Q&A for How to Cure Cast Iron

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

What is the best oil to season a cast iron skillet?

Raymond Chiu
House Cleaning Professional
Raymond Chiu is the Director of Operations for MaidSailors.com, a residential and commercial cleaning service based in New York City that provides home and office cleaning services at affordable prices. He has a Bachelors in Business Administration and Management from Baruch College.

Raymond Chiu

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

Vegetable oils like sunflower, safflower, "light" olive oil and canola are suitable.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

Is it okay to cure a pan right side up in the oven?

Community Answer

It'll be fine if you used a thin enough layer of oil. The only potential problem is that excess oil will congeal in the pan and turn into sticky black gunk rather than drip out like it will if you season upside-down.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 15
Question

If I haven't used cast iron for a while. Can I use oil to cure it and then cook in the oil to further cure it?

Community Answer

No. You should clean the skillet properly before cooking in it.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 7
Question

How do I clean off the sticky residue that sometimes builds up?

Community Answer

Scrub for 5-10 minutes with a solution of 2 tbsp baking soda, 1/2 cup of hot water, 1 tbsp vinegar, and 2 tbsp liquid soap.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 7 Helpful 19
Question

Once a cast iron cookware piece has light rust, can it be saved?

Community Answer

Yes it can. A Brillo pad or steel wool should be able to take off the rust (use baking soda, vinegar, and dish soap). Once you’ve stripped the rust, you can season as listed in the directions above.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
Question

Can I use a wire brush to clean an old cast iron skillet?

Community Answer

You should never use a wire brush on a cast iron pan as it will scratch the surface.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0