We break down the best way to clean even the greasiest cast-iron pans and answer the age-old question: Can you use water to clean cast-iron? But with proper care, a good cast-iron pan will last you decades. How to Clean a Cast-Iron SkilletBotefeiCleaningMost of the time, you can clean a cast-iron pan by wiping it down with a dry paper towel or a cotton dishcloth. Fold a paper towel into a small square and use it to wipe the oil onto the cast-iron pan’s surface. StorageThe last rule is to always thoroughly dry cast-iron cookware before storing it.