Whether you can use Bar Keepers Friend (BKF) on cast iron depends entirely on the type of cookware you have.
Detergents aren't made with lye, so can't be soap. Either way you still shouldn't use soap with cast iron, but can use detergents, though there is no reason to do so. You can easily clean well maintained cast iron without it.
Bar Keepers Friend is a powerful cleaner that works wonders on stainless steel, glass, and porcelain, but its active ingredient (oxalic acid) and abrasive nature can ruin delicate and porous surfaces. Never use it on cast iron, non-stick cookware, marble, granite, wood, leather, or painted surfaces.
* DO clean cast iron immediately after using it, when it's still warm * DO use warm water and a sponge or stiff brush to clean * DO use water and coarse salt to help remove food remnants * DO thoroughly dry cast iron after washing * DON'T soak cast iron, or it's likely to rust * DON'T put cast iron in the dishwasher * ...
The combination of prolonged exposure to water, high temperatures, and strong detergents will quickly break down the seasoning, leaving the pan dull, rust-prone, and in need of full re-seasoning. Always wash your cast-iron cookware by hand instead, dry thoroughly, and season before storing as needed.
Yes, you can absolutely use Dawn dish soap on cast iron.
This might look intimidating, but remember that you really can't ruin cast iron. Even if you strip away most of the seasoning, you can still rebuild it into the sleek, nonstick skillet you expect.
Scrub and wash your pan
Scour the rusty sections with steel wool or the Lodge Rust Eraser. Then wash the pan with warm, soapy water.
Mistake 3: Soaking the Pan in Water
Cast iron rusts when exposed to moisture for long periods. A water soak can undo months of seasoning and require a full restoration. Wash quickly with warm water and a soft brush while the pan is still warm. Dry it immediately on low heat until all moisture evaporates.
Yes, you can clean cast iron with vinegar, but only for specific restorative jobs (like removing rust). Because vinegar is highly acidic, it will instantly strip your pan's protective seasoning. Never use it for daily cleaning.
You can use Bar Keepers Friend (BKF) on cast iron, but it depends entirely on whether the pan is bare or enameled.
Bar Keepers Friend is an oxalic acid-based cleaner used to dissolve rust, mineral deposits, and tarnish, making it ideal for metal and stainless steel. Ajax is a bleach-based alkaline cleanser with mild abrasives, best for whitening surfaces, cutting through everyday grease, and deodorizing.
Never mix Bar Keepers Friend (BKF) with bleach, ammonia, or vinegar. BKF contains oxalic acid, and combining it with these chemicals will trigger hazardous chemical reactions, releasing toxic, lung-searing fumes like chlorine gas. Always rinse surfaces thoroughly between using different cleaning products.
If you are able to clean the skillet out by simply wiping it out, stop here. Having a small amount of oil after cleaning is not a problem. In fact, keeping a pan from drying out is an important part of long term maintenance. Over-cleaning your cast iron pan is unnecessary and will only stand to damage your seasoning.
What Not to Cook in a Cast-Iron Skillet
No, do not let cast iron pans sit in water, and do not leave water sitting in a pan. This will likely lead to rusting. Instead, make sure you clean, wash, and immediately dry all cast iron pans.
The myth that you shouldn't wash your cast iron skillet with soap is just that — a myth. It's driven by two theories. The first is that since oil is used to season the cast iron skillet and create a nonstick surface, soap would effectively wash away the cure that you worked so hard to build.
The easiest way to clean a cast iron skillet is to wash it while it's still warm using hot water, a mild dish soap, and a scrub sponge. Dry it completely on the stovetop, then rub a very thin layer of neutral cooking oil over the entire surface before storing.
Yes, you should clean your cast iron skillet after every use to remove bacteria and prevent food bits from burning the next time you cook. Contrary to popular myths, using a small amount of mild dish soap and water is perfectly fine and will not strip a well-seasoned pan.
The more you use a rusted pan, the more iron you'll consume in your food. It's best to avoid cooking with a rusty cast iron pan. If it's reached the point of corrosion or deep rust, throw it away rather than risk your and your family's health.
Place the rusted cast iron pan into a container large enough to cover with coke. Pour coca cola over the pan until immersed. Leave the pan in the coke overnight. Remove the pan and wash in hot water with Dawn dish washing liquid to remove remaining rust.
Any food-safe cooking oil or shortening will work, but our Test Kitchen experts prefer vegetable oil or canola oil. WHAT'S THIS DARK RESIDUE I SEE WHEN I CLEAN MY CAST IRON? Occasionally, you may notice some dark residue on your paper towel or cloth while cleaning it.
Cast iron skillets can last a lifetime—and even last for generations when cared for properly. Because they are built from a single, durable piece of metal, they do not wear out like traditional non-stick pans. Even if a pan develops rust or loses its seasoning, it can almost always be stripped down and restored.
Yes, you can absolutely use Dawn dish soap on cast iron.
For healthy individuals, it is highly unlikely to get iron poisoning from cast iron pans. While the cookware does transfer small amounts of dietary iron into food, the amount is usually small enough to be safe or even beneficial for preventing iron-deficiency anemia.