Bakers, home cooks, and professional chefs equally adore using their cast iron skillets.  Rumors created long ago on the difficulty of cleaning and caring for cast iron are just that: Rumors.  Today, the low-tech metal has been refined via time-tested knowledge and scientific advancements. We at Williams Food Equipment know how to clean cast iron correctly on every use.  A few simple tips, tricks, and tools will have your cast iron skillet performing perfectly for generations. 

In 1708, a patent was obtained by Abe Darby starting the economical production of cast iron skillets (spiders as they were termed back then due to legs on the pan).  Manufacturers such as Lodge began in 1896 and are still thriving today.  Companies like Finex which create exemplary cast iron products started just in 2012.  Goes to show, cast iron cookware has, and will be here, to stay! 

How Do Cast Iron Skillets Work?

Cast iron skillets work under high heat the best.  Being a thicker metal, cast iron takes time to heat up.  People once believed the heat is uniformly surrounded by the skillet.  This is untrue. The correct way to use a cast iron skillet is by heating the skillet slowly. Then the temperature can rise very high for situations like searing.  Searing steaks or cooking bacon adds to the seasoning of the cast iron skillet which creates a non-stick surface, making the skillet work impeccably for centuries. 

Once this seasoning has been formed, a cast iron skillet works like any other skillet.  One of the benefits of cast iron is its durability.  Going from stovetop to oven is never an issue with cast iron.  The cast iron works for a multitude of culinary uses such as baking cornbread, searing (as mentioned), broiling, and roasting.  The residual heat allows a cast iron to work its magic to produce crispy skin and hash browns.

How Often do I Need to Season my Skillet?

Seasoning your cast iron skillet is vital!  Back when cast iron skillets were invented, usage made these skillets better and better.  Today, companies like Lodge pre-season their cast-iron cookware, saving you time and the stress of wondering if your food will stick. Finex uses 100% flaxseed oil to ensure a non-stick surface when you use it the first time on the stove or in the oven.  Use fat or oil burnt into the cast iron for more seasoning. This creates a chemical equation of carbonization that makes the sleek and slick finish we all strive to have in our cast iron skillets for non-stick performance.

Seasoning your skillet upon opening the box is a good idea.  Then, after every use, clean, dry and rub a bit of oil in the skillet with a clean paper towel, and heat on the stovetop until quite warm to hot.  Kill the heat, and once cool enough, wipe with a clean paper towel. You will be ready for the next use. 

How to Wash & Clean a Cast Iron Skillet

Caring for your cast iron skillet is easier than those rumors you have heard!  If the food is easy to wipe away, and no residue is left, you are good to go! A pan scraper, stiff bristled brush, water and soap are all ok and sometimes needed for cleaning your cast iron skillet.  If you maintain your seasoning, cleaning will be a breeze!

The most difficult times washing and cleaning a cast iron skillet isn’t as bad as you would think.  Simply simmer water for 5 minutes. This should release any sticky foods. Continue to repeat with soap, scrape, brush, and water until clean.  You will not hurt the skillet doing these actions. Always make sure to completely dry and re-season after cleaning. 

Simmering for 5 minutes in water or scrubbing your cast iron skillet in tap water is fine.  Just remember to completely dry your pan asap! Using the low heat of the burner will aid in a quick dry.  Never leave your cast iron skillet in water or with water inside of it! Rust can ensue…

And as for soap, another bad rumor is that soap is a degreaser and, therefore, soap will take off my seasoning.  Nope. If you properly season or purchase a brand known for pre-seasoning, soap won’t be your biggest issue. Using soap in moderation will not affect the performance of the pan.  Just dry it thoroughly! 

Never put your cast iron in the dishwater.  Putting your cast iron in the dishwasher will accelerate the rusting process.  Plus, washing off all that seasoning would be a pity…

How to Store a Cast Iron Skillet

Luckily cast-iron cookware is strong and durable.  A cast iron skillet has withstood the test of time for chefs and bakers alike.  Storage is simple. Being dry has always been cast iron’s best friend. Choose a spot that has no moisture.  A cupboard is usually a go-to spot. Just be cautious it isn’t near the sink, or any pipes that could leak and produce humidity. 

