
Keep Your Cast Iron in Good Condition
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Thanks for the info on cast irons.
Just like the grills in restaurants which get scrapped down constantly and never washed. that is all I do to my iron skillets. I used a grinder to sand bottom of new skillets smooth, treated them and haven't washed them in 3 years. Wiped out, scrapped good, wiped more and oiled if needed. You won't die.
My late mom (would be 99 years old this year) cooked all her life with cast iron. She (and others of her generation) always said if a pan gets too badly in need of cleaning, put it in a brush pile that