Cast Iron Cookware: Is It Dishwasher Safe?

Cast iron has many devoted adherents today and has been around for hundreds of years because it’s an efficient and extremely resilient cooking material.

In many families, the cast iron skillet will be passed down through the generations, looked after, and loved for the meal memories associated with it.

Can cast iron cookware be washed in a dishwasher though? The short answer is ‘No’, and we’re going to explain why along with some other very useful information and tips!

What is cast iron and how does it perform for cooking?

Cast iron is an iron-carbon mixture, and it’s a product of melting iron ore in a blast furnace. Cast iron has a carbon content of more than 2% and is workable in the manufacturing phase because of its low melting temperature and machinability.

Cast iron quickly became the go-to material for cooking utensils like pots, pans, and kettles because it’s hard, solid, and relatively impermeable to rust if kept dry.

It can also withstand the direct heat of a fire which is important for people cooking in rural areas or outdoors, for example at a hunting camp.

Nowadays it’s also used indoors for frying pans, casserole dishes, roasting tins, and the like and it’s so multi-purpose that it can be used to cook everything from cornbread to pork chops.

Cast iron retains heat beautifully. It’s versatile enough to move from fire or stovetop to oven and it travels well and isn’t prone to cracks or shattering like ceramics or glass.

As a bonus, cast iron lovers believe that it develops a ‘patina’ of flavor over time from all the meals cooked in it, this is a prized quality. And for anemics or those not getting enough iron in their diet, cast iron can add iron to the food cooked in it, enriching it.

As we’ve seen, cast iron cookware has its fans for good reason! Now, the core question:

Can you put cast iron cookware in the dishwasher?

No, cast iron cookware cannot be put in the dishwasher.

Why you shouldn’t put cast iron in the dishwasher

Putting cast iron utensils in the dishwasher damages them because it causes them to rust. This is bad for both the cookware’s surface and the food to be prepared in it in the future.

The very hot water and caustic detergents in the dishwasher will strip away the oil on the cast iron surface which protects it from corrosion. Exposed to water and oxygen, the iron will then oxidize.

This is how surface rust forms, which is unsightly, prone to flaking off and will give a nasty flavor to the food.

Besides which, a rusted surface will be pitted which means it can harbor bacteria growth and it will be more difficult to clean!

What happens if you accidentally put cast iron in the dishwasher?

Mistakes happen, so if you’ve already run your cast iron skillet through the dishwasher, don’t panic. You can still salvage it.

Here’s what to do:

1. Inspect the surface: If you see patches of rust, don’t use the pan just yet.
2. Scrub off the rust: Use steel wool or a stiff brush to remove any rust or residue. Be thorough, you’ll need a clean slate to restore the surface.
3. Wash and dry immediately: Rinse with warm water and mild soap, then dry it thoroughly with a clean towel. Don’t air-dry it, moisture causes rust.
4. Reseason the pan: Once dry, apply a thin layer of cooking oil (like flaxseed or vegetable oil) to the entire surface. Then bake it upside down in the oven at 375–400°F (190–200°C) for about an hour. This rebuilds the protective coating. We’ve talked about how to clean and reseason cast-iron in more detail in next sections.

You may need to repeat the seasoning step a couple of times if the rust damage was extensive, but your cast iron can still be revived and reused safely.

How to clean cast iron cookware properly

Now that we know that the dishwasher is out, it may be feared that cleaning cast iron pots and pans is a complicated, tiring, and a big messy job. This is not the case at all.

Follow our simple step-by-step instructions below to clean any cast iron cookware quickly:

You’ll need:

• Your dirty cast iron pan or skillet
• Hot water
• Mild dish soap (an eco-friendly formula works great)
• Steel wool, stiff brush, or sponge
• A clean dry cloth or paper towels

Pro – tip: Clean a cast iron utensil as soon as possible – preferably while it’s still warm, and don’t leave it soaking in the sink!

Cleaning steps:

1. Scrape down the sides of the pan/utensil while it’s still warm as the heat will ‘cook on’ any residue
2. Handwash the pan in hot water with dish soap
3. Use a stiff brush as a scraper if the food is really caked on
4. Once clean, rinse and dry the cast iron utensil thoroughly with a dry cloth or paper towels

Easy clean hack:  If a cast iron utensil is stubbornly dirty and the residue is stuck on it, put hot water into it and bring it to the boil on the stovetop. Allow the water to boil for a minute or two, and then remove it from the heat.

Wait until the water has cooled, and then wash the utensil following the steps above.

How to reseason cast iron after cleaning

If your pan looks dull or you’ve scrubbed it hard, it’s a good idea to reseason it. This process rebuilds the oil barrier that protects the metal and keeps food from sticking.

Reseasoning steps:

1. Dry the pan completely: Place it on a stovetop over low heat for a few minutes to evaporate all moisture.
2. Apply a thin layer of oil: Use a paper towel to rub cooking oil (like flaxseed, grapeseed, or vegetable oil) over the entire surface — inside and out.
3. Bake the pan: Place it upside down in a preheated oven at 375–400°F (190–200°C) for 1 hour. Put a baking sheet underneath to catch any drips.
4. Let it cool: Turn off the oven and allow the pan to cool inside.

