HOW TO: Restore Cast Iron Cookware

The thing about cast iron cookware is that it will last for generations. Good care will make for a great cooking experience. But even if the pan has been neglected, it can be restored.

Often cast iron cookware simply needs to be cleaned and greased properly to continue its kitchen service. However, if the pans have spots of rust or the seasoning has been scrubbed or soaped off, then a complete restorative seasoning is required.

If your collection needs to be re-seasoned, or perhaps you’ve picked up some tired cast iron pans at a yard sale, here are the details on how to bring it back to glory.

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How To Restore a Cast Iron Pan, aka Season

1. Scrub & Wash Clean

   • Using a stainless steel scrubber & some elbow grease, remove all rust and old debris

   • Follow the scrubbing with a thorough wash in hot soapy water

   • Ensure that absolutely everything has been cleaned from the surface

   • Rinse well with water

2. Dry

   • Set pan over medium-low heat to dry out any remaining moisture

3. Grease

   • Use vegetable shortening on a clean dry rag OR a paper towel to lightly “grease” the full surface, both inside and out

   • Shortening should be used to “grease” the pan. Here’s how:

     • Use a clean dry rag OR a paper towel, folded to create 4-8 layers

     • Add 1/4-1 tsp shortening to the pan (amount depends on cast iron surface area)

     • Rub the rag (or paper towel) in the shortening and over the entire surface, rubbing the shortening into the cast iron but not leaving any excess

       • Why shortening and not liquid oil? Over time, a pan greased with just about any liquid oil will develop a sticky residue. But a pan greased with plain vegetable shortening will simply get smoother and smoother, with no discernible tackiness.

4. Bake

   • Place a layer of tinfoil on the lower oven rack

   • Invert the greased cast iron cookware, placing on the top rack

   • Bake at 350F for ~1 hour

   • Allow to cool completely in oven

5. Repeat Step 3 (Grease) and Step 4 (Bake), if needed. It may take three or four cycles to properly season.

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Brenda’s tips:

• Seasoning cast iron cookware is the main reason you can find shortening in Brenda’s kitchen

  • Whether you use your cast iron every day or occasionally, using vegetable shortening will ensure that it maintains a smooth, non-tacky surface for the next time you need it.

• Here is a great video from Lodge on how to restore cast iron cookware

HOW TO: Maintain Cast Iron Cookware

The thing about cast iron cookware is that it will last for generations. Good care will make for a great cooking experience. But even if the pan has been neglected, it can be restored through cleaning and seasoning.

Brenda shares the absolute best way to maintain cast iron cookware. Follow these effective steps every time you use your cast iron cookware and they’ll cook even better with time. Some absolutes are included along the way, so pay attention if you want your pans to love you back.

At the end of this post, Brenda shares some of her favorite recipes to cook on cast iron.

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Cast Iron Basic Maintenance

1. Remove cooking debris:

   • While pan is still warm:

     • Simply wipe out with a rag or paper towel

     • For difficult debris, rinse with water (no soap!) and a wet rag

     • Super stuck: use a pan scraper or firm spatula to lightly scrape at the debris

     • Do not use a stainless steel scrubber or soap

2. Place pan over medium-low heat on stove top until dry

   • Caution: on the next step the pan will be hot!

3. Shortening should be used to “grease” the pan. Here’s how:

   • Use a clean dry rag OR a paper towel, folded to create 4-8 layers

   • Add 1/4-1 tsp shortening to the pan (amount depends on cast iron surface area)

   • Rub the rag or paper towel in the shortening and over the entire surface, rubbing the shortening into the cast iron but not leaving any excess

     • Why shortening and not liquid oil? Over time, a pan greased with liquid oil will develop a sticky residue. A pan greased with plain vegetable shortening will simply get smoother and smoother, with no discernible tackiness.

Other Cast Iron Tips

Dirty pan has cooled?

• Add a little water, place over high heat to boil, dump out water, and clean as instructed above

OR

• Make a paste of salt mixed with a little water, scrub with a rag to remove debris

Rancid smell?

• Cast iron does not need to be reseasoned, instead:

  • Fill pan with salted water and bring to boil over high heat

  • Boil for 5-10 minutes, shut off heat, and allow to cool ~10 minutes

  • Water will still be hot, carefully dump out

  • Wipe out cookware with a rag

  • Grease with shortening, following instructions above

Proper cast iron storage?

• Store in a clean, dry place

• Avoid nesting the pans as nesting promotes moisture accumulation

• Recommended to invert pans for storage

Recommended recipes

Try out some of Brenda’s favorites in your beautifully maintained cast iron cookware:

• Pizza

• Sweet Corn Bread

• Crepes

• Pumpkin Pancakes

• Buttermilk Pancakes

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Brenda’s tips:

• Seasoning cast iron cookware is the main reason you can find shortening in Brenda’s kitchen

  • Whether you use your cast iron every day or occasionally, using vegetable shortening will ensure that it maintains a smooth, non-tacky surface for the next time you need it