How to Clean & Restore a Cast Iron Skillet

Even a rusty, old cast iron skillet can be restored, and it will likely perform better than a new one. Once cleaned and seasoned, a cast iron skillet will last a lifetime with proper maintenance. The skillet will become better with age and use, because it becomes more seasoned with each use. Restoring and using an old skillet provides a small advantage over buying new, because the pan has likely been seasoned before. As long as it doesn't have cracks, an old skillet can be salvaged with a little effort, regardless of how damaged it may appear.

Things You'll Need

• Steel wool or large-grit sandpaper
• Oven cleaner (optional)
• Nylon scouring pad (optional)
• Large baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• 1 to 2 tbsp. vegetable shortening

Instructions

1. Sand off any rust with steel wool or a small sheet of large-grit sandpaper. Use boiling hot water if necessary to make the rust removal process easier.

2. Place the cast iron skillet in the oven during the self-cleaning cycle to remove thick, carbonized residue. Spray with oven cleaner, place in a plastic bag, and let the skillet sit for about two days if you don't have a self-cleaning oven.

3. Wash the skillet thoroughly with hot water and dish detergent. Use a nylon scouring pad or steel wool to remove any remaining dirt, rust or debris. Continue until the entire pan is bare metal with no blemishes or rust spots.

4. Place the skillet over a burner set to medium heat for two to three minutes, allowing all the water to evaporate. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit while you wait, and line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil.

5. Remove the skillet from the heat after it has dried completely, and allow it to cool for a few minutes until you can handle it comfortably. Rub vegetable shortening over the entire surface of the pan including the bottom and sides.

6. Place the pan upside down on the prepared baking sheet, and allow it to bake for one hour. Turn off the oven and allow the pan to cool down completely inside the oven. The skillet is now restored and ready to use.

Tips & Warnings

• The skillet may smoke while seasoning in the oven, but this is normal and typically subsides after about 20 minutes.

• Use vegetable oil instead of shortening if necessary.

• Never put a cast iron skillet in the dishwasher. Always wash by hand using hot, soapy water, and soak briefly only if necessary to remove stubborn stuck-on food. Dry thoroughly after washing, wipe with olive oil to prevent drying, and store in a cool, dry place.

References

• University of Missouri Extension: Choose Cast-Iron Cookware
• "The Cast Iron Skillet Cookbook"; Sharon Kramis, Julie Kramis Hearne; 2004
• "The Everything Cast-Iron Cookbook"; Cinnamon Cooper; 2010