Extension for Real Life

How to Care for Cast Iron

There’s nothing finer than cooking with a cast iron skillet. I’ve inherited skillets from both sets of my grandparents, and they’re something I will always treasure. You likely have cast iron cookware that has been passed down for generations. How do you make it last through the years? The answer is simple: By taking proper care of it.

Seasoning your cast iron cookware is an important step. Sounds strange and complicated, but it’s a simple process to help make cast iron nonstick and rust-resistant. That’s pretty important when cooking! Whether you’re seasoning for the first time or re-seasoning one you’ve had for a while, here are the steps to succeed:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Wash the skillet in warm soapy water to remove residue.
3. Use a paper towel to apply a thin layer of vegetable oil to the inside and outside of the pan.
4. Place the skillet upside down in the oven.
5. Place a sheet of aluminum foil on the rack below the pan.
6. Bake for an hour.
7. Turn off the oven and allow the skillet to cool before removing.
8. Repeat the process 3–4 times.

After you’ve used a piece of cast iron cookware, how exactly are you supposed to clean it? That’s a common question. If you’re new to using cast iron, you may assume it’s just like cleaning any other baking dish. That’s not the case with cast iron. You want to protect the pan’s seasoning layer and not strip it away. When cleaning, don’t use soap or cleaning tools like steel wool that will remove the seasoning. It’s recommended to simply clean it with water and a towel as soon as it has cooled down. Dry the pan with paper towels (or a clean cloth) and lightly oil the pan using a paper towel. Remember to never leave cast iron submerged in water and always dry it after cleaning. That’s the perfect recipe for rusting!

Speaking of rusting, how can you clean rust from cast iron? Say you didn’t completely dry it and there are signs of rusting. Don’t fret, rust can likely be removed with a wet towel and kosher salt. If it still doesn’t come off, soak the rusted area in vinegar for no longer than 15 minutes at a time. Remove the vinegar every 15 minutes to see if the rust will flake off. Once it does, wash the item. This process may take a while.

Cast iron cookware is a treat to have and use for preparing a delicious meal. With a little love and proper care, it can continue to be passed down from one generation to the next!

Want more info on cast iron care? Our friends at North Carolina State University Extension, the University of Maine Extension, and Michigan State University Extension have other resources to help you!