Cast iron is a wonderful material which is great for making cooking pans. That is exactly what it became famous for, and millions of people are switching to using them instead of Teflon pans, which put you at risk of chemicals and PFCAs. With a cast iron skillet, you can be sure that you will be saving time and money while contributing to your overall well-being.
Why do we say this? Because a cast iron skillet is a cheaper and yet more effective than any of the alternatives. Yes, it may not be as traditional, but if you think about it, you can use it in both an oven and on the stove. Don’t forget, the material is extremely durable, which means that you can use it for years with only the slightest maintenance and cleaning effort.
A cast iron skillet is something any proper kitchen should have. Whether you enjoy scrambling eggs, preparing delicious steaks, or doing any other cooking task that requires an even cooking temperature, this product will fulfill your requirements. Apart from the above-mentioned benefits, we love to emphasize that you may actually get some additional iron in your meals due to it being released in the warmer temperatures.
Frankly, such a long-term investment will do miracles for your cooking skills. Still, while the maintenance part is quite easy, we can’t go without answering the question of can you use steel wool on cast iron, and that is why we want to further discuss it in the following sections. Let’s take a look.
Is Steel Wool Okay to Use on Cast Iron?
With the rising popularity and demand for cast iron skillets, there are numerous myths that have been discussed on a daily basis on different platforms. Among all, the two that seem to be the most common are if you can use soap and if it is OK to use steel wool on cast iron.
While the answer for the first one is quite tricky as it depends on the type of soap and the purpose you are using it for, the answer to the steel wool one is somewhat simpler. If you ask us, we will quickly tell you that it is absolutely a no-no.
Steel wool can damage the cast iron layer and coating that usually protects the skillet from sticking and releasing harmful chemicals. Yes, some guides do recommend it in case of rust or abrasion, but there are other methods that will work just as effectively without the risk of damage.
So what is our recommendation? Non-abrasive or non-metal scrubbers and brushes, of course! Although steel wool proves to be quite effective on other skillets (as long as you are not too rough) it is better not to take any chances and stay on the safe side by cleaning cast iron with the below-mentioned methods.
How to Properly Clean a Cast Iron Skillet
This all depends on whether we are talking about a thorough or light cleaning. But no matter which we are talking about, there is nothing you need other than some basic equipment. In fact, using simple salt, hot running water, and a dry towel are actually more than enough. This is true unless you are dealing with tough rust or residue, in which case you would have to use some kind of an abrasive or soap (a mild one).
Firstly, you should know that a light cleaning should be performed by running your cast iron skillet under hot water and wiping any food or oils off with a towel. Once you have done that, you should cover it in a protective layer of oil (seasoning), and then leave it to sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking any further.
It is quite well known that other than these basic tools, you don’t need much else to clean a cast iron skillet and that is why many prefer it over Teflon or other alternatives. Yes, you can’t put it in the dishwasher, but on the other hand, there is no need for it as the cleaning process shouldn’t take you too much time. Cast iron is affordable, durable, healthy ,and non-stick, making it the perfect material if you are looking to cook with an adequate pan that will make your food even better.
Conclusion
There is a lot of debate on whether cast iron really is worth it and why these skillets became so popular. While the benefits are quite clear, there are certain precautions that you need to consider if you want to get the most out of a cast iron skillet. When it comes to the answer of whether you can use steel wool on cast iron, our answer would be a solid no, as you are at risk of damaging the protective coating, rendering it useless.