How to easily clean a cast iron skillet with a potato

I’m sure you know just how versatile that cast iron skillet of yours is. I mean, you can make everything from breakfast to dessert in just one pan, which is the kind of multi-purpose power we all need in our lives, right?

But, your favorite kitchen item can also be tricky to clean. There always seems to be a little bit of food that’s burnt and stuck to the bottom, and forget about using soap. That’s a definite no no.

One thing that I personally never thought could be used for cleaning is the exact thing you’re going to need to get that iron skillet good as new. A potato can be used to scrub away any excess foods. So, now you can have your carbs and clean with them, too. Just when you thought potatoes couldn’t be any better, they go and surprise you.

Ok, so here’s what else you’ll need to put that potato to good use:

• Coarse salt
• Oil
• A paper towel

Once you’ve got those other items, cut a potato in half. Cover the iron skillet with the coarse salt and using just one half of the potato, scrub the salt along the pan. Be sure to get along the edges— you know how things can get stuck there. Then, rinse with water and pat dry.

The next step is to preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Pour a little oil into the skillet and use a paper towel to make sure there’s an even layer of oil covering the entire bottom of the skillet. Leave it there for one hour.

Then, remove the skillet and wipe away any excess oil. You’re all done and your skillet is good to use!

MORE: How to clean a rusty cast-iron skillet

[h/t: Food and Wine]