan’s surface.
When you run your cast iron through a dishwasher, all that seasoning gets stripped away by the harsh detergents and high water pressure. The result? A dull, unprotected pan that food will stick to like glue.
2. Rust, Rust, and More Rust
Cast iron is made of—you guessed it—iron. And what happens when iron sits in water for too long? It rusts. The dishwasher’s prolonged exposure to water, combined with the drying cycle’s high heat, accelerates this process, leaving you with a pan that looks more like a rusty antique than a kitchen staple.
3. Extreme Temperature Changes Can Warp Your Pan
Dishwashers use super-hot water to clean and sanitize dishes, but cast iron doesn’t handle sudden temperature changes well. Going from a warm stove to a blast of steaming hot water and then into a drying cycle can cause warping, making your pan uneven and less effective for cooking.
4. It Can Damage Other Dishes
Cast iron is HEAVY. If it knocks around inside your dishwasher, it can chip or break delicate plates, glassware, or even the dishwasher racks themselves. That’s an expensive mistake to make just for the sake of convenience.
How to Clean Cast Iron the Right Way
So, if the dishwasher is off-limits, what’s the best way to clean your cast iron?
- Wipe it down immediately after cooking. While it’s still warm, use a paper towel to remove excess grease.
- Use warm water and a brush. If needed, scrub gently with warm water and a stiff brush (no soap necessary).
- Dry it completely. Use a towel to remove moisture immediately—never let it air dry.
- Re-season it. Rub a thin layer of oil over the surface and heat it on the stove or in the oven to maintain its protective coating.
Final Thoughts
A dishwasher might seem like the easiest way to clean up, but when it comes to cast iron, it’s one shortcut you should avoid. Treat your pan right, and it’ll last a lifetime—maybe even longer.
Got a rusty cast iron pan from a past dishwasher disaster? Don’t worry—it’s fixable! Stay tuned for our guide on how to restore cast iron cookware.