Cast iron cookware has a reputation for lasting generations, but it also comes with a few cleaning myths. Maybe you’ve heard that you should never use soap on a cast iron skillet or that washing it too thoroughly will ruin its seasoning. Those warnings can make caring for cast iron seem more complicated than it needs to be.

The good news? Modern dish soaps are much gentler on cookware seasoning than the harsh lye-based soaps of the past. You can clean your cast iron with soap and water without stripping away its seasoning, as long as you dry it thoroughly and care for the surface properly.