How to Season a Cast-Iron Skillet

Seasoning a cast-iron skillet with oil builds up an artificial protective layer, thereby protecting it from rusting. Follow these steps to enjoy your skillet for years to come.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Cloth
• Steel Wool
• Salt
• Vegetable Oils
• Mild Soap
• Paper Towels

1. Scrub a new skillet with steel wool to remove its protective coating, and wash with mild, soapy water. (If reseasoning an old skillet, just scrub with hot water and a brush.)
2. Use a paper towel to coat the skillet with vegetable oil.
3. Heat, uncovered, for 2 hours in an oven at 250 degrees F.
4. Let cool before use.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you've seasoned a skillet, avoid washing it with soap whenever possible. Clean instead by wiping with a damp cloth after each use. If you must wash it, clean with mild soap, avoiding detergents and scouring pads; rinse and wipe dry immediately after washing, then oil lightly with vegetable oil.
• If food sticks to the skillet after cooking, rub with a paper towel and an abrasive such as salt, then reapply vegetable oil. Store uncovered.
• If food starts sticking to the skillet during cooking, reseason it.