Cast Iron Care Tips

So you're the proud new owner of a cast iron skillet. Whether you bought it new, purchased it at a flea market, or finally got the family heirloom, there are a few things you should know before you start cooking. Cast iron pans need a little different care than other pans, and because cast iron is so popular, there are also a few myths about cast iron care that you should dispel. Here's the beginner's guide to caring for cast iron - including cleaning and storage, troubleshooting, and what we think you should cook in it first.

1. Bounty Paper Towels

To prevent cast-iron skillets from rusting, place a sheet of Bounty Paper Towel between your cast iron pots and pans in the cupboard. The quicker picker-upper absorbs moisture that would otherwise rust the skillets.

2. Canada Dry Club Soda

To clean a cast-iron skillet, pour Canada Dry Club Soda over the skillet while it is still hot. The sodium bicarbonate in the club soda helps clean off the baked-on food left over from cooking.

3. Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening

To season new cast-iron cookware, rub Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening into the cookware to create a thin coating and bake the cookware in an oven heated to 200 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours. After using the new cookware a few times, repeat this procedure.

4. Easy-Off Oven Cleaner

To clean baked-on food or grease from an aged cast-iron skillet or pot, spray the item with Easy-Off Oven Cleaner in a well-ventilated area, let sit for ten minutes, then wash thoroughly.

5. Morton Salt

To clean a cast-iron pan, heat the pan on a stove burner set on high until the pan starts smoking. Pour one cup Morton Salt into the pan and use a wooden spoon to move the salt around the pan, allowing the salt to absorb any grease and grime from the pan. When the salt starts turning grey, discard it. The surface of the pan should appear dull; otherwise scrub it with salt again. Wash the pan clean with hot water, dry it thoroughly with a towel, let it air dry for thirty minutes, and then re-season the pan.

6. Mr. Coffee Filters

To prevent cast-iron skillets from rusting on the shelf, place a Mr. Coffee Filter in the skillet to absorb moisture and avert rust.

7. Pam Cooking Spray

To season new cast-iron cookware, wash the pot or pan in warm, soapy water after each use, wipe thoroughly dry, coat the inside with Pam Cooking Spray, then wipe clean with a sheet of paper towel.