How to Restore Cast Iron Pans
- 1). Fill the sink with 2 to 3 inches of warm water and a mild dishwashing soap. Place the cast iron pan into the soapy water.
- 2). Using a plastic scrubber (not steel wool), scrub the entire pan to remove rust and other cooked on-debris. Rinse the pan and scrub again if heavy rust is still present after the first cleaning.
- 3). Rinse the cast iron pan with water, removing any soap residue. Thoroughly dry the pan with a cloth.
- 4). Rub a light coating of a vegetable oil such as coconut, canola or sunflower over the entire pan. Coat the inside and outside of the cast iron pan as well as the pan's handle.
- 5). Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cover a baking sheet large enough to hold the cast iron pan with aluminum foil.
- 6). Place the cast iron pan upside down on the baking sheet and place it inside the oven. Bake for one hour. Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool before wiping off any excess oil with a paper towel.
- 7). Repeat the oiling and baking procedure again if the pan still shows signs of rust. The more times the cast iron pan is seasoned, the smoother and more non-stick its cooking surface becomes.
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