5 Cast Iron Cookware Cleaning Tools to Preserve Seasoning

Cast iron cookware is a kitchen workhorse. It has amazing heat retention, develops a naturally nonstick surface over time, and can last for generations when properly maintained. Whether you’re searing a perfect steak, baking pizza, or slow-cooking a braise, cast iron can be used from the stovetop to the oven, making it one of the most versatile materials in your kitchen.

And yes, it has a reputation for being high-maintenance, but cleaning cast iron is not as complicated as you may think. With the right approach and a few simple tools, keeping your cast iron pans and pots in tip-top shape can be straightforward. From specialized scrubbers that lift stuck-on food without damaging the seasoning to gentle cleansers, we’ve rounded up the best tools and products that will help you continue using your favorite cast iron pieces for years to come. (Just remember to always let your cast iron cool down completely before cleaning.) 

Cast Iron Cleaners and Tools at Amazon

Pibc Cast Iron Stainless Steel Chainmail Scrubber

This compact 8- x 6-inch stainless steel scrubber easily lifts stuck-on food and baked-on residue from your cast iron without stripping away the seasoning you’ve carefully developed. The chainmail construction features two interlocking circles, creating a flexible yet sturdy scrubbing surface that won’t fall apart, even with regular use. The non-scratch design will be gentle on your pan’s surface. Just rinse the scrubber clean after each use and hang it up to dry using the built-in hanging hole.

Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Care Kit

Lodge makes many of our favorite cast iron pieces, including the best value cast iron skillet and best value enameled cast iron skillet. The brand’s care kit has everything you need to tend your pieces in one convenient package. The bright red polycarbonate pan scraper works on post-meal cleanup, reaching into corners to remove stuck-on food without scratching your pan’s seasoning. For tougher messes, try the nylon brush for serious scrubbing power — it’s still gentle enough to preserve that hard-earned patina. Plus, you’ll appreciate the propellant-free canola oil spray for keeping your cast iron perfectly seasoned between uses. The kit also has a heat-resistant silicone hot handle holder that protects your hands up to 5000°F, making it safer and easier to maneuver hot pans from stove to table. 

OXO Good Grips Cast Iron Pan Brush

Many of our favorite kitchen gadgets and cleaning tools come from OXO, which we trust for effective, affordable products. OXO’s cast iron cleaning brush has short, stiff bristles specifically designed to remove cooked-on food from flat surfaces, ridged grill pans, and griddles without soap or detergent. The angled bristle helps you reach deeper into grooves and ridges, while its non-slip ergonomic handle provides better control when cleaning. One reviewer explained that it “only takes a minute to clean even the worst stuck-on mess with just a little water,” all thanks to this brush. 

Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser and Polish

Bar Keepers Friend’s oxalic acid formula cuts through tough grease, burnt food, and rust stains that can accumulate on cast iron. It gently removes buildup without the need for bleach or overly abrasive scrubbing, which poses the risk of damaging your pan’s seasoning layer. Simply create a paste, apply it to stuck-on food or rust spots, let it work for a minute, and then gently scrub the paste in with a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge. 

Seventh Generation Dish Soap

Contrary to popular belief — and according to my uncle Danny, who is a CIA-certified chef — you can use just the tiniest bit of dish soap to clean your cast iron. There are times when a little soap is necessary, and his favorite is this plant-based dish liquid from Seventh Generation. Its gentle formula can effectively cut through grease and dried-on food without being overly aggressive on your cast iron’s protective layer. Plus, the fragrance-free formulation means no lingering scents or residues transfer to your food during the next cook. Just use one drop along with a good scrubber and you’re good to go!