You’ve just received your new skillet, for our more experienced friends, we recommend that you get started with your tried and true family favorites. For the rest of us, while it’s important to understand that there are no right and wrong answers to this question, learning to cook on cast iron is unique and some even consider it an art.

Before Cooking

Remove your new skillet from the package and wash in the sink with warm water and soap. This will be the only time it is necessary to use soap on your cast iron skillet. After rinsing, towel dry to remove any moisture, and your new skillet is ready for use.

First cleaning

After you have finished enjoying your meal and are ready to clean up, take your pan and wipe out any easily removed residual chunks of food with a paper towel or cloth. If you are able to wipe out any remaining food, rinse your skillet and wipe with a dry clothe. Place the pan on a stove burner on low heat for about 2 minutes to evaporate any excess water. After removing from the heat, wipe the interior of the pan with a paper towel and a few drops of oil a in order to protect the surface from rust.

For food residue that does not easily wipe out, fill the skillet about half full with water. (NOTE: Never put cold water directly into a hot cast iron skillet. Doing so risks damaging the skillet as a result of temperature shock.) Place the skillet on the stove on medium heat.  As the water temperature rises, most food residue should be easily scraped off.  After pouring out the water and scraping the loose residue, if anything is still left stuck in the pan, thoroughly dry your skillet and use a paper towel and a tablespoon of dry kosher salt as an abrasive to remove the remaining food residue.  After all remaining food is removed, follow the instructions in the first paragraph: rinse, dry, heat, and oil your skillet. By following these simple instructions for cleaning after you cook each time, you will guarantee the longevity of your skillet.

As you build layers of seasoning in your new skillet, it will begin to become truly non-stick and will result in less sticking and an easier cleaning process.