Dry your cast iron completely every time Moisture is cast iron's greatest enemy. Not properly drying a cast-iron pan can cause it to rust. After rinsing, dry your cast iron well with a clean cloth and then place it on the stovetop over low heat.
Dry thoroughly right after you clean—do not let your cast iron air dry. Set on the stove over medium heat to evaporate any remaining water. Rub with a thin coat of vegetable oil (about a ½ teaspoon for a 10 inch skillet) until evenly coated and shiny. Let cool completely and store in a dry place.
With plain, uncoated cast iron, follow up by very lightly oiling that clean, dry pan and heating it until the oil bonds to the cast-iron surface. Many sources explain that soap is OK because today's dish soap (like our favorite from Mrs. Meyer's) is gentler than it used to be.
The Surface Feels Rough
You may notice that the surface of the pan feels like sandpaper. If this happens, it's likely that the rust has spread to the surface of the pan, making your cast iron pretty much unusable. This is a sign that you should throw away your cast iron pan or skillet and buy a new one.
Wash the pan with hot water and dish soap. Thoroughly dry the pan. Place pan in the oven for 10 minutes to open up the iron and make sure it is completely dry.
Rinse your warm, but not hot, cast iron pan in an empty sink under hot running water using a clean cloth or brush to remove any traces of food. If there are stuck on or burned on foods, use coarse salt as an abrasive.
Cleaning a Dutch oven and other enameled cast iron
Be sure to let the cast iron cool first to avoid damage from thermal shock, which could warp or crack either the pot or the enamel.
The answer is yes! Using olive oil to season your cast iron skillet is a simple and effective way to season your pan.
Cast iron skillets should be cleaned after each use. The best way to care for your cast iron skillet is to clean it properly after each use.
“ “We recommend using an oil with a high smoke point such as canola, grape seed or sunflower.” So, as you can see, the general consensus is grape seed oil, but overall the smoke point of the oil and the types of fats they contain are the most important factor when choosing the best oil for seasoning cast iron.
If the food is really cooked on, you can always let the pan soak for a bit. But don't let cast iron sit in water too long or it will start to rust. Now, if you wash your cast iron with water, it is imperative that you dry it as soon as possible. Otherwise it will rust, especially if it's a newer pan.
In short, it's best to apply a very light coating of oil to clean, dry cast iron cookware after each use. The oil protects the iron from moisture and oxidation, which helps prevent rust. Apply cooking oil with a clean, lint-free cloth, then thoroughly wipe down all surfaces of the pan to remove excess oil.
The Cause:
Rust forms when the cookware is exposed to moisture for extended periods of time and is not harmful in any way. If cast iron is left in the sink to soak, put in the dishwasher, or allowed to air dry, it will rust.
Avoid using the dishwasher, soap, or steel wool, as these may strip the pan's seasoning. Scrub off stuck-on bits: 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.
Water boils at 212º and cast iron pans without an enamel coating can withstand up to 1500°F. So boiling a little water won't damage your pan. If you don't season your pan well, rust can form in no time, though. If you boil water for too long, you risk wearing down the layer of seasoning.
Cast Iron Skillet Cleaning Method: Salt and Paper Towel
The method: Pour 1 cup coarse kosher salt into the still-warm skillet. Use a folded kitchen towel to scour. Discard the salt and rinse the skillet with hot water.
All cooking oils and fats can be used for seasoning cast iron, but based on availability, affordability, effectiveness, and having a high smoke point, Lodge recommends vegetable oil, melted shortening, or canola oil, like our Seasoning Spray.
You can use olive oil to season cast iron, but you need to choose a high quality extra virgin olive oil, which should have a smoke point close to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do not use scouring pads or steel wool on cast iron skillets as these will remove the seasoning. Dry the skillet immediately with a clean rag or paper towel to prevent rust. Do not let your cast iron skillet air dry. Lightly oil the skillet using a small amount of your high temp oil on a paper towel once it is dry.
Coke has phosphoric acid, which is a compound that can remove rust. Phosphoric acid is what gives coke its flavor (that I know you love). Nonetheless, it is also what makes it more acidic than any other acids, like vinegar. Coke is a good way to clean cast iron and remove rust from it because it is inexpensive.
The vinegar solution will dissolve the rust, but once that's gone, it can penetrate further and start eating away at the original cast surface of the pan, the ultimate death sentence for your skillet. If that happens, retire it to a piece of farmhouse-chic kitchen decor.