Clean cast-iron skillets with salt
If inherited a cast-iron skillet from your grandma or purchased one online, the first thing you should do is clean the skillet’s surfaces. Cast-iron skillets require very specific cleaning and seasoning processes to make them last a lifetime. If you use soap and water, what you’ll end up doing is ruining the thin layer of seasoning that protects the skillet’s porous material.
So, to clean your cast-iron skillet, dump a cup or two of regular table salt into the skillet. Use a sponge or your fingers to rub the salt vigorously on the skillet’s surface until all food remnants and other contaminants are completely gone. Repeat this process if necessary.