Welcome to our guide on how to care for your cast iron cookware! If you own a cast iron skillet, you know how durable and versatile it can be. But, like any kitchen tool, it requires some maintenance to keep it in good condition. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of cast iron care, including how to season a cast iron skillet, cleaning a cast iron skillet safely, and how to remove rust if it does happen to appear.
Seasoning and Cleaning a Cast Iron Skillet
First things first: how do you season a cast iron skillet? Seasoning is an important step in the process of caring for your cast iron cookware, as it creates a layer of protection on the surface of the skillet that helps to prevent rust and makes it easier to clean. When a pan is new or after deep cleaning a cast iron skillet, this is an important step.
How to Season Your Cast Iron Skillet:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Wash your skillet with warm, soapy water and a scrub brush. Be sure to remove any stuck-on food or rust.
- Dry the skillet completely.
- Rub a thin layer of vegetable oil onto the surface of the skillet, making sure to coat the entire surface, including the handle and the outside.
- Place the skillet upside down on the top rack of the oven.
- Bake the skillet for one hour.
- Turn off the oven and allow the skillet to cool completely inside the oven.
How to Safely Clean Your Cast Iron Skillet:
Now that your cast iron skillet is seasoned and ready to use, let’s talk about cleaning a cast iron skillet safely. One thing to remember when cleaning cast iron is to avoid using soap. Soap can strip the seasoning from the surface of the skillet, which can lead to rust.
- After cooking, simply wipe the skillet out with a paper towel or a cloth. If there are any stuck-on bits of food, use a soft scrub brush or a wooden spoon to gently scrape them off.
- If the skillet is very dirty, you can rinse it off with hot water and then scrub it with a stiff bristled brush.
- After cleaning the skillet, dry it completely and then rub a light layer of vegetable oil onto the surface.
- If the skillet is particularly greasy, you can sprinkle a small amount of coarse salt onto the surface and use it to scrub off any excess grease.
- If you need to d
How to Remove Rust From a Cast Iron Skillet
Despite your best efforts, it’s possible that rust may still appear on your cast iron skillet. If this happens, don’t panic – it can usually be removed. Whether your pan is getting rust, or whether you need to deep clean heavier dirt, this method is your best bet to get off these heavier messes.
- Scrub the rust off using a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar, and a scrub brush.
- If the rust is particularly stubborn, you can try using a paste made of equal parts water and baking soda. Apply the paste to the rust and let it sit for a few hours before scrubbing.
- Once the rust has been removed, be sure to season the skillet again to prevent further rust from forming.
Caring for your cast iron skillet requires a little bit of effort, but it’s well worth it. By following these tips for seasoning, cleaning, and removing rust, you can ensure that your cast iron cookware stays in great condition for years to come. Happy cooking! And remember for any oven and range repair needs, Advance Appliance is always here for you!
P.S. If you’re looking for more kitchen tips, check out more guides like how to clean a glass cooktop, and how to fix a smelly oven.
