TLDR: How can I get rid of a stubborn soapy fragrance on my pan that flavors the food cooked in it, and how can I avoid this happening again in the future?
Admittedly, this isn't the only item that tastes like soap if it's been washed with it; one of my plastic bottles will taste horrendously of soap if I use our dish soap on it. I'm not sure if it's the brand of dish soap or what's going on, but I've noticed over the past couple months that the cast iron pan is getting the same flavor. It's a small pan for eggs and this morning I was physically unable to eat them because I kept gagging, the smell/taste of soap on the pan was that strong. It's not the first time this happens and it's horrendous. Sometimes I can smell it as it heats up so I have to rinse it a ton and that can help but doesnt always fix it completely.
It gets rinsed really well right after washing. I'm also not the only one that cleans the pan but I think it's an issue with the dish soap, not the cleaning method. For now I've rinsed it a bunch of times in the hopes that the flavor won't be there next time I use it and won't be washing with soap.
Any suggestions for a dish soap that won't impart fragrances onto cast iron (or reusable plastic water bottles)?
Or any other tips for how to get rid of this scent on the pan and prevent it in the future. I'm happy to just clean with water and vinegar or something else, but I can't take another bite of soapy eggs ๐ญ
Isn't "soap can't be used on cast iron" a myth?
I misread
like never use soap on it again, nvm.
It is a myth. But if a particular soap is causing problems I'd stop using it. Especially since this problem is affecting other kitchen items.
OP might also want to photograph the ingredients on the back of the bottle. In the unlikely event another brand or brands cause this issue, I know I'd get frustrated if I couldn't figure out what not to buy. Or just return to a known safe brand.
It's an old standard. Dish soap used to be made with lye, which strips seasoning. Modern dish soap is petrochemicals, and doesn't harm seasoning as much.
But it does dry out the seasoning by removing a protective oil layer, so that needs to be reapplied after a soap wash. It's not necessary at all to use soap if you can wipe it clean. But I also don't want to fry fish for dinner and bake scones in the morning and risk a lingering fish flavor.
Yes it is AFAIK, but the soap that I'm using is imparting a fragrance/flavor not only on my cast iron but in my plastic water bottle. So they're saying soap I'm using should be tossed.