How do you clean cast iron?

[mightyh]

I just used my cast iron pan for the first time (blackened tilapia--very good) and am now wondering if I need to do anything special to clean it?

[makedah]

I don't think so. I saw a great tip on "Good Eats" for cleaning cast iron. Wet the pan, shake in some kosher salt and use a paper towel to scrub the pot with this paste. Rinse. Don't use soap on your cast iron. use warm water and a nylon scrubbie. (I have seen directions to use soap, but I don't.) Make sure the pan is completely dry once you're done. I learned from my mother to put them on the stove and heat them for a bit to make sure they dry thoroughly. Let cool and rub in a bit of vegetable oil.

[HARRYET]

do a search for "cast iron" we just had a recent thread re: cleaning cast iron and seasoning cast iron. I think you'll find alot of good information there.

Ann