One of our favorite spots to house our cast iron skillet until its next deployment is the oven.  The oven is very arid, and when not in use, remains a consistent temperature. If you have multiple skillets or pans, place a few paper or dish towels in between each cookware item to safeguard their seasonings. 

Why do Cast Iron Skillets Rust?

Cast iron skillets rust with improper care.  If you treat your cast iron cookware correctly, and always keep it away from moisture, rust will be avoided.  If not, after time, rust will set in unfortunately. And rust is permeable which means it is eating away at your skillet layer by layer through the metal. 

Cast iron skillets rust because they have been left in water typically.  Improper drying, then left under the kitchen sink will slowly allow cast iron to become iron oxide: Rust. Placing your skillet on low heat on the hob will dry and sanitize your skillet.  Don’t let rust affect your cooking and your cast iron cookware. Just stay dry! 

How to Clean & Restore a Rusty Iron Skillet

Cleaning and restoring an antique cast iron skillet is well worth the effort!  Performing the task outside is a safe place to start this procedure. Grab some oven cleaner and blast it all over the skillet.  Bag it in a trash bag loosely closed for a day. Wearing heavy rubber gloves, scrub the skillet of all debris and residue until just rust remains.

Fill a bucket with a half of cup of white, distilled vinegar and 4 cups of water.  Submerge the skillet for an hour in the solution. Pull out, and start scrubbing with gloves on, using steel wool pads until all the rust has been removed.

Ensure your skillet is rust free, then clean with soap and dry completely. With the oven pre-heated at 250℉, bake your skillet upside down for half an hour.  Then crank that heat up to 450℉ for another 45 minutes.  Don’t open the door during the process. 

Now, we can turn off the heat and remove the skillet.  Once you are comfortable and able to touch the skillet, rub with a canola oil-soaked paper towel, liberally covering the entire surface.  Place back in the oven and let it set for a day or two.  Watch the beginning stages for oil settling in the skillet.  Remove with a paper towel when seen.  

Once the pan has been cooled and allowed to set for a few days, you can begin the seasoning phase as normal.  Whether you choose the stovetop style to season your cast iron skillet, or the oven method, performing this action five times will enable a slick, non-stick seasoning.  Restoring a rusty cast iron skillet takes some time, but it is very well worth it!

Looking Back at Cast Iron Skillets

When something has barely changed in over 300 years, it must be working right.  That’s why a cast iron skillet has and maintained its commendable status in the culinary world long before any of us were born.  The advancements in technology have only aided in cast iron being a daily go-to product. The Le Creuset 12” Cherry Iron Handle Skillet is a perfect example.  This skillet goes from the stovetop, to the oven, to the table, to the dishwasher! 

Caring for your cast iron should never be a hassle.  Remembering to keep the cast iron seasoned and dry is of utmost importance for the older skillets and cast-iron cookware.  With the newer equipment from Lodge, le Creuset, Combekk, Finex & Staub, cleaning is certainly not a worry. 

We have everything in the world of cast iron at Williams Food Equipment!  Cooking with cast iron is healthy, economical, the food tastes better, easy clean-up, lasts forever, and can be placed in many heat sources without a concern.  What is there not to love about North America’s favorite cooking surface? So please shop for all your cast iron cookware here at WFE.  Below is our statement about cast-iron cookware:

Help bring out the best in your recipes by taking a look at our complete collection of cast-iron cookware is designed for professionals, but available for everyone. Cast-iron is a timeless cookware material that is durable, retains heat, and can cook just about anything you want. Browse our great options and choose from trusted brands such as Johnson-Rose, Le Creuset, Staub, Lodge and many more. Le Creuset cast-iron is coated with ceramic which ensure optimal heat distribution. The ceramic won’t absorb moisture making dishes juicier and flavorful. Choose from a variety of classic colorful finishes such as Flame, Soleil, and Marseille. Our fine selection of Staub cast-iron cookware can help with anything from bread pans to cocotte dishes and everything else in between. Whether you’re a professional chef looking to use top-quality equipment, or a new set of cookware for home, we’ve got it here for you!