For best results, repeat the seasoning process 2–3 times. Your pan will develop a glossy, non-stick surface that only gets better with use.

Bonus: Cleaning metal cookware generally

Hot water and dish soap work well as a general washing medium for metal cookware.  Metal cookware should typically be washed by hand and dried thoroughly after each wash.

If food gets stuck, or the pot or pan is very dirty, consider using a paste of 1 cup of water mixed with 2 tablespoons of baking soda.  Use this paste on the cleaning tool and utensil surface to gently lift and abrade off caked-on food.

Never use vinegar or other acids to clean metal, as these will corrode metal surfaces.  Abrasive scourers should be avoided on metal cookware that has a non–stick coating, a softer dish sponge is a better choice.

Can you put enamel cast iron in the dishwasher?

Technically, enamel-coated cast iron can go in the dishwasher, most brands even say so. But just because it’s allowed doesn’t mean it’s ideal. Let us explain why.

Why you should avoid frequent dishwasher use for enamel cast iron

Over time, repeated dishwasher cycles can wear down the glossy enamel finish, especially on the exterior.

Harsh detergents and high temperatures can cause fading, dullness, or tiny cracks in the enamel, all of which shorten the life of your cookware.

Plus, the metal rim around the edge (which is often uncoated) may start to rust if exposed to moisture repeatedly.

So while tossing your Dutch oven into the dishwasher once or twice won’t ruin it, frequent dishwasher use will gradually degrade its appearance and performance.

How to clean enamel cast iron safely

Enamel cast iron is much easier to clean than traditional cast iron, no seasoning, no rust prevention, but gentle care is still key.

Step-by-step cleaning:

1. Let it cool: Never submerge a hot enamel pot in cold water, sudden temperature changes can crack the coating.
2. Use soft tools: A soft sponge or nylon scrubber is ideal. Avoid steel wool or abrasive pads that can scratch the surface.
3. Soap is fine: Mild dish soap and warm water work great. Enamel doesn’t rely on seasoning, so soap won’t cause damage.
4. Baking soda for stains: For stubborn stains or burnt residue, make a paste of baking soda and water, or simmer water with baking soda for 10–15 minutes to loosen grime.
5. Dry thoroughly: Towel-dry the pot right away, especially the rims and lid edges, to prevent moisture buildup or rust spots.

What if you accidentally put enamel cast iron in the dishwasher

If you’ve already run your enamel cast iron through the dishwasher, check for any signs of damage:

• Dull or faded coating: This is cosmetic and won’t affect function, though repeated cycles will make it worse.
• Chips or cracks: If the enamel is chipped inside the pot, it’s best to stop using it for cooking, exposed metal can rust and contaminate food.
• Rust on the rim: This often happens on uncoated edges. Scrub it off with a sponge, dry thoroughly, and apply a thin layer of oil to prevent future rusting.

Bottom line: Occasional dishwasher use is okay in a pinch, but if you want to keep your enamel cast iron looking its best for years to come, handwashing is the safer option.

Cast iron cookware FAQs

Can cast iron be used for marinating – like at a barbeque?

No. Marinades and things like salad dressings often contain some kind of vinegar. Vinegar contains acetic acid and if it sits in cast iron it will leach trace amounts of metal molecules into the food and make it taste unpleasant.

Can’t the ‘self-clean’ mode on an oven clean cast iron easily?

This may seem like an easy fix, but it doesn’t work. Instead of cleaning cast iron, the ‘self–clean’ mode will strip and burn off all the utensil’s protective seasoning, leaving it vulnerable to corrosion.

What is seasoning and how is cast iron seasoned?

Seasoning is the layer of baked-on (polymerized) oil that protects the cast iron’s surface and makes it rust resistant. It’s an essential part of cast iron care.

Conventional wisdom holds that (non-enameled) cast iron should be seasoned 3 times after purchase to build up a good protective layer, and then re-seasoned every 3 months or so if used regularly.

Some cast iron is bought pre–seasoned, so the manufacturer’s instructions for seasoning should be followed.

Here’s how to season a cast iron utensil:

1. Get the cast iron utensil clean, rinsed and dried well.
2. Rub a layer of food oil with a high smoking point (like canola oil) all over the inside of the utensil’s surface
3.  Place the utensil upside down on an upper rack of the oven and place a baking sheet or a layer of foil on a lower rack to catch oil drips
4. Bake the utensil in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour
5. Once cool, give the utensil a final wipe down and store

In conclusion

Cast iron is deserving of its long-lasting popularity for cooking both outdoors and in the indoor kitchen. If seasoned and cleaned properly, cast iron will stand the test of time and become one of the cook’s mainstay kitchen tools for culinary success.

Thank you for joining us for this brief but intense look at cast iron and looking after it properly.

At LeeKnives we’re staunch supporters of the ‘old school cool’ cooking methods and cast iron is still around today because it works.

We’re always on hand to answer your knife, knife accessories, and general kitchenware questions, so do contact us if you need kitchen tools info or want to chat about business opportunities.