Can you clean cast iron with vinegar and baking soda?

Author: Saige Quitzon  |  Last update: Friday, November 21, 2025

The Best Way To Remove Food Residue From Cast Iron Pans Cover them generously, so a small mound of baking soda sits over each section. Pour a few drops of white vinegar over each mound of baking soda, and then immediately fill the pan with a thin layer of lukewarm water—just half an inch or so.

Is baking soda and vinegar safe for cast iron?

The trusty, all-natural combination of baking soda and vinegar is useful for many other types of cleaning, but the chemical reaction can be too strong for cast iron and end up hurting its longevity. Instead of vinegar, try using the moisture from a sliced potato to help the baking soda along.

What is the best solution to clean cast iron?

What is the best cleaning solution for cast iron? Water! You don't need (and should not use) soap to clean a cast iron. Simply use water and a scrub brush, or for a big mess use some course salt and oil to scrub away to residue and then rinse with water.

What should you not clean cast iron with?

It's important to not use anything too aggressive such as steel wool, sponges or other abrasive cleaning methods as these will strip your seasoning. For particularly difficult to clean messes, fill your pan halfway full with water and heat over the stove.

Will white vinegar clean cast iron?

Instead of using harsh chemicals or scrubbing to the point of scratching, all you need to remove those stubborn food bits from your cast iron pan is baking soda, white vinegar, and lukewarm water.

TheMudbrooker's Guide to Cast Iron: Vinegar Bath Rust Removal

What does white vinegar do to iron?

White vinegar combined with water is an effective solution for removing mineral deposits and buildup from the steam iron's soleplate and vents. Using a small bowl allows you to mix the white vinegar and water in the correct proportions before applying it to the iron.

Does baking soda affect iron?

In a study of nine healthy people, sodium bicarbonate administered with 10 mg of iron led to lower iron levels compared to iron administered alone. This interaction may be avoided by taking sodium bicarbonate-containing products two hours before or after iron-containing supplements.

How do I get the black stuff off the bottom of my iron?

If vinegar alone doesn't work, try making a baking soda paste by mixing three parts baking soda with one part water. Apply the paste to the scorch mark, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then gently scrub it off with a toothbrush.

How do chefs clean cast iron?

3-Step Cast Iron Cleaning Method
  1. Wash. Wash your cast iron cookware by hand. You can use a small amount of soap. ...
  2. Dry. Dry promptly and thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. ...
  3. Oil. Rub a very light layer of cooking oil or Seasoning Spray onto the surface of your cookware.

What ruins a cast iron skillet?

You let your skillet soak.

Soaking your cast iron skillet in your sink is a recipe for rust, as is washing it in the dishwasher. Instead, clean it ASAP, even using simple soap and water if you must.

What is the black stuff rubbing off my cast iron?

They are most likely carbon deposits. This happens due to overheating of fats and oils. Using an oil with a low smoke point will carbonize at high temperatures and cause residue from the pores of your pan to rub off onto your food. While unappealing, they won't hurt you in such a small amount.

Can you use baking soda and vinegar in cast iron pipes?

Yes, using baking soda and vinegar to clean drains creates a chemical reaction between the two ingredients can cause damage to your pipes.

How to deep clean a cast iron skillet?

However, lye is extremely corrosive and can cause chemical burns, permanent injuries, scarring and blindness.
  1. Wet the pan before cleaning. ...
  2. Spray on full strength Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner. ...
  3. Scrub the pan. ...
  4. Rinse with clean water. ...
  5. Dry immediately. ...
  6. Check for rust. ...
  7. Re-season your cookware.

What do baking soda and vinegar do?

Mixing vinegar and baking soda causes an immediate chemical reaction. This reaction forms water, sodium acetate (a salt) and carbon dioxide – the fizzy part. The amount of carbon dioxide gas that is produced from baking soda is remarkable – one tablespoon (around 18 grams) can release over five litres of gas!

Does baking soda damage cast iron?

Baking soda, alone or with vinegar, is a safe and effective way to remove rust from cast iron pans. It's a non-toxic option that won't harm the pan if used properly. After removing rust, remember to season your pan with oil and bake it to restore its non-stick surface.

When not to use baking soda?

Keep baking soda away from any wood surface, including wood floors, wooden coffee or dining tables, and cutting boards. "Baking soda is slightly abrasive, and if used to clean wood furniture, especially with a polished finish, it can leave scratches," explains Brown.

Will vinegar eat through cast iron?

The vinegar solution will dissolve the rust, but once that's gone, it can penetrate further and start eating away at the original cast surface of the pan, the ultimate death sentence for your skillet.

When should you not use vinegar to clean?

But eight places you should never use vinegar include:
  1. Stone Countertops. Surfaces that often get ruined by vinegar are stone countertops, like marble and travertine. ...
  2. Dishwashers/Washing Machines. ...
  3. Clothes Iron. ...
  4. Tile Grout. ...
  5. Knives. ...
  6. Small Appliances. ...
  7. Hardwood Floors. ...
  8. Electronic Screens.

What is the fastest way to remove rust from cast iron pans?

Cast iron needs to be cherished, and rust is the enemy. The easiest and fastest way to remove rust from cast iron is Evapo-Rust®. It will spare your knuckles, as there is no scrubbing with brushes or steel wool involved. It is also safe to use on your cooking supplies.

Is it safe to use vinegar to clean iron?

While you can buy commercial-grade iron cleaners, they tend to be harsher, so a simple homemade iron cleaner will do the trick. Here's how to clean a steam iron easily and inexpensively with a mixture of vinegar and water. Mix 1/4 cup white vinegar with 3/4 cup distilled water. Pour mixture into the iron.

Is a little rust on cast iron ok?

Cooking with a cast iron pan that has a little bit of surface rust on it isn't likely to hurt you. If your pan is seriously rusty or has visible rust flakes, you shouldn't cook with it until the rust is removed and the pan is washed and re-seasoned.

What's the best oil to season cast iron?

Common cooking oils like olive oil will gradually produce seasoning, but won't be as effective as grapeseed oil. Canola, other vegetable oils, and shortening are a little better.

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