How To Clean and Season A Cast Iron Skillet
Learn the best way to clean and season a cast iron skillet to keep it beautiful, rust-free, and ready for everyday kitchen use.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Truly my favorite pan to cook with in our kitchen is our trusty cast iron skillet. It’s an oldie but a goodie. We’ve had the same one for five years and it’s a tool that gets better with age. Cast iron kitchen ware will last generations if you take proper care of them. They are non-stick and non-toxic.
How to properly season a cast iron pan
- Wash your cast iron skillet thoroughly with soap and water.
- Dry your skillet completely.
- Lightly coat the entire cast iron skillet in a high heat oil like tallow or lard.
- Place the skillet upside down in the oven.
- Bake at 450ºF for 45 minutes to create a non-stick surface.
- Repeat until the skillet has an even coating.
Seasoning Cast Iron The First Time
Whether you are purchasing a brand new cast iron skillet or found a vintage one thrifting, you need to season your “new to you” skillet. Many pans come pre-seasoned, but they are often not effective and can be full of chemicals you don’t want in your food. Have no fear, this can be removed allowing you to re-season your pan just as you like.
How to remove pre-seasoning from cast iron
It’s quite simple. You wash it with soap and water. You can also use steel wool to help remove any seasoning, but know this can damage the iron itself. After removing seasoning you must re-season your pan to ensure its non-stick quality and to prevent rust.
Best Oil to Season Cast Iron With?
Tallow and Lard are the best oils to season cast iron skillets. Both of these fats are non-toxic and have high smoke points. Coconut Oil is another option if you cannot access tallow and lard. Stay away from vegetable oils as they are usually rancid and have low smoke points for cooking. Even Olive Oil has a low smoke point and should not be used to season your cast iron. Remember you are seasoning at a high heat and this skillet will be used at a high heat often when cooking.
How To Clean Cast Iron Without Soap
Hot Hot water is the best way to clean a cast iron pan. Lightly scrub your pan with a bristle brush or sponge. You should never use soap to clean a skillet, soap removes your seasoning. If you have anything stuck to your pan, you can use course salt to help scrub any residue left after a meal or soak your pan in hot water to help loosen any crusty bits.
Maintaining a well seasoned cast iron pan
My top tip for anyone using cast iron, whether it’s a skillet, pot, or loaf pan, is to always oil them after washing. This simple step helps maintain your well-seasoned pan and keeps it smooth and non-stick. This is not a full seasoning; just a thin coating of oil—tallow or lard—after each use will do the trick. This quick and easy process also helps prevent rust spots from forming, ensuring your cast iron stays in great condition for years to come.
Cast Iron FAQ’s
Can I put my Cast iron pan in the dishwasher?
NO! – Soap is the enemy, it will ruin your pan and all the seasoning you worked so hard to create.
What Causes Cast Iron to Rust?
Water- you must thoroughly dry your pan every time you clean it. This will prevent rust spots.
Is Cast Iron Healthy?
This is slightly contested. Most people say yes, but there are some who debate the leaching of iron into your food. My family is willing to sacrifice the possibility of iron in our food over the toxic substances in most cookware brands. You do the research for your family and decide what you are comfortable with.
Pin and Save
