Q&A for How to Cure Cast Iron

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

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Raymond Chiu

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Expert Answer

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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