Cast Iron, Clean and Seasoned

Cast Iron, Clean and Seasoned

Cast iron cleaning is something of tradition passed down to generations along with the cookware itself. Some cooks and cast iron diehards dare not let theirs near water, much less soap of any sort, and letting one rust may indeed fall into the book of unpardonable sins for some southerners.

Here's What You Need... 

What You Need
Steel wool
Scrubbing brush or sponge

Dish soap

Dish towel or paper towels
Vegetable oil (or cooking oil of choice)
Aluminum foil
Equipment Oven 

1) Remove all the rust: Use fine steel wool to remove rust from affected areas. Scour the skillet until the area returns to raw cast iron.
2) Wash the skillet thoroughly: Wash the cast iron with warm water and mild dish soap. Scrub with bristle brush or mesh sponge if needed.

3) Dry the skillet:

4) Cover the pan with a coating of oil:

5) Place the pan in the oven:

6) Heat the pan for an hour:

7) Let the pan cool before using: Thoroughly dry the cast iron immediately with a clean dish towel or paper towels. Apply a small amount of vegetable oil (or cooking oil of choice) to the entire piece, including the bottom and handle. Use only a small amount to avoid a sticky surface. Place the cast iron upside down on the top rack of your rack. Place a sheet of aluminum foil or a foil-lined baking sheet on the bottom rack to catch any oil drips. Heat the cast iron for one hour at 350 degrees. Turn off heat, let cast iron cool, then get back to cooking!

How To Season A Cast Iron Skillet

What You Need Materials
Cast iron skillet
Dish soap

Sponge or stiff brush

Clean, dry cloth or paper towels

Vegetable oil or shortening (or other oil of your choice)
Equipment Oven

1) Preheat oven to 325°F

2) Wash the skillet with warm, soapy water and a sponge or stiff brush. Cast iron should not normally be washed with soap, but it's fine here since the pan is about to be seasoned.

3) Rinse and thoroughly dry the skillet.

4) Using a cloth or paper towel, apply a thin coat of vegetable oil or melted shortening to the inside and outside of the skillet. Vegetable oil and shortening are the most commonly recommended oils used for seasoning, but according to Lodge, you can use any oil of your choice.

5) Place the skillet upside down on the oven's center rack.

6) Place a sheet of aluminum foil below the rack to catch any drips.

7) Bake for an hour.

8) Turn off heat and allow to the skillet to cool completely before removing from oven. A seasoned skillet is smooth, shiny, and non-stick. You'll know it's time to re-season if food sticks to the surface or if the skillet appears dull or rusted.

Additional Notes: A seasoned skillet is smooth, shiny, and non-stick. You'll know it's time to re-season if food sticks to the surface or if the skillet appears dull or rusted.

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