How to Clean a Cast Iron Skillet After Cooking Burgers

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To clean cast iron after burgers, pour off the grease while the pan is warm, scrape off stuck bits, wash it with hot water and a little mild dish soap, then dry it completely and wipe on a very thin layer of oil. The whole process takes a few minutes. Never soak cast iron or put it in the dishwasher, because both cause rust.

Burgers leave cast iron greasy, with a layer of browned bits stuck to the surface. Cleaning it right keeps the seasoning intact and the pan getting better every time you cook.

What you need

• A heat-safe container for the grease (an old can or jar works)
• A flat spatula or plastic pan scraper
• A stiff brush, non-scratch scrub pad or chainmail scrubber
• Mild dish soap
• Paper towels or a lint-free towel
• Neutral cooking oil, such as canola or vegetable oil

How to clean cast iron after burgers, step by step

1. Pour off the grease while it's warm. Let the pan cool for a few minutes so it's safe to handle, then pour the fat into a heat-safe container. Let it solidify and throw it in the trash. Never pour it down the drain, where it can clog pipes.
2. Scrape. Use a flat spatula or pan scraper to lift stuck-on crust while the pan is still warm. The edge of a stiff griddle spatula works well here too.
3. Wash with hot water and a little soap. Lodge, a major cast iron maker, says mild dish soap is fine and won't strip seasoning. Scrub with a brush, non-scratch pad or chainmail scrubber.
4. Tackle stubborn bits. Scrub with a paste of coarse kosher salt and a little water, or add an inch of water to the pan and simmer it for 3 to 5 minutes to loosen the residue, then scrape again.
5. Dry immediately and completely. Towel dry, then set the pan over low heat for a minute or two to drive off any remaining moisture.
6. Oil it. While it's warm, wipe a very thin layer of oil over the inside with a paper towel, then buff off the excess until the surface looks dark and dry rather than shiny or sticky.

Can you use soap on cast iron?

Yes. The old rule against soap dates from when soaps were much harsher. Lodge's care instructions say today's mild dish soaps aren't strong enough to remove seasoning, and that soap can actually help prevent buildup. What does damage cast iron is soaking, the dishwasher and letting it stay wet.

What not to do

• Don't soak it or leave it sitting in the sink.
• Don't put it in the dishwasher.
• Don't let it air dry. Water left on cast iron causes rust.
• Don't plunge a hot pan into cold water. Sudden temperature changes can stress or crack the iron.
• Don't over-oil. A thick coat turns sticky and gummy instead of building seasoning.
• Don't store food in it. Move leftover burgers to a container and refrigerate them within 2 hours.

How to deal with sticky or uneven seasoning

Burger grease can leave a tacky film if the pan is put away with too much fat on it. To fix it, wash with hot soapy water, dry over low heat, then wipe on a very thin layer of oil and heat the pan on the stove until it just starts to smoke. Let it cool. Repeat a few times if needed.

Patchy, dull spots after cooking are common, especially early in a pan's life. Keep cooking in it; fatty foods like burgers and bacon help build seasoning over time.

How to fix rust on cast iron

Rust happens, and it's fixable.

1. Scour. On a cool, dry pan, scrub the rusty spots with steel wool and warm, soapy water until you reach bare metal.
2. Rinse and dry completely.
3. Oil. Wipe a very thin, even layer of oil over the whole pan, inside and out. For a few small spots, that may be all it needs.
4. Reseason for bigger areas. Lodge recommends placing the oiled pan upside down on the top rack of a 450 to 500°F oven for one hour, then letting it cool in the oven. Put a sheet of foil on the rack below to catch drips.

Tips for cooking burgers in cast iron

• Preheat gradually. Heat the pan over medium for a few minutes before turning it up. Cast iron heats unevenly if you rush it.
• Use the right fat. A thin film of a high smoke point fat works best. See the best oil for smash burgers.
• Pour off grease between batches so the next round sears instead of fries.
• Try smash burgers. Cast iron's heat retention is ideal for them. Start with our Ultimate Smash Burger.

The same goes for carbon steel

Carbon steel pans and griddles are cleaned the same way: scrape, wash, dry completely and oil lightly. Carbon steel is thinner and can rust faster, so dry it right away. Compare the two in Carbon Steel vs. Cast Iron for Burgers, and see how to cook burgers on a griddle for flat-top care.

Need a pan? A pre-seasoned cast iron skillet is ready to cook in right out of the box. Then put it to work with burgers on the stove, or browse our smash burger gear guide.

FAQ

Should I clean cast iron right after cooking burgers?

Yes, as soon as it's cool enough to handle safely. Warm grease pours off easily and stuck bits come off with less scrubbing.

Can I leave burger grease in my cast iron pan?

It's best not to. Old grease can turn rancid and sticky. Pour it off, clean the pan and leave only a very thin layer of fresh oil.

What oil is best for oiling cast iron after cleaning?

A neutral oil such as canola, vegetable or shortening works well. Use only a very thin layer.

Is a little rust on cast iron dangerous?

A small amount of surface rust isn't a reason to throw out the pan. Scrub it off, dry the pan and oil or reseason it before cooking.