Cast iron pans need seasoning. Seasoning will develop layer by layer, every time use your skillet. If you put cast iron under a microscope, youll see that its surface is bumpy and porous, and those bumps and pores expand once the pan is heated.

Can you use a cast iron skillet without seasoning it?

Can You Cook on Unseasoned Cast Iron? Yes! The non-stick properties are in the cook, not the cookware! Conventional wisdom says that the seasoning on a piece of cast iron cookware is what makes it non-stick, but thats just not true.

What happens if you dont season your cast iron?

You dont understand seasoning Seasoning makes your skillet release food easily, clean up quickly and remain stain- and rust-free. Some cast-iron skillets, including those made by Lodge, come pre-seasoned. Youll notice they have a smooth, non-greasy, softly lacquered surface.

How often should I season cast iron?

It can be beneficial to season your cast iron in the oven a few times a year. We recommend oven-seasoning when restoring a rusty cast iron pan.

Do you clean cast iron after every use?

So, how often should you clean a cast iron pan? Clean your cast iron pan after every use. Most of the time, wiping it down with a paper towel will do the trick. However, if your skillet is still dirty, wash it briefly by hand in soapy water before patting it dry for storage.

How often should I season a cast iron skillet?

In my experience, its reasonable to reseason a cast iron skillet once to 2-3 times per year. If you cook fattier foods in your skillet and avoid cleaning it with soapy water, the seasoning could last for years.

Can you use Dawn dish soap on cast iron?

Soap is designed to remove oil, therefore soap will damage your seasoning. This is what gives well-seasoned cast iron its non-stick properties, and as the material is no longer actually an oil, the surfactants in dish soap should not affect it.