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Help! Soap on a cast iron skillet! (moved from Home Cooking)

In gratitude for the roast chicken I prepared for Sunday dinner, my sweet, considerate, but sometimes forgetful boyfriend used soap to wash my (almost as beloved as my boyfriend) cast iron skillet.
I have sinsed rinsed. And rinsed. And rinsed.
Are there any other measures I can take to ensure that my next roast chicken won't taste of Dawn?
Thanks in advance!

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  1. It shouldn't be a problem, i wash mine with soap after every use, but keep it lite, as for the cure, if you have to it can be redone in the oven, my grandmother,threw hers into a fire 1-2 times a year, and completely burnt the cure off, then washed it,with soap,and water, dried it,then coated with lard, and started over again,I have eaten fried chicken from coast to coast, and hers was better than another.

    1. I use soap on my cast iron, too. I rinse really well, then heat the pan on a stove burner to make sure it's dry. If the finish looks iffy, I pour in a teaspoon (or less) of canola oil and wipe it off with a paper towel.

      If you're really worried about soap residue, add a splash of vinegar to the rinse water. Vinegar is great for removing every trace of soap.


      3 Replies
      1. re: AnneInMpls

        I'm with Anne and jword. I've never had a problem with washing my cast iron. Frankly I think the business of scrubbing it out with salt is an old wives tale. Mine are well seasoned and I have some reservations about animal fat residues left on the pan.

        1. re: Candy

          Another vote for a quick soap down. Who wants their morning eggs tasting of last night's fish? Mama kept a bar of Ivory just for the cast iron. I use Dawn but, of course, I never, ever soak. First time I ever heard that salt stuff was on this board. Can't see the use of that when a plastic scrub brush is right at hand.
          Enjoy your cast iron and be happy to have a helper. Just never let 'em soak.

          1. re: MakingSense

            I agree 1000%

            I might use salt if I were camping or something but at home they get cleaned with a scrubbie and if needed, some dish soap.

            My mother put hers in the dishwasher once in a while. Hers are like teflon.

      2. Smell the pan, Does it smell like soap? If it does wash it in running water. Put your tongue on the cold dry pan. Does it taste like soap?

        1. Thanks all! I had no idea there was this world of soap-users. I didn't know it was ok. Good to know.
          The skillet still smells of soap, but I'll use these tips and get on with enjoying my Sunday. Again, thank you for your prompt help!

          1 Reply
          1. re: Agrayf

            I willl emend my soap/ detergent sugestion. After washing pot the skillet. cornbread stick pan or what ever on a low burner to dry it thoroughly. If need be then wipe it with it of lard, a very thin layer and allow it to dry some more over the low flame

          2. I have made every possible faux pas with my (also beloved) cast iron. It'll forgive you. As Candy says, after washing, be sure it's thoroughly dry before putting it away.