If the salt scrub is failing? Don’t sweat it. We have a secret weapon. A little water, a lot of heat. This is not for weak seasoning. If your pan looks flaky, skip this.
Pour about an inch of water into the pan. Throw in a few drops of dish soap (yes, soap! It’s fine for one emergency wash). Bring it to a rolling boil on the stove.
Let it boil for two to three minutes. The burnt stuff will start to loosen and float. It’s like a hot spring for greasy mistakes. Use a wooden spoon to gently scrape while it bubbles.
Dump the hot water. Be careful, steam burns are no joke. Rinse the pan with warm water. You should see a clean, gray surface underneath.
The Final Polish
Now you have a clean, but very naked pan. It needs a hug. Dry it thoroughly with a towel. Then put it on the stove over low heat for two minutes to evaporate any hidden moisture.
How to Clean a Burnt Cast Iron Skillet: Tackle Stuck-On Food | Cast
Grab your oil. Canola, vegetable, or grapeseed are best. Olive oil is too delicate and gets sticky. Pour a tiny dab on a paper towel (not the one you used for the salt, yuck).
Rub that oil all over the inside of the pan. Inside. Outside. The handle too. It looks shiny and greasy. That’s exactly what we want. Wipe it again with a clean towel. It should look dry, not wet. Less is more here.
Pop it back on the low heat for five minutes. Let the oil bond to the iron. Turn off the heat. Let it cool in the pan.
