How to Season a Cast Iron Pan and Clean It Correctly

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Do you know how to season a cast iron pan? Cast iron pans are one of the most popular types of cookware in kitchens around the world. These heavy, black pans can cook almost anything from eggs to steaks. Many people have at least one cast iron pan at home, and maybe you, too. But have you seasoned your cast iron pan?

Seasoning is not about adding salt or spices to your pan. It means creating a special coating on the pan's surface. This coating is made from oil that becomes hard when heated. The coating protects the pan from rust and makes it non-stick. Without seasoning, your cast iron pan will not work well. Food will stick to it, and the pan might get rusty.

In this article, we will learn how to season a cast iron pan and talk about if you should re-season it. We will also share how to clean the cast iron pan correctly so it can last longer. We gathered the information from various sources, Tuesday (21/10/2025).

It's important to season your new cast iron pan, and luckily, it's really easy to do. Here's how to season a cast iron pan correctly so the food will not stick to your pan:

What You Need:

- Your cast iron pan

- Cooking oil (vegetable oil, canola oil, or flaxseed oil)

- Paper towels or a clean cloth

- Soap and water

- An oven

- Aluminum foil (optional)

Step 1: Clean the Pan

First, wash your cast iron pan with warm water and a little soap. Use a sponge or brush to remove any dirt or old food. If your pan is new, it might have a factory coating. Make sure to wash this off completely. After washing, dry the pan immediately with a towel.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

Put the clean, dry pan on your stove. Turn on low heat for 2-3 minutes. This removes any water that might still be on the pan. Water can stop the oil from sticking properly. Turn off the heat and let the pan cool for a minute.

Step 3: Apply Oil

Pour a small amount of oil onto a paper towel. Rub the oil all over the pan including the inside, outside, and the handle too. Use only a thin layer of oil. Too much oil will make the pan sticky. The pan should look shiny but not wet.

Step 4: Remove Extra Oil

Take a clean paper towel and wipe the pan again. Remove any oil that looks too thick. The pan should have an very thin coating of oil. You should barely see it.

Step 5: Bake in the Oven

Heat your oven to 450-500°F (230-260°C). Put aluminum foil on the bottom rack to catch any oil drips. Place your pan upside down on the middle rack. Bake for one hour.

Step 6: Cool Down

After one hour, turn off the oven. Leave the pan inside to cool slowly. This might take 30 minutes or more. When the pan is cool, it's ready to use. The surface should look dark and smooth.

Even if you know how to season a cast iron pan perfectly, you might need to do it again sometimes. The seasoning can wear off over time. How do you know when your pan needs new seasoning?

Look at your pan carefully. If the surface looks dull or gray instead of shiny black, it needs seasoning. If food starts sticking more than usual, that's another sign. Sometimes you might see small rust spots. These appear when the seasoning wears off and metal touches water. Don't worry because you can fix all these problems by seasoning the pan again.

Most cast iron pans need re-seasoning every few months or years. It depends on how often you use the pan and how you care for it. Cooking acidic foods like tomatoes can damage the seasoning faster. If you wash the pan too hard or use metal tools roughly, the seasoning might come off. When you notice any problems, just follow the seasoning steps again. Your pan will be like new.

Cleaning your cast iron pan the right way is just as important as knowing how to season a cast iron pan. Good cleaning keeps the seasoning strong and prevents rust. Many people think you should never use soap on cast iron, but this is not always true.

Step 1: Clean While Warm

The best time to clean your pan is right after cooking, while it's still warm. Hot pans are easier to clean. Be careful not to burn yourself. If the pan is too hot, wait a few minutes.

Step 2: Use Hot Water

Rinse the pan with hot water. For most foods, water is enough. Use a soft sponge or brush to remove food pieces. You can use a little soap if needed. Modern dish soap is gentle and won't hurt good seasoning.

Step 3: Remove Stuck Food

If food is stuck, add some coarse salt to the pan. Use a sponge to scrub gently. The salt helps remove food without damaging the seasoning. You can also boil water in the pan for a few minutes to loosen stuck food.

Step 4: Dry Immediately

After washing, dry the pan completely with a towel. Never let your cast iron pan sit with water. Water causes rust very quickly. Make sure the pan is totally dry.

Step 5: Apply a Thin Oil Layer

Put a tiny amount of oil on a paper towel. Wipe the inside of the pan. This protects the pan until you use it again. You only need a very light coating.

Step 6: Store Properly

Store your pan in a dry place. If you stack pans, put a paper towel between them. This prevents scratches and absorbs any moisture.

Following these cleaning steps will keep your seasoning in good condition. Your cast iron pan will last for many generations with proper care.