To clean your carbon steel pan after cooking, follow these steps.
- The first thing to do after cooking with carbon steel is to wipe off any excess food. Using a paper towel, soft-bristle brush, or sponge, gently wipe off all excess food. Most of the food should come off easily, because a seasoned carbon steel pan has an effective non-stick surface.
- Once the pan has cooled down, use warm water (do not use dish soap) and gently scrub the surface of the pan with a towel, soft-bristle brush, or sponge. Use a dish towel or paper towel to dry.
- If there is still excess stuck-on food on the pan, add water to the pan and bring it to a boil on a burner. This should release any stuck on food. Once the pan has cooled, repeat the cleaning process described in Step 2.
- Finally, put the pan back on the stove to finish drying. Every once in a while you can add a light layer of vegetable oil to preserve the seasoning.
*Note: do not put your carbon steel pan in the dishwasher.
