You’ll get a LOT of opinions on this topic, depending on who you ask. But if you want a foolproof way for cleaning cast iron pans that’s been tested and tested by homemakers, down through time, then this information is for you.

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We want to thank Christine Fiorentino, food researcher and writer for www.alllrecipes.com, for passing this helpful tip on to us. I think, for me anyway, the cleaning-cast-iron debate is settled.

First you soak, and then you scrub. However, we’re not talking about long-term soaking followed by an hour of elbow grease. This method, in addition to its simplicity, is that it still allows the pan to season over time, as opposed to prolonged use of soap suds and aggressive scrubbing, which can prevent seasoning.

This way is also an easier, more natural, and more budget-friendly way. Let’s break down this tried-and-true method. First, all you need is baking soda, white vinegar, and lukewarm water. That’s it!

For safety purposes, and to protect the integrity of your pan, allow your cast iron to completely cool before cleaning. Once cooled, leave it on the stovetop or transfer the pan to the sink.

Once cooled, just pour baking soda directly over the food bits. You want to generously cover them so a small mound of baking soda sits atop each section.

Then, pour a few drops of white vinegar over each mound of baking soda, and immediately fill the pan with a thin layer of lukewarm water—just half an inch or so. This will dilute the white vinegar a bit, making it less aggressive on the surface of the pan while also helping to loosen things up.

Allow the pan to sit for 20 minutes. Using a damp, non-abrasive sponge or scrub brush, gently work in circles to loosen and remove the soaked areas. Do not add water to the pan for this step, and rinse and re-dampen the sponge as needed. Once the bits are all loosened and removed, rinse the pan in warm water, gently scrubbing with the sponge for one final rinse. Dry the pan completely with a kitchen towel, and return it safely to storage.

To conclude, we can save ourselves a tedious Google search, forget about elbow grease, and clean our cast iron in a safe, simple, reliable, and economical way. No more harsh chemicals or scrubbing to the point of scratching! Christine puts it well: “All hail the home cooks before us who never had the internet to rely upon, who continue to pave the way through trial and error, and who are kind enough to pass on their good old-fashioned kitchen wisdom and experience!”