Learn How to Restore and Season Cast Iron Skillet: Easy Ways to Prevent Rust and Non-Stick Coating Loss

With just two simple tips, your cast iron skillet can be restored to 90% of its original condition.

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Kitchen utensils always consume a lot of your money every time they want to go on strike. Especially the cast iron pan, a kitchen tool that is not cheap either. And paying all that money in shorter and shorter cycles makes you feel very sorry for your money. But did you know that these things can be solved quickly and easily with simple tricks that anyone can do?

1. Refresh the non-stick layer

How do you refresh the non-stick layer for a cast iron pan? It sounds illogical but it can be completely done at home. And even when you have finished, the almost new result of the pan will still surprise you.

Ingredients:

– Cast iron pan lost non-stick layer

– Dish soap (optional)

– Hard brush

– Dry cloth or paper towel

– Vegetable oil (or other oil of your choice)

– Oven

Instructions:

Step 1: Heat the pan and wash it

Learn from restaurant chefs 2 simple ways to refresh cast iron pans that resist rust and lose non-stick layer easily - Photo 1.

Heat the cast iron pan in the oven at high temperature. Rinse the pan with warm water, dish soap, and a hard brush (normally should not be washed with soap, but in this case it is still okay because of the next step in this method). Rinse thoroughly with hot water.

Step 2: Add heat

Continue to bake the pan for a second time in the microwave for one or two minutes to remove moisture. Dry the pan thoroughly with a cloth to remove any remaining moisture.

Step 3: Season with oil

Learn from restaurant chefs 2 simple ways to refresh cast iron pans that resist rust and lose non-stick layer easily - Photo 2.

Use a cloth or paper towel to spread a thin layer of vegetable oil evenly on the inside surface and outside of the pan. The vegetable oil can be any type you have.

Step 4: Bake one last time

Learn from restaurant chefs 2 simple ways to refresh cast iron pans that resist rust and lose non-stick layer easily - Photo 3.

Place the pan upside down in the center of the oven. Place a foil sheet under the rack to catch any drips. Bake the pan for one to two hours.

2. Refresh the pan from rust

When the surface of your cast iron pan is thick, smooth, shiny, and non-stick but it is covered with a layer of rust, it’s time for you to know that you need to replace a new pan right now. However, this will not happen and you don’t need to spend a ton of money on buying a new pan just with the following trick.

Ingredients:

– Cast iron pan

– Raw potatoes cut in half

– 4 tablespoons salt

– Hot water

– Dish soap (optional)

– Hard brush

– Dry cloth and paper towel

Instructions:

Step 1: Soak the pan in salt

You should use coarse salt if your pan has a lot of rust buildup. This will help dissolve the buildup and hard stubborn rust spots that are dirtying the surface.

Step 2: Cut potatoes in half

Learn from restaurant chefs 2 simple ways to refresh cast iron pans that resist rust and lose non-stick layer easily - Photo 4.

You will use potatoes to scrub your cast iron pan, so buy a really large potato and cut them in half.

Step 3: Scrub potatoes on the pan surface

Learn from restaurant chefs 2 simple ways to refresh cast iron pans that resist rust and lose non-stick layer easily - Photo 5.

Use the flat surface of the potato to scrub the pan surface. The abrasiveness of the salt and the moisture from the potato will help remove rust effectively more than a brush or sponge.

Step 4: Scrub again with a hard brush

Use hot water and a hard brush to remove any remaining rust. Rinse and dry with a clean cloth.

Learn from restaurant chefs 2 simple ways to refresh cast iron pans that resist rust and lose non-stick layer easily - Photo 6.

Just with these simple two methods above, an important kitchen utensil like the cast iron pan has somehow had a perfect appearance as it used to. If you are facing a similar problem, you can refer to these two methods to apply. Who knows, the results may be even better than you imagined.

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Frequently asked questions

Restoring and seasoning a cast-iron skillet involves cleaning, removing rust, and applying a new layer of seasoning. Here’s a step-by-step guide: First, scrub the skillet with steel wool and warm, soapy water to remove any dirt, grease, or debris. Rinse and dry it thoroughly. If there is rust, use fine steel wool or a specialized rust remover; scrub in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves. Rinse and dry again. Once the skillet is clean, apply a thin, even layer of vegetable oil or shortening to the entire surface, including the handle and the bottom. Place the skillet upside down on a middle oven rack and bake at 350°F for one hour. Turn off the heat and let the skillet cool completely in the oven. Repeat the oil application and baking process three to four times for a durable seasoning layer.

To prevent rust and maintain the non-stick coating, proper care and maintenance are key. Always clean your cast-iron skillet with hot water and a mild detergent, and dry it thoroughly after each use. Never soak it or put it in the dishwasher. If food is stuck, boil some water in the skillet to loosen it, then scrub gently with a soft brush or sponge. Occasionally, apply a thin layer of vegetable oil or shortening and bake at 350°F for an hour to maintain the seasoning. Avoid cooking acidic foods regularly, as they can break down the seasoning over time.

Some easy ways to prevent rust include always drying your cast-iron skillet immediately after washing it and ensuring it is thoroughly dried before storing. You can also apply a thin layer of vegetable oil or shortening after each cleaning to maintain the seasoning and create a protective barrier. Additionally, avoid leaving your skillet wet or damp for extended periods, and store it in a dry place.

Seasoning your cast-iron skillet depends on usage and the quality of the seasoning. For a new skillet or one that has been stripped and cleaned, it’s best to season it three to four times initially, as mentioned in the restoration process. After that, you can season it periodically, depending on how often you use it and how well the seasoning holds up. Some people season their skillets every few months, while others do it more frequently.

Yes, you can use a mild soap or detergent to clean your cast-iron skillet. While some people believe that soap will strip the seasoning, modern cast-iron cookware is perfectly safe to wash with soap. Just make sure to dry it thoroughly after washing and apply a light coat of oil to maintain the seasoning.

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