by Mercedus Long

Created on: June 06, 2010

A well maintained cast iron skillet can last for years. The problem comes with how to ensure that your cast iron skillet stands the test of time. There are several methods in which to clean a cast iron skillet, that require little to no elbow grease on your part.

Some such as the use of lye have been recommended. However, I have not personally used this option and can not give advice on how to use it for this purpose.

1. Easy Off- Commonly used to clean parts of a stove, Easy Off can also be used to clean a cast iron skillet. Simply spray on the pan and enclose in a plastic bag over night. The next day you can scrub the pan gently with a scrubbing pad or a copper wire brush. Emphasis on the gently scrub.Any remaining spots can be sprayed again and left to set for an additional 2-3 hours.

2. Vinegar and Water- Soak caked on food in a solution of 1 part vineager and 2 parts water. After 3-4 hours, scrub gently scrub skillet with a Brillo pad or copper wire brush. There is some advice available that says you may use 2 parts vinegar and 1 part water to soak the pan in . However, if you choose this method be very careful before soaking the pan over night. If left in vinegar for to long the iron can and will begin to dissolve.

3. Coke- Many of us remember from science class that the acid in coke can dissolve rust. Simply fill your sink (if you need to soak the whole pan) and immerse overnight.

Clean skillets with mild soap and hot water to remove any cleaning residue before seasoning.

Seasoning your cast iron skillet

Seasoning your cast iron skillet is an important step in maintenance and should be done after every cleaning. This will help to ensure that the pan is ready for use every time and help to avoid rusting. Seasoning simply means to use vegetable oil or an oil cooking spray to coat the pan. You should coat both the inside and outside of the pan. Set your oven to 350-400 degrees. Place pan in oven for 30 minuets to 1 hour depending on size of pan.

Remove pan from oven and wipe off any excess oil. Insert pan into oven again for an additional 10 -15 minuets. Afterwards allow pan to cool completely before putting away.

You do not have to stick with vegetable oil. Other products to use include lard and bacon fat.

If your skillet happens to have a wooden handle you will need to follow a different method of seasoning. Handles made from wood or plastic will melt or burn if placed in the oven for long periods of time. However, you may season the skillet on the stove or on the grill. Be sure that the handle is away from heat.

Stove- this method will only allow you to season the inside of the pan

Grill- you can season the whole skillet if using this method.

Storage

When storing cast iron skillets we want to be sure that the pans will not spoil or rust during storage. This can be done very easily and leave the pans in great condition when you decide to unpack them. If you are not going to be using your skillet for some time then its usually best to use some form of mineral oil. Unlike vegetable oil, mineral oil will not spoil over time.

You will need to clean and season the skillet before storing to reduce the chances of rust developing.

Required Items:

Gloves

Easy Off (you will need plastic garbage bags to allow this product to work overnight)

Vinegar

Mild Soap

Brillo-pad

Seasoning (vegetable oil, bacon fat, mineral oil)

oven mitts or kitchen towel

Cast iron skillets have been passed down through families and friends for generations because of their ease of use and durability. With proper care you can be sure that yours to will last to become a great gift.

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