Can you use WD 40 on a cast iron skillet?

Author: Pablo Adams  |  Last update: Monday, October 13, 2025

Additionally, WD-40 provides a protective barrier against moisture, preventing rust formation, which is extremely important for cast iron surfaces. When used sparingly and followed by a thorough wipe-down and seasoning, WD-40 offers a convenient solution for maintaining a clean and well-preserved cast iron stovetop.

Can I use WD-40 on a cast iron skillet?

Using WD-40

WD-40 Multi-Use Product protects items against rust and removes rust from them. Simply soak your cast iron stovetop for a short period of time and then scrub it with a wire brush.

What is the best oil to grease a cast iron skillet?

The best is flax oil. The next best is soybean oil. The third best is liquid canola (not hydrogenated Crisco).

Is WD-40 safe for cookware?

No, you should not use WD-40 on rusty cookware. WD-40 is a petroleum-based product designed for lubrication and rust prevention on metal surfaces, but it is not food-safe. Using it on cookware could contaminate your food and pose health risks.

What's the best thing to clean cast iron with?

All you need is hot water and a scrubbing brush, steel wool or a copper cleaning cloth to do this. You can use kosher salt, a scrubber and neutral oil to scrub it. Important- do NOT use any soap. If you find it difficult to remove, you can leave water in the pan overnight to soften the debris.

The Easy Guide On Seasoning and Restoring Cast Iron

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.

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.

Where should you not use WD-40?

7 places to never use WD-40 — you'll be surprised
  • Hinges. (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  • Bike chains. (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  • Locks. (Image credit: Shutterstock) ...
  • Polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic. ...
  • Sensitive electronics. ...
  • Wax polishes and some wax coatings. ...
  • Anything that comes into contact with food.

Is WD-40 corrosive to metal?

WD-40 is used to protect metal from corrosion and rust.

Does WD-40 clean iron?

Well, here's a much easier solution that guarantees the removal of all stains. Spray some WD-40 on the iron; with a rag, wipe the iron clean. Use a cotton swab to clean the holes out.

What oil should not be used on cast iron?

Oil, especially canola oil (bad, unhealthy oil), should not be used. If a quick oiling (not seasoning) in between is desired, it's best to use a high temperature oil like avocado. A quick rub can do the trick, if your pan looks a bit dry. I have one pan that is about 100 years old!

Can you put too much oil on a cast iron skillet?

Oil. Apply a very thin, even layer of cooking oil to the cookware (inside and out). If you use too much oil, your cookware may become sticky.

How long to let WD-40 sit?

To remove light rust, leave parts in the solution for 1-3 hours. To remove heavy rust, leave parts in the rust removal solution overnight. Do not use on parts that have bluing, browning, or protective oxide paints, as those protective coatings would be removed.

Can you put Dawn on a cast iron skillet?

Will Soap Ruin Cast Iron? Using soap will not ruin your pan. It is totally fine on enameled cast iron, and on plain cast iron, too.

What should I oil my cast iron skillet with?

All cooking oils and fats can be used for seasoning cast iron, but based on availability, affordability, effectiveness, and having a high smoke point, Lodge recommends vegetable oil, melted shortening, or canola oil, like our Seasoning Spray.

Is WD-40 bad for anything?

While WD-40 is safe to use on lots of painted surfaces and can remove things like crayon or gum, you should avoid using it on waxed furniture or any wood with a wax coating. WD-40 can soften the wax, which could affect the appearance.

Does WD-40 create rust?

Most people know WD-40 Multi-Use Product as a lubricant, but it was originally used as an anti-corrosive by the aerospace industry to prevent spacecraft from rusting. WD-40 can help remove rust from metals like iron, chrome, and stainless steel without further damaging the surface of the metal or removing the paint.

Is WD-40 flammable after sprayed?

DANGER! Extremely flammable aerosol. Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated. May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.

Why do people keep WD-40 in the refrigerator?

Spray WD-40 multi use product inside the fridge

Baking soda will also help eliminate the odor from spoiled food. Spray some WD-40 multi use product to deep clean and protect the inside of the refrigerator/freezer.

Can I use WD-40 to lubricate door locks?

Should I use WD40 to lubricate door locks? The simple answer is you should not use WD40 to lubricate locks. WD-40 is one of the solvent-based lubricants and does not contain any lubricant and over time can make your lock even stickier by gumming the lock up.

What was WD-40 originally made for?

WD-40 was invented in San Diego in 1953 as a rust-prevention solvent for Atlas missile outer skins. A chemist at the Rocket Chemical Company created a compound that would prevent rust and corrosion on the Atlas.

What should you never do to a hot cast iron pan when cleaning?

Things NEVER to Do When Cleaning Cast Iron
  1. Avoid Warping Your Pan – Never take hot cast iron and run it under water. ...
  2. Resist Soaking Your Pans – Soaking cast iron pans in water is just a recipe for ruining your seasoning and inviting rust.
  3. Don't Use the Dishwasher – Never put your cast iron skillet in the dishwasher.

What to cook first in a cast iron skillet?

Start with Vegetables

Any seared, sautéed, or pan-roasted vegetable recipe is a great place to start breaking in your skillet. Vegetables won't stick to your cooking surface like fatty proteins, and are easy to spread out over the entire cooking surface, helping to build even seasoning.

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.

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