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How to Season and Care for a Cast-Iron Skillet

Keep your skillet slick, rust-free, and ready for cornbread with a simple maintenance routine.

5 min read

How to Season and Care for a Cast-Iron Skillet

Seasoning basics

Seasoning is thin layers of oil baked onto the iron until they polymerize. Wipe on a very thin coat of neutral oil, then bake upside down at 450°F for one hour.

Everyday care

Wash with hot water and a brush, dry immediately over low heat, and finish with a light wipe of oil. Cooking in the pan regularly is the best maintenance there is.

Fixing rust

Scrub the rust away, wash, dry thoroughly, and re-season. Cast iron is nearly impossible to ruin permanently.

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