Things You'll Need:
- Dish liquid
- Paper towels
- Shortening or lard
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
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Step 1
Scrub the cast iron pan with dish liquid and the scrub side of a sponge or steel wool pad. This is done to remove the coating the manufacturer put on the cast iron pan to prevent the pan from rusting during shipping.
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Step 2
Dry your cast iron pan thoroughly with paper towels. Let the pan air-dry overnight, or set the oven to 125 degrees and heat the cast iron pan for 20 minutes. Moisture can become trapped in the pores of the iron which could cause the pan to rust.
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Step 3
Apply a light coat of shortening or lard to the inside of the cast iron pan with a paper towel. Turn on the oven and set it to 300 degrees.
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Step 4
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, then place the cast iron pan upside down, with the bottom facing up, on the baking sheet. Put the pan in the oven and bake it for one hour. After 15 minutes, use a paper towel to wipe off excess grease, then continue baking.
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Step 5
Turn off the oven and let the pan cool. Season your cast iron pan two more times to create a stronger bond. Season the pan if food begins to stick.














