Dolly Parton Won’t Forgive This Cast Iron Cleaning Mistake

We’d hate to make a bad impression on any host, especially one as iconic as Dolly Parton. We’ve been told that the Nashville darling takes the care and cleaning of her beloved cast iron skillets very seriously, going as far as rescinding house invitations over an unfortunate mishap. After all, the magic of cast iron lies in its cooked-in layer of fat and polymerized oil — a well-earned, flavorful quality that’s washed away with just a single dishwasher cycle. 

In an October episode of the Tinfoil Swans podcast, Parton told Food & Wine about a cast iron mishap. “I had a friend stay over and put my iron skillet in the dishwasher. And then you just got that little — that brownie, rusty thing. I never invited them back to my house. You washed my skillet.” 

Cleaning cast iron isn’t too tricky, but caring for your favorite seasoned pans doesn’t have to feel like clocking into a 9 to 5. Discover our 11 favorite Amazon tools for keeping skillets in tip-top shape. 

• Cast Iron Chainmail Cleaner, $8, originally $10
• Patelai 7 Pieces Cast Iron Cleaner Set, $10
• Lodge Durable Pan Scrapers, $7
• Herda Cast Iron Scrubber, $14, originally $20
• Blackstone Cast Iron Conditioner, $9, originally $11
• OXO Good Grips Brush, $12
• Bamboo Dish Brush and Scraper, $7, originally $8
• La Tourangelle Grapeseed Oil, $7
• Fecido Classic Dish Towels, $19
• November Spring Pan Hooks, $9
• Round Cleaner Chainmail, 2-Pack, $7, originally $8

Cast Iron Chainmail Cleaner

Shoppers say this extra-large chainmail scrubber is an efficient little tool for cleaning tough grime off cast iron pans with little effort. The proof is in its design: The scrubber is large enough to reach every surface of the biggest pans in your collection yet still has a weave that’s fine enough to slough away even the smallest stuck-on grease. Reviewers also gave it an overall 4.8 rating if you needed further confirmation on its effectiveness. 

Patelai 7 Pieces Cast Iron Cleaner Set

If you recently added a cast iron skillet to your kitchen lineup, you might feel intimidated by the cleaning process. Not to worry: This all-in-one kit offers seven tools to get the job done. Between the serrated pan scraper and a silicone handle cover for keeping your hands safe from a hot pan, you won’t have to shop around for the basic tools that gently and effectively clean a skillet.

Lodge Durable Pan Scrapers, 2-Pack

Depending on the recipe, you might find yourself sludging off more sauce and crumbs than usual. These silicone scrapers are versatile for cast iron and stainless steel cookware, helping you to scrub off stubborn bits without all that elbow grease. You can also pop them into the dishwasher after use (which we’d always consider a win).

Herda Cast Iron Scrubber

It’s the best of both worlds. This silicone scrubber tool, encased in a chainmail covering, offers double-duty to scrape all the hard-to-remove food on your pans. Shoppers love that its shape feels more ergonomic than a traditional chainmail cleaner while still staying gentle enough to preserve that hard-earned seasoning. 

Blackstone Cast Iron Conditioner

Oops! Used a little too much dish soap on that skillet and eroded some of its characteristic seasoning? Bring back that nonstick protection with this shopper-favorite conditioner from Blackstone. It’s created with a blend of oils, shortening, and beeswax to restore that flavor-enhancing protective layer.

OXO Good Grips Brush

Sometimes, a flimsy scrubber just won’t cut it. This compact brush means business — between its angled, wiry bristles to a scraping edge, this heavy-duty gadget will give you the peace of mind that your cast iron is truly clean. We especially love the nonstick handle, which is great when you’re putting in serious elbow grease. 

Full Circle Bamboo Dish Brush and Scraper

If cleaning dishes is your least favorite chore, try making things a tad easier with a bamboo-handled brush. You’ll have more leverage to scrape, scrub, and brush away that leftover grime (with less of a chance of getting all that greasiness on your hands). Reviewers even claim that Full Circle’s version lasts for years and holds a candle to more expensive brushes. 

La Tourangelle Grapeseed Oil

Dolly might prefer using lard on her pans, but that’s not for everyone. Neutral oil, like vegetable or grapeseed oil, is a typical go-to when seasoning cast iron. Why not give this artisanal bottle a whirl? As the maker La Tourangelle outlines, it has high levels of polyunsaturated fat (the greasy goodness that helps build a skillet’s seasoned layer). 

Fecido Classic Dish Towels

Damp cast iron skillets lead to rust, so you’ll want to thoroughly dry your pan before stashing it away in the cabinet. These plush kitchen towels are top-rated for their absorbency and durability, and some reviewers even deemed them “indestructible.” If cast iron skillets are a frequent flier in your cooking rotation, consider investing in dedicated towels to clean them. 

November Spring Pan Hooks

Dolly Parton loves to store her pans by hanging them on the wall (and turns out, this storage method can even help to keep them absolutely dry). Shoppers are raving about the durability and value of these heavy-duty adhesive hooks, which the brand claims hold at least 11 pounds. For the aesthetically-minded among us, the matte black hooks are also a sleek addition to any kitchen. 

Round Cleaner Chainmail, 2 Pack

Chainmail scrubbers are an easy way to get all the grease and food bits out of your cast iron — but sometimes, the classic square version just doesn’t get the job done. These circular, restaurant-grade steel versions reach all the nooks and crannies of the pans. Better yet: They shake out to only $4 apiece.