Fix-It Chick: Season and care for a cast-iron skillet

Seasoning and maintaining a cast-iron skillet is easier than you think.

From searing a steak to making upside down cake, there is no substitute for a cast-iron skillet. Seasoning and maintaining a cast-iron skillet is easier than you think.

Step 1: Seasoning a cast-iron skillet has nothing to do with salt and pepper and everything to do with sealing and protecting the iron with a layer of baked on oil. New cast-iron skillets are typically pre-seasoned. To use a new skillet, wash it with warm water and dry it completely with a soft towel. Rub a small amount of vegetable oil onto the skillet and it is ready to use.

Step 2: Season an old skillet by first washing it with a scrub brush and warm soapy water. Soap should not be used on cast iron, unless the skillet is about to be re-seasoned.

Step 3: Once the old skillet is clean, rinse the skillet with water and towel it dry.

Step 4: Use a soft cloth to apply a thin coat of vegetable oil to the skillet.

Step 5: Pre-heat the oven to 350 F and place the skillet upside down on the top oven rack. Place a sheet of aluminum foil on the rack below the skillet to catch any drips.

Step 6: Bake the skillet for one hour. Turn off the oven and let the skillet cool completely. When seasoned properly, the skillet should be smooth and shiny.

Seasoning and maintaining a cast-iron skillet is easier than you think.

Step 7: The best way to maintain a skillet is to use it often. Rinse and wipe it clean after each use. Coat the skillet with a very thin layer of oil and store in a dry space.

Step 8: There is no need to use soap to keep the skillet clean. Cast-iron skillets heat to 400 F in 4 minutes. Bacteria are killed at 212 F.

Step 9: Avoid soaking cast-iron skillets in water. Clean away stuck-on food or remove greasy residue by rubbing the skillet with a paste made of salt and water.

Step 10: Eggs and sugary foods tend to stick to even well-seasoned skillets. Use a little extra oil when cooking these types of food. If other foods begin to stick to the skillet, it is time to re-season it.

Step 11: Protect cast-iron cookware from dust accumulation by placing a sheet of paper towel atop the cooking surface when not in use.

— Have a home improvement question for the Fix-It Chick? Email it to Linda Cottin at features@ljworld.com.