Why does my cast iron feel sticky after seasoning?

You likely used too much oil. Users advise wiping the pan until it appears completely dry, and then wiping it again after it heats up to remove any excess.

Is it okay to use dish soap on cast iron?

Yes. Modern dish detergents do not contain lye, so they will not damage the seasoning like older soaps did.

Can soaking cast iron ruin it?

Yes. Extended soaking leads to rust. You should wash your pan, dry it immediately, and never leave it sitting in water.

What is the black residue on my paper towels after oiling?

It is just excess carbon and polymerized oil. Users say it is normal and not harmful to your pan.

Common Cast Iron Seasoning and Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

The biggest seasoning mistake is using too much oil, which leaves a sticky finish. Users suggest wiping the pan until it looks like no oil was applied at all. You should also wipe the pan a second time after it heats up to catch excess oil that appears when it warms.

Another seasoning error is heating the pan too quickly, which can burn off the seasoning over direct flame.

In cleaning, the idea that you must avoid soap is outdated. Modern dish soap without lye will not ruin the seasoning. However, you should never soak cast iron because it causes rust, and you should not worry about harmless black residue on your paper towels.

Common Cast Iron Seasoning and Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid — infographic

The most common mistake when seasoning cast iron is using too much oil, which can lead to a sticky finish, while a common cleaning mistake is avoiding soap due to outdated advice.

Seasoning Mistakes

Applying too much oil: Excess oil is the most common cause of sticky, uneven seasoning. Users advise wiping the pan as if you never intended to put oil on it in the first place, leaving only a micro-thin layer. "The best advice I got was after putting oil into the pan wipe it out like you weren't supposed to put oil in it at all and need to get it all out."

Not wiping the pan again after heating: The surface tension of oil changes when heated, so wiping the pan a second time after it warms up helps remove excess oil that becomes visible. "Apply oil. Wipe. Preheat. Wipe AGAIN. Finish seasoning."

Using too high heat too quickly: Rapidly heating cast iron from cold can cause seasoning to burn off, especially over direct heat sources like stove burners. "Looks like the seasoning burned off above the burners. Fortunately it is fixable!"

Cleaning Mistakes

Believing soap should never be used: Modern dish detergents do not contain lye, which was historically the ingredient that stripped cast iron seasoning. "Today's detergents don't contain lye. Today's detergents don't damage the seasoning on your cast iron."

Soaking cast iron: While soap is generally safe, soaking cast iron pans for extended periods can lead to rust. Instead, clean thoroughly and dry immediately. "I think for a lot of people the act of doing dishes in general involves soaking and you should never ever soak cast iron."

Worrying about black residue on paper towels: The black residue that often appears on paper towels when oiling a cleaned pan is typically just excess carbon and polymerized oil, and it's not harmful. "I don't think you're doing anything wrong, that's just the way cast iron pans are."

Do you want to know which oils are best for seasoning cast iron?