New cast iron pan? Start here!
So you just bought a new cast iron skillet or pan. Now what? Chef Kris Stubblefield walks you through the basics of caring for your new favorite pan.
Clean your Lodge Cast Iron Cookware in three simple steps.
Wash
Start with warm, soapy water and scrub with a stiff-bristled brush or scrubbing pad.
Dry
Dry completely with a paper towel or lint-free cloth.
Oil
Add a thin layer of oil, using a paper towel to distribute it over the entire surface.
How to restore a rusty cast iron pan
Don't worry: rust happens to the best of us
Sometimes rust happens and that’s totally okay! If cast iron is left in the sink to soak, put in the dishwasher, allowed to air dry, or left in moisture-prone environments, it might rust. Thankfully, you can fix rust easily at home.
Scour
If you have a Rust Eraser, start with a cool, dry skillet and scour off the rust. Then wash and dry your cookware.
If you don't, reach for a steel wool scrubber and wash your skillet in warm, soapy water.
Oil
Apply a very thin, even layer of cooking oil to the cookware (inside and out).
For small amounts of rust, this may do the trick and you're ready to start cooking again! For larger amounts of rust, continue to the third step: reseasoning.
Reseason
Preheat your oven to 450-500 degrees F. Bake the cookware in the oven upside down on the top rack. Bake for one hour, then allow to cool in the oven.
