Learning how to clean cast iron without water comes in handy not just at a campsite, but at home as well. It’s easier and faster than any other method I’ve found. Of course, this doesn’t work in every situation. If I’m cooking a very saucy dish I’ll still rinse it out with water and then dry it out over a flame. Most of the time though, I choose to clean cast iron without water. I’ve done it since I bought my cast iron pan ten years ago and have never had a problem. Here’s what you do:

1. Get the pan as clean as possible with the spatula. 
2. Heat it up and throw a generous amount of course sea salt in with some oil. 
3. Give it a good scrub with a paper towel and toss the paper towel in the fire. You’re done.

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