Cast Iron Care Guide

Cast iron is one of the most durable materials in the kitchen — but it does require a little care to keep it performing at its best. Follow these simple habits and your cast iron will last generations.

Seasoning: What It Is and Why It Matters

Seasoning is a layer of polymerized oil baked into the surface of the pan. It creates a natural non-stick coating and protects against rust. The more you cook with cast iron, the better the seasoning gets.

How to Season Cast Iron

  1. Wash the pan with warm soapy water and dry completely.
  2. Apply a very thin layer of neutral oil (flaxseed, vegetable, or shortening) all over — inside, outside, and handle.
  3. Wipe off the excess so it’s barely visible.
  4. Place upside down in a 230°C (450°F) oven for 1 hour.
  5. Let cool in the oven. Repeat 2–3 times for a new pan.

Everyday Cleaning

  • While still warm: Rinse with hot water and scrub with a stiff brush or chain mail scrubber.
  • Stubborn bits: Add coarse salt and a little oil, scrub, then rinse.
  • Soap: A small amount of mild dish soap is fine occasionally — the myth that soap ruins cast iron is outdated.
  • Never soak in water or put in the dishwasher.
  • Dry immediately and thoroughly — rust forms fast on wet cast iron.

After Cleaning

After drying, apply a very thin layer of oil to the cooking surface with a paper towel. This maintains the seasoning and prevents rust between uses.

Storing Cast Iron

  • Store in a dry place — avoid humid cabinets under the sink.
  • If stacking, place a paper towel between pans to protect the seasoning.
  • Never store with the lid on if moisture is present.

Fixing Rust

Rust isn’t the end — it’s fixable. Scrub the rust off with steel wool, wash, dry completely, and re-season from scratch. Your pan will be good as new.

What NOT to Cook in Cast Iron

  • Highly acidic foods (tomatoes, citrus, wine-based sauces) for extended periods — they can strip seasoning and impart a metallic taste.
  • Delicate fish that needs a truly non-stick surface — use ceramic for that.

Download the Free Cast Iron Care Guide

📥 Download — English  |  📥 Télécharger — Français

Shop our cast iron and Dutch oven collection. Browse Made from Scratch →

Back to blog