How to Clean the Outside of a Crusted Old Used Cast Iron Skillet

From time to time it may be necessary to deep-clean a cast iron skillet. This is particularly important if you got the skillet from a stranger (yard sale, flea market) or if it hasn't been used for quite some time. Cleaning the outside of a crusted and used cast iron skillet also requires cleaning the inside of the skillet. However, it is extremely important to remember that cast iron skillets have to be seasoned in order for food that is cooked in the skillet to taste right. Therefore, after cleaning your crusted cast iron skillet, you will need to re-season it before cooking with it.

Things You'll Need

• Cast iron skillet
• Self cleaning oven
• Aluminum foil
• Pot holder
• Old cloth
• Cooking oil

Instructions

1. Put both of your oven racks at positions as close to the bottom of the oven as possible.

2. Spread aluminum foil over the bottom rack. This will catch any drippings and debris from the crusted cast iron skillet. Generally, a self-cleaning oven operates at a very high temperature, so most of the residue from the skillet (and oven) will be reduced to a fine ash.

3. Place the crusted cast iron skillet on the top oven rack, upside down. Putting the skillet upside down will ensure that the residue does not run down into the pan.

4. Turn the oven on and set the self cleaner for one to two hours, depending on how much residue there is on the skillet. For pans with more residue and crust, you should opt for the longer time period.

5. Wait for the pan to cool completely before handling it, so you don't get burned. As an alternative, you can use a pot holder when handling the skillet. Remember, however, that the self-cleaning setting burns at a very high temperature. Remove the aluminum foil from the bottom rack of the oven and discard it.

6. Pour a small amount of cooking oil on an old, clean cloth. Rub the oil into the inside and outside of the cleaned cast iron skillet. Then place the skillet into the oven for one hour at 450 degrees to season it properly.

7. Wash the cast iron skillet thoroughly after each use with hot, soapy water and you should not have to deep clean it again for several years.

Tips & Warnings

• Open your windows while your cast iron skillet is in the oven, as there may be an odor.

References

• What's Cooking America: Techniques for Restoring an old Cast-Iron Skillet