How To Clean And Season Your Cast Iron Pan Like A Pro

Found a rusty cast iron pan at a thrift store or in the back of your kitchen cabinet? Don’t throw it out just yet! With a few household items and some patience, you can bring it back to life. In this guide, you’ll learn how to remove rust, clean thoroughly, and season your cast iron pan to restore its non-stick glory.

Step 1: Removing the Rust

Using Potato and Salt

This simple method requires just two items: a large potato and some coarse kosher salt.

1. Cut a large potato in half. The size helps with grip during scrubbing.
2. Sprinkle a generous amount of coarse salt into the pan.
3. Use the cut side of the potato to scrub the entire surface, including the handle and sides. The salt acts as an abrasive, while the potato’s oxalic acid helps lift the rust.
4. As you scrub, the mixture will turn into a brown paste—this means it’s working.
5. Discard the dirty salt and repeat the process if necessary.

Tackling Stubborn Rust

If any rust remains after using the potato method:

• Use a steel wool pad or steel scourer to scrub the stubborn areas.
• Focus on the bottom and sides, applying moderate pressure until all rust is gone.

Step 2: Rinsing and Drying

1. Rinse the pan thoroughly with water to remove salt and rust residue.
2. Dry it immediately with a towel or paper towel to prevent new rust from forming.
3. You may notice some black residue on the towel—this is normal and will go away after seasoning.

Step 3: Pre-Drying in the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. Place the pan inside while the oven is preheating to ensure all moisture is completely removed.
3. Leave it in for about 5 minutes, then carefully remove the pan using oven gloves and place it on a baking sheet to cool slightly.

Step 4: Seasoning the Pan

Choosing the Right Oil

Select an oil with a high smoke point. Avocado oil is highly recommended for this process.

Applying the Oil

1. Apply a small amount of oil to the entire surface of the pan, including the bottom and handle.
2. Use a paper towel to spread the oil evenly across all surfaces.
3. Take a clean, dry paper towel and wipe off any excess oil to prevent dripping or pooling.

Baking the Pan

1. Place a baking sheet on the oven rack below the pan to catch any drips.
2. Insert the pan upside down into the oven.
3. Bake at 450°F for 30 minutes.

Repeat for a Stronger Seasoning

To build a durable non-stick coating:

• Let the pan cool slightly after baking.
• Repeat the oiling and baking process 3 to 5 times.
• Each layer adds to the pan’s durability and performance.

Step 5: Final Result and Test

Once fully seasoned, your pan should look almost brand new. The user in this guide bought the pan for $7.99 and restored it with just salt, a potato, and some oil. After five rounds of seasoning, it was ready to test—and it passed with a fried egg that didn’t stick!

Conclusion

Restoring a rusty cast iron pan isn’t just doable—it’s rewarding. With just a few simple steps and inexpensive items, you can save cookware from the trash and enjoy a naturally non-stick surface for years to come. Happy cooking!