Keep Carbon Steel Pan Seasoned, Here's How

Keeping your Lodge carbon steel pan seasoned is important for two reasons: it prevents rust and it creates a non-stick surface. The process is simple and similar to seasoning cast iron. Wash the pan with warm water and a small amount of soap, dry it thoroughly, and then rub it with a light layer of cooking oil. You can also season your pan in the oven or on the stovetop. To do this, heat the pan, coat it with oil, and then heat it again until the oil turns into a solid, plastic-like polymer.

Wash by hand with warm water and dry thoroughly

To keep your Lodge carbon steel pan seasoned, it's important to wash it by hand with warm water and dry it thoroughly. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Cool the Pan

Allow the pan to cool completely before cleaning. This is important for your safety and to ensure that the oil and seasoning are not damaged by extreme temperature changes.

Step 2: Initial Wipe

Using a paper towel, kitchen towel, or microfiber cloth, wipe out the pan to remove any excess food or oil residue. This step is crucial as it helps to preserve the seasoning and is often sufficient for light cleaning after each use.

Step 3: Wash by Hand with Warm Water

Fill your sink with warm water and use a small amount of mild soap, if desired. Avoid using excessive soap, as it can strip the seasoning from your pan. Gently wash the pan with a non-scratch sponge or scrub brush. For stuck-on food, simmer a small amount of water in the pan for 3-5 minutes, then use a pan scraper after it has cooled.

Step 4: Dry Thoroughly

Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to dry the pan promptly and thoroughly. Ensure that all moisture is removed to prevent rusting. You can also place the pan back on the burner over medium-low heat to ensure it is completely dry.

Step 5: Re-season the Pan

To maintain the non-stick properties and protect against rust, it's important to re-season the pan after each wash. Rub a very light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray onto the surface of the pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

By following these steps, you will be able to keep your Lodge carbon steel pan seasoned and in optimal condition for cooking.

Avoid soaking the pan to prevent rust

Water is carbon steel's number one enemy, so it's important to avoid soaking your Lodge carbon steel pan to prevent rust. While carbon steel is a great choice for cookware, it does require a little maintenance to keep it in top condition.

Carbon steel is prone to rusting if it is exposed to moisture and humidity. This is because of the presence of iron in the carbon steel alloy. When the iron is exposed to water, the oxidation process begins, and rust starts to form. So, it's important to keep your pan as dry as possible.

After using your Lodge carbon steel pan, make sure to remove any traces of water. You can do this by drying the pan by hand with a lint-free cloth or paper towel, or by placing the pan on the stove over low heat until all the water has evaporated. It's important to do this before putting the pan away to ensure that it is bone dry.

In addition to drying your pan thoroughly, you can also coat it with a thin layer of cooking oil to create a protective barrier against moisture. This will help to prevent rust from forming and will also give your pan non-stick qualities.

If you do find rust on your Lodge carbon steel pan, don't panic. It's normal for carbon steel pans to develop rust, especially if they have been exposed to water for a long time or are used in a humid environment. You can remove the rust by using a metal scouring pad and hot water, or with a vinegar or salt scrub solution. Once the rust is removed, be sure to dry your pan thoroughly and re-season it before using it again.

Use a small amount of mild soap

To keep your Lodge carbon steel pan seasoned, it is important to use only a small amount of mild soap. While it is not necessary to use soap to clean your pan, a small amount of mild soap can be helpful to cut through grease and grime. However, too much soap can strip the seasoning from your pan, so it is important to use it sparingly.

When using soap, be sure to lather the soap with a soft sponge or cloth. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or steel wool, as these can damage the seasoning and the pan's surface. Gently wash the pan with the soapy sponge or cloth, focusing on any areas with stuck-on food or grease. Rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue.

After rinsing, it is crucial to dry the pan promptly and thoroughly. Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to absorb any remaining water. Ensure that you dry the pan completely, as moisture can lead to rusting. Once the pan is dry, apply a light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray to the surface. This step helps to maintain the seasoning and protect the pan.

If your pan has stuck-on food or stubborn residue, there are a few alternative methods to clean it without using soap. One method is to simmer a small amount of water in the pan for 3-5 minutes, then use a pan scraper to remove the residue once the pan has cooled. Another method is to use coarse salt and oil as an abrasive cleaner. Add equal parts salt and neutral oil to the pan, then rub the mixture onto the surface with a cloth or towel. These methods effectively clean the pan while preserving the seasoning.

Avoid using metal utensils too vigorously to prevent stripping the seasoning

When using metal utensils with your Lodge carbon steel pan, it's important to be mindful of the amount of pressure you're applying. Scraping or scrubbing too hard with metal utensils can strip the seasoning from your pan. This is because the carbon steel cooking surface can get very hot, and vigorous scrubbing with metal utensils can damage the thin layers of oil that form the seasoning.

To avoid stripping the seasoning, use a gentle touch when using metal utensils. Make sure to also use utensils that are designed to withstand high temperatures, such as wood, metal, or high-temperature silicone. If you're concerned about damaging the seasoning, you can opt for wooden or silicone utensils instead of metal ones.

It's also important to properly care for your carbon steel pan to maintain the seasoning. After each use, wash your pan by hand with warm water and a small amount of mild soap. Avoid using a large amount of soap, as this can also strip the seasoning. Dry the pan promptly and thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. Finally, rub a very light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray onto the surface of the pan, ensuring that it is evenly distributed.

By following these tips and being gentle with your metal utensils, you can help prevent stripping the seasoning from your Lodge carbon steel pan.

Re-season the pan if food starts sticking

If food starts sticking to your Lodge carbon steel pan, it's time to re-season it. Here's a step-by-step guide to re-seasoning your pan:

• Wash the pan with warm water and a small amount of mild soap. You can use a pan scraper, scrub brush, or non-scratch pad to remove any stuck-on food. Ensure that you dry the pan thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel after washing.
• Heat the pan on a stovetop burner to ensure that any remaining moisture is cooked off. This step is crucial, as carbon steel is susceptible to rusting if left wet.
• Heat the pan in the oven at 450°F (230°C) or on the stovetop at its highest setting. Check your owner's manual to ensure that your pan's handle is oven-safe before placing it in the oven.
• Lightly grease a kitchen towel with a neutral oil such as canola oil, vegetable oil, or grapeseed oil. Avoid using lard, shortening, butter, olive oil, or flaxseed oil, as these can affect the quality of the seasoning.
• Rub the oiled towel onto the pan, inside and out, ensuring that you buff away any excess oil. It is important to use a very light layer of oil, as too much oil will result in a splotchy, sticky coating.
• Heat the oiled pan on the burner at its highest setting or in the oven for about 30 minutes. The pan will smoke heavily during this process, so ensure that your kitchen is well-ventilated.
• Continue applying thin layers of oil and heating the pan until it turns a dark shade of brown. The more layers of seasoning you add, the darker the pan will become.
• Once the pan is seasoned, maintain it by washing it by hand with warm water and a small amount of mild soap after each use. Dry the pan thoroughly and rub with a light layer of cooking oil to keep it seasoned.

By following these steps, you can re-season your Lodge carbon steel pan and restore its non-stick properties.

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