Paper towel in cast iron works – if you change it

Yes, storing a cast iron pan with a paper towel inside can help absorb moisture and reduce rust risk, but only if you remember to replace the towel regularly.

Here’s how it works: a paper towel wicks away any lingering moisture after you dry the pan. That’s important because cast iron rusts when water sits on the bare metal. Toss a folded towel in there before putting the lid on (or stacking another pan on top), and it’ll keep the inside dry.

The catch is that the towel itself can become damp over time, especially in a humid kitchen. If you leave the same soggy paper towel in there for weeks, you’re basically wrapping your pan in a damp cloth – perfect recipe for rust. So swap it out every few days, or whenever you remember. It’s a cheap insurance policy, not a set-it-and-forget-it solution.

Also, don’t rely on this trick if your seasoning is patchy or flaking. A well-seasoned pan already resists rust pretty well. The paper towel is just a helper, not a replacement for proper drying and a thin oil