If you see black residue in your cast iron skillet, it is usually a sign that the seasoning has started to come off. This residue consists of dietary iron, and it isn’t harmful. However, it is a sign that the pan needs to be re-seasoned.
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- How often should you season your cast iron? Remember there's no need to use your best premium brand for seasoning! How often should I season my skillet? — To get the best out of your cast iron skillet, it's recommended that you oil it after each use. However, depending on how frequently you use it, 2-3 times a year is sufficient.
- How many times should you season cast iron? Remember there's no need to use your best premium brand for seasoning! How often should I season my skillet? — To get the best out of your cast iron skillet, it's recommended that you oil it after each use. However, depending on how frequently you use it, 2-3 times a year is sufficient.
- Is it OK to wash cast iron with soap? Can I use soap to wash cast iron? Contrary to popular belief, you can use a small amount of soap to clean cast iron cookware! Large amounts of soap can strip the seasoning off your pan, but you can easily re-season your pan as needed.
- Can you use bleach on cast iron? It's completely fine to use soap to clean your cast iron skillets. Using a mild dish soap on cast iron won't affect its seasoning or ruin the coating. Just be sure not to use bleach or put your cast iron cookware in the dishwasher. Also, be sure to pat your skillet dry after washing.
- "How do you clean an old cast iron skillet that has burnt on buildup?" Sprinkle an even layer of salt on the inside of the pan. Add just enough water to make a paste and rub the salt on the inside surface of the cast-iron pan to scour off carbon. Rinse the pan and scrub any remaining carbon off with a wire scrub brush.
- Does steel wool remove rust from cast iron? Use a fine grade steel wool pad and scrub the pan surface, inside and out, to remove rust and debris. Wash the residue with hot water and mild soap if needed. Once you have cleaned all the residue off the cast iron skillet, wash and dry your skillet as noted.