Alright, it requires maintenance... You can’t just throw it in the dishwasher and forget about it, but with proper care, your cast-iron cookware will last a lifetime or more.
What You Need
- Cast iron skillet
- Sponge or stiff brush
- Clean, dry cloth or paper towels
- Vegetable oil or shortening
- Kosher salt (optional)
Step by Step Instructions
- Clean the skillet immediately after use, while it is still hot or warm. Don’t soak the pan or leave it in the sink because it may rust.
- Gently scrub the pan using mild dish soap, hot water, and a non-abrasive sponge
- To remove stuck-on food, scrub the pan with a paste of coarse kosher salt and water. Then rinse or wipe with a paper towel. Stubborn food residue may also be loosened by boiling water in the pan.
- Rinse it and then dry it completely with a dish towel. To be sure all of the moisture evaporates you can also dry it on the stove over low heat (200 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Once dried, using a dry cloth or paper towel, coat the pan in a very thin layer of vegetable oil or melted shortening to the inside of the skillet.
- Store the skillet in a dry place. It’s now ready for your next cooking experience!
The most important thing to remember about cast iron is that it can’t go in the dishwasher or stay in a sink full of water overnight, as it will rust.
