Please help! I can not get this off the bottom of my cast iron. My husband made pork chops last night but accidentally burnt them. I’ve tried scrubbing with hot soapy water but I’m not sure what to do.

Posted on April 18, 2025

Help! How Do I Clean Burnt-On Residue Off My Cast Iron Skillet?

There’s nothing worse than pulling out your favorite cast iron skillet only to find it covered in stubborn, burnt-on pork chop residue. You’ve scrubbed with soap and water, but the blackened bits won’t budge—now what?

Don’t panic! Burnt food doesn’t mean your skillet is ruined. With the right techniques, you can restore your cast iron without damaging its seasoning. Below, we’ll cover:

  • Why soap & water alone aren’t working
  • Safe ways to remove burnt food without ruining seasoning
  • Step-by-step deep-cleaning methods
  • How to re-season your skillet afterward

Why Isn’t Soap & Water Working?

Cast iron is tough, but burnt proteins (like pork) can fuse to the surface at high heat. Regular dish soap helps with grease but won’t break down carbonized food. Scrubbing too hard can also strip the protective seasoning (the polymerized oil layer that keeps your pan nonstick).

What NOT to Do:

❌ Don’t use steel wool or metal scrapers (can scratch the iron).
❌ Avoid soaking in water (promotes rust).
❌ Skip the dishwasher (will ruin seasoning and cause rust).

Best Ways to Remove Burnt-On Food

1. Boiling Water Method (Gentlest Option)

Good for: Loosening stuck-on bits without harsh scrubbing.

  1. Fill the skillet with 1–2 inches of water.
  2. Simmer for 5–10 mins on the stovetop (steam softens residue).
  3. Use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to scrape gently.
  4. Empty water, then scrub with a nylon brush or salt paste (see below).

2. Coarse Salt + Oil Scrub (Natural Abrasive)

Good for: Stubborn spots without damaging seasoning.

  1. Sprinkle a handful of coarse salt (kosher or sea salt) in the pan.
  2. Add 1 tbsp oil (vegetable, canola, or coconut).
  3. Scrub with a cloth or sponge (the salt acts as a gentle abrasive).
  4. Rinse and dry immediately.

3. Baking Soda Paste (For Tough Buildup)

Good for: Thick, crusty residue.

  1. Make a paste with baking soda + a little water.
  2. Spread over burnt areas and let sit 10–15 mins.
  3. Scrub with a non-metal brush, then rinse.

4. Chainmail Scrubber (For Heavy Duty Cleaning)

Good for: Hardened carbonized food.

  • A chainmail scrubber (made for cast iron) removes debris without harming seasoning.
  • Lightly scrub in circular motions, then rinse.

What If the Pan Still Looks Dirty?

If residue remains after cleaning, your skillet may need re-seasoning:

How to Re-Season Cast Iron:

  1. Dry thoroughly (heat on stove for 1–2 mins to evaporate moisture).
  2. Apply a thin layer of oil (crisco, flaxseed, or vegetable oil).
  3. Wipe off excess (too much oil makes it sticky).
  4. Bake upside-down at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hour.
  5. Let cool in the oven.

Preventing Future Buildup

✔ Preheat the pan before cooking (reduces sticking).
✔ Use enough oil/fat when cooking proteins.
✔ Clean while warm (not piping hot) for easier scrubbing.
✔ Avoid sugary sauces (they caramelize and stick).

Final Tip: Don’t Fear a Little Patina!

Cast iron doesn’t need to look brand new—a smooth, dark finish means it’s well-seasoned. Focus on function over shine.

Still stuck? Try the self-cleaning oven method (place skillet in oven during a cleaning cycle), but this is a last resort as it strips all seasoning.

🔥 With these tips, your skillet will be back to cooking perfection! Have another cast iron question? Ask below!

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