The Basics Of Cast Iron Seasoning 

The Basics Of Cast Iron Seasoning 

If you season the rusty surface of your cast iron utensils properly, you will be able to use it year after year, and if you are lucky enough, you can also give it as a present to your next generation.

Since a long time ago, cookware that holds a prominent position in both skilled and unskilled kitchens is cast iron cookware. The cookware is popular due to its durability, exceptional look, and longevity. Then pans are useable for frying as well as baking a pie. If you are lucky enough, you may receive one from your mother or grandmother. However, if you do not receive one as a gift, you can easily find them from online kitchenware shops or collect one from the local crockery shop. 

While some of the professional cooks are fascinated about the cast iron cookware, some just leave them on a kitchen shelf year after year without being aware of their fantastic usability. It occurs due to several myths and tales about using cast iron. The myths are scary enough to keep away from having one of your own!

Just breathe! It is not that hard. If you are aware of the ways to keep your cookware well-seasoned, you are good to go. Moreover, you can keep them rust-free for long as the seasoning process is quite simple and flexible. To stir, fry, and roast for long, you have to polish them from time to time. If you can clean them properly, you can use them more efficiently for years and even hand them over to your next generation.  

Let’s talk about the factors you have to consider while using a cast iron cookware- 

Volume 1: Basic Cleaning

The actual maintenance process for the seasoning starts with washing it thoroughly. Some of the tips are given here for retaining your cast-iron kitchenware in its best form. 

Wash Immediately Every Time

Try to wash the skillet immediately after use. It will be better if you clean it when the pan is still hot. In addition to that, it will be more polished if you clean it with paper towels or a piece of soft wet cloth to remove excess grease or meals. For better results, pour some hot water into the pan and brush the dish with a scrub to cleanse the stains completely. 

Season Again After Every Wash

Try to dry them properly and put the pan on a medium-low flame until every wet stain dries out completely. For better results, sprinkle one to two teaspoons of the best cast iron seasoning oil into the dish and rub the inner facet until the oil spreads properly. Keep massaging the oil until the facet becomes glossy and dark. Remember, you cannot leave an oil stain on the pan, so you should rub it properly. Then, leave the pan aside, and do not put it on a shelf until it cools properly. 

Volume 2: High-end Cleaning

The skillet you are using requires some exclusive wash-up after a certain time duration. For such cases, look into the following cleaning tips-

Cleaning Tips For The Bland Skillets

If your skillet has become dull, warm the skillet with medium to high heat and mop the surface with a hankie with about two tablespoons of oil. Keep rubbing till the facet becomes half shiny and no grease is left in the pan. Try to repeat the process at least 3 times with an oil-soaked napkin. It will clean more finely if you clean it with a towel as the uneven part of the towel makes the cleaning better. Do not forget to cool the skillet at the end of every wash-up session.  

Try Oven Restoration If Required

Prepare your oven by setting the heat to about 500 degrees. For a skillet of 12-inch, massage 1 tablespoon of oil, and for the 10-inch, 2 teaspoons will be good enough. Do rub the oil everywhere on the facet with a paper towel. For a better outcome, try to do the cleaning with new paper towels. After wash-up, the skillets should not look greasy. Finally, oven-bake the skillet in an upside-down position for around one hour. Do not forget to use the oven mitts when you are pulling out the skillet. Set it aside until it cools properly. 

Volume 3: Detailed Cleaning

Even after trying all the methods mentioned above, sometimes the seasoning starts to fall off, or in the worst-case scenario, it becomes so damaged that it gets beyond any scrubbing. For such a state, service the facet through re-seasoning and rifling. Some of the hacks have to be followed strictly, and before having the re-seasoning, you have to wash off the leftover seasoning from your last service. 

As the cleaning process is quite sensitive, it will be better to do the work outside of your house and put on hand gloves when you are doing the seasoning. Furthermore, try to spray from a sound distance of your eyes, nose, face, and bare skin. The rusty surface will start to fall off immediately after the service is done. Then, rub instantly and continue the oven service method we have mentioned in the last point above. 

• Place the service set up in outer space and put some solid pieces on the ground. After that, wrap the solid pieces with a thick plastic sheet, which will help clean up the leftovers once you are done with the seasoning. 
• On the top of the solid pieces, put the skillet in an upside-down position. Then put on hand gloves and drizzle the skillet properly. For better cleaning, use a good oven cleaner. Make sure you are spraying from a sound distance that will not cause any harm to your bare skin or any part of your face. Now, turn the skillet and spray properly on the inner surface. Then, grab a plastic sheet or bag and cover the skillet with it properly. Tie it tightly to keep it close. Finally, keep it in a closed space of your house for at least one day.  
• To pull out all the rust or leftover properly, bring the skillet again and tear off the plastic wrap. Now, mix some soap or light detergent into well-heated water and rub the whole skillet again with water. Lastly, wash off the skillet with clean water and repeat the process again. Do not do the seasoning without wearing hand gloves. 

The cleaning process is time-consuming indeed, but the result is worth the hard work. You can clean other iron kitchenware, such as omelet makers and waffle makers, by following the same process.