Clean Cast Iron Pan: Simple Instructions

How to properly clean your cast iron skillet

Before you can clean and use a cast iron skillet, you need to season it properly. In order to maintain the protective layer of the pan, proper care and cleaning are important.

• If your cast iron pan is well seasoned, it has a natural non-stick property. Therefore you can clean the pan well after use.
• Do not use detergent, hard brushes, or scouring pads to clean the cast iron skillet. This would only remove the burned-in layer.
• Clean the kitchen appliance with warm water and a soft sponge or natural fiber brush.
• Always rinse your cast iron pan immediately after use. This will prevent leftover food from drying out and you from having to scrub the pan with a stiff brush.
• Never wash your hot cast iron skillet with cold water. This can cause the iron to warp. It is best to use warm water to rinse off a hot pan.

How to season your cast iron skillet

If you nevertheless clean your cast iron pan with a hard brush, you can season it again. To prevent dust from settling on the baked layer, it is best to wrap the pan in the newspaper when storing it. This also prevents rusting.

• Grease your cast iron pan with some linseed oil. Remove the excess oil with a paper kitchen towel.
• Place the pan in the oven preheated to 250 degrees for an hour.
• The bottom of the pan should be facing up. For example, place a baking sheet under the pan to catch the oil.
• After an hour, turn off the oven. Let the pan cool completely there.
• Repeat this process five times.
• Then rub the cooled pan with some linseed oil.