Why does my cast-iron skillet rust after each use?

Author: Hector Langworth  |  Last update: Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Rust (iron oxide) forms when iron reacts with oxygen and water. Simply put, cast iron can rust if you leave water on it for too long. You can absolutely still use water (and soap!) to cook in or clean your cast iron, but you don't want to let water just sit on your pan for an extended period of time.

How do you keep cast iron from rusting?

To prevent rust on cast iron tools, you can apply the following: Cooking Oil: Use a high-smoke-point oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or flaxseed oil. Apply a thin layer to the surface after cleaning. Beeswax: Melt and apply beeswax to provide a protective barrier.

Why does my cast iron rust so easily?

Yes, cast iron can rust. Cast iron is made primarily of iron, which is susceptible to oxidation when exposed to moisture and air. To prevent rust, it's important to keep cast iron cookware seasoned with oil, which creates a protective layer.

Do I need to season my cast-iron skillet after every use?

A cast iron skillet only needs to be seasoned once. If it is properly cared for, the seasoning will improve with use. Even after misuse that damages the seasoning it may need only a touch-up. Complete re-seasoning is almost never necessary.

When I wipe my cast iron, it's black.?

They are most likely carbon deposits. This happens due to overheating of fats and oils. Using an oil with a low smoke point will carbonize at high temperatures and cause residue from the pores of your pan to rub off onto your food. While unappealing, they won't hurt you in such a small amount.

Simple rules for cast iron care

How to get rid of rust on cast iron?

How to remove heavy rust from cast iron
  1. First, you'll need steel wool or a wire brush. This tackles heavy rust effectively. ...
  2. Scrub the pan's surface. ...
  3. After scrubbing, wash the pan with warm, soapy water. ...
  4. Rinse it well under running water. ...
  5. Next, reseason the pan. ...
  6. Maintenance, always dry your pan thoroughly after washing.

What's the best oil to season cast iron?

Common cooking oils like olive oil will gradually produce seasoning, but won't be as effective as grapeseed oil. Canola, other vegetable oils, and shortening are a little better.

Is 350 hot enough to season cast iron?

Place the oiled pan upside down, on a baking sheet and place both in the oven. Then set the oven to 350° F. Heat the pan at that temperature for two hours. Turn off the oven, but leave the pan inside and allow oven and pan to cool completely- about two hours.

How often should I wash cast iron?

CLEAN CAST-IRON SKILLET AFTER EVERY USE

Wipe interior surface of still-warm skillet with paper towels to remove any excess food and oil. Rinse under hot running water, scrubbing with nonmetal brush or nonabrasive scrub pad to remove any traces of food. (Use small amount of soap if you like; rinse well.)

What happens if you season cast iron with too much oil?

When you season your cast iron, the oil on the skillet undergoes a process called polymerization. Applying too much oil prevents proper polymerization, leaving your cast iron streaky, sticky, bubbly, and tacky. Always wipe off the excess oil(leaving a very thin layer) before putting it in the oven.

Who makes the best cast iron pans?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: Lodge Blacklock Cast Iron Skillet at Amazon $60. ...
  • Best Budget: SALE. ...
  • Best Enameled: Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skillet at Amazon $220. ...
  • Best Splurge: Stargazer Cast Iron Skillet at Amazon $135. ...
  • Best Set: Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Set at Amazon $100. ...
  • Most Versatile: ...
  • Best Grill Pan:

Does coke remove rust from cast iron?

Yes, Coke contains phosphoric acid which helps remove rust from cast iron. Pour Coke on the rusted area and wait 15 to 20 minutes for the acid to break down the rust. Then wipe the pan with a scrubby sponge or dish towel. Repeat this process until the rust is completely gone.

Why is my cast iron pan rusting after one use?

Without the protective layer of carbonized oil called seasoning, cast iron is susceptible to rust. Even a well-seasoned pan can rust if it's left in the sink to soak, put in the dishwasher, allowed to air dry, or stored in a moisture-prone environment.

How to prevent rust from iron?

9 Ways to Prevent Rust
  1. Use an Alloy. Many outdoor structures, like this bridge, are made from COR-TEN steel to reduce the effects of rust. ...
  2. Apply Oil. ...
  3. Apply a Dry Coating. ...
  4. Paint the Metal. ...
  5. Start Resolving Your Industrial Rust Now. ...
  6. Store Properly. ...
  7. Galvanize. ...
  8. Blueing.

What makes old cast iron better?

Myth 6: Vintage is Better Than New

The Reality: The material may be the same, but the production methods have changed. In the old days, cast iron pans were produced by casting in sand-based molds, and then polishing the resulting pebbly surfaces until smooth. Vintage cast iron tends to have a satiny smooth finish.

Do you have to oil cast iron after every use?

That's why our simple cleaning steps have you rub oil into your pan after each use to ensure the seasoning remains for quality cooking. You can also season your cast iron cookware in the oven. This method adds a more thorough layer of seasoning onto the entire pan, strengthening the bond to the iron.

What is the fastest way to remove rust from cast iron pans?

Cast iron needs to be cherished, and rust is the enemy. The easiest and fastest way to remove rust from cast iron is Evapo-Rust®. It will spare your knuckles, as there is no scrubbing with brushes or steel wool involved. It is also safe to use on your cooking supplies.

Can you use Dawn dish soap on cast iron?

Will Soap Ruin Cast Iron? Using soap will not ruin your pan. It is totally fine on enameled cast iron, and on plain cast iron, too. It's not going to destroy your seasoning.

Can I use olive oil to season cast iron?

Since olive oil is such a pantry staple, many people naturally wonder if they can use olive oil to season cast iron. You can use olive oil to season cast iron, but you need to choose a high quality extra virgin olive oil, which should have a smoke point close to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can you heat cast iron too much?

A well-seasoned cast iron skillet can help you achieve flavorful dishes, but if the skillet reaches extremely high temperatures — generally around 800 degrees Fahrenheit — all of that seasoning can burn off. This is the most common damage cast iron pans sustain.

Is Crisco or vegetable oil better for seasoning cast iron?

The best oil to season your cast iron, according to Ross, is Crisco. It's not only versatile and easy to find, but it's also food safe. You need to reseason your cast iron only occasionally—the pans actually get better with age when cared for properly—but you should still apply a fine layer of oil after every use.

What oil not to use on cast iron?

Oil, especially canola oil (bad, unhealthy oil), should not be used. If a quick oiling (not seasoning) in between is desired, it's best to use a high temperature oil like avocado. A quick rub can do the trick, if your pan looks a bit dry. I have one pan that is about 100 years old!

Which cast iron pan is the best?

The Lodge 10.25-Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet has proven time and time again to be the best overall cast iron due to its unrivaled consistent heating at a stellar price.

Can you use butter to season cast iron?

We get lots of questions about this, so we thought we'd share our guide on how to properly season a cast iron pan: Wash the pan well and rinse, then dry completely. Coat the interior of the pan with a thin layer of vegetable oil, lard or shortening. Avoid using butter or a low smoke point oil such as olive oil.

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