wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 23 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 861,008 times.

X

To season a cast iron skillet that's new, start by washing it with soap and water. Dry it thoroughly then cover the skillet in a coat of vegetable or olive oil with a paper towel. Next, place the skillet in the oven for 2 hours at 350 °F (175 °C). Remove it from the oven and let it cool. Then, repeat the process 2 more times. Heating the skillet in the oven allows the oil to bake into it and create a strong, nonstick surface that won't strip off when you cook food. To maintain your seasoned cast iron skillet, wash it immediately after using it. Use your hand or a soft cloth and a mixture of salt and water to scrub off any food particles. Never use soap or a tough sponge or brush on a seasoned cast iron skillet. This can scrape off the seasoning, damage the nonstick surface, and allow moisture to react with the metal and create rust. Next, dry the skillet completely. Place it over a burner set to low heat for a few minutes. When the water evaporates, finish by adding a thin layer of oil to the skillet with a paper towel. Alternatively, if you want to clean and re-season a rusty cast iron skillet, soak it in a solution of 1 part white vinegar and 1 part water for 3 hours. Rinse the solution off, then re-season the cast iron skillet as if you were seasoning a new skillet. For more tips on how to re-season a seasoned skillet, read on!