How to Clean a Chainmail Scrubber and Keep It Rust-Free

Quick answer

Rinse your chainmail scrubber under warm water immediately after each use to remove food particles. Scrub it with a few drops of dish soap and your fingers, then rinse thoroughly. Dry it completely with a towel or on a drying rack before storing. Never leave it soaking in water or sitting in a wet sink, as moisture is the main cause of rust.

Why chainmail scrubbers rust (and why it’s usually preventable)

Chainmail scrubbers are made of food-grade stainless steel, which resists rust but isn’t immune. Rust appears when the metal stays wet for long periods, especially if acidic foods or salty water are left on the rings. The rounded rings that make the scrubber gentle on cast iron can also trap tiny food bits and moisture between them. If you dry the scrubber thoroughly after each use, rust is unlikely. The 7-Inch Chainmail Scrubber from Fillgood is dishwasher safe, but hand-drying is still the most reliable way to prevent rust.

How to clean a chainmail scrubber without damaging it

Start by rinsing the scrubber under warm running water to flush away loose debris. Add a drop of dish soap to your palm or directly onto the scrubber, then work it into the rings with your fingers. You can also use a soft brush to reach between the rings. Rinse until the water runs clear and no soap remains. If food is stuck, let the scrubber soak in warm soapy water for a few minutes—but never overnight. After rinsing, dry it immediately with a clean towel or place it in a dish rack where air can circulate around all sides. For deep cleaning, the scrubber can go in the dishwasher, but check that it won’t fall onto the heating element. A Bar Soaps, 3.5oz bar can also be used for a gentle hand wash if you prefer a plant-based soap, but dish soap is more effective at cutting grease.

Does a chainmail scrubber scratch cast iron?

No, a chainmail scrubber with rounded rings is designed to be gentle on cast iron seasoning. The rings pinch and dislodge food particles without scraping the surface. However, if you press too hard or use a scrubber with sharp or damaged rings, you could scratch the seasoning. Always use light pressure and let the weight of the scrubber do the work. After cleaning cast iron, dry it on the stove and apply a thin layer of oil. The same chainmail scrubber can be used on other cookware, but avoid using it on non-stick pans because it can damage the coating.

Drying and storing your chainmail scrubber

After washing, shake off excess water and pat dry with a towel. If you have a dish rack, hang the scrubber so air can reach every ring. Avoid leaving it flat on a wet surface. Once dry, store it in a dry place, such as a drawer or hanging hook. If you live in a humid climate, you might want to dry it with a hair dryer on low heat or place it in a warm oven (turned off) for a few minutes. A Dish Soap Tray can keep your scrubber elevated and allow it to drain, but it’s designed for soap bars, so make sure the scrubber isn’t sitting in standing water. Check your scrubber periodically for any signs of rust; if you spot a small spot, scrub it with a little vinegar and a brush, then rinse and dry thoroughly.

Step-by-step chainmail scrubber care

1. Rinse immediately after use: Hold the scrubber under warm running water to flush away food particles. Don’t let it sit in the sink. Checkpoint: No visible food bits remain between the rings.
2. Wash with dish soap: Apply a drop of dish soap and work it into the rings with your fingers or a soft brush. For stuck-on food, soak briefly in warm soapy water. Mistake to avoid: Never soak overnight—prolonged moisture encourages rust.
3. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse under warm water until no soap residue remains. Soap left on the metal can attract moisture. Checkpoint: Water runs clear and feels slick-free.
4. Dry completely: Pat dry with a towel or hang in a dish rack with good airflow. In humid climates, use a hair dryer on low or a warm oven (turned off). Mistake to avoid: Don’t air-dry flat on a wet surface—moisture trapped between rings causes rust.
5. Store in a dry place: Keep the scrubber in a drawer or on a hook where air can circulate. Avoid closed containers while it’s still damp. Next step: Inspect monthly for rust spots; treat early with vinegar and a brush.

Products mentioned

• 7-Inch Chainmail Scrubber: Made of food-grade stainless steel with rounded rings that pinch and dislodge food without scraping; dishwasher safe. This makes it safe for cast iron seasoning and easy to sanitize, but hand-drying is still best to prevent rust.
• Bar Soaps, 3.5oz: Plant-based bar soap from Sappo Hill, available in various scents. Can be used for gentle hand washing of the scrubber if you prefer a plastic-free soap, though dish soap cuts grease more effectively.
• Dish Soap Tray: Moso bamboo soap shelf that elevates soap to drain; needs replacement over time. Elevating your scrubber on a draining tray can help it dry faster, but this tray is designed for soap bars, so ensure the scrubber isn’t left in standing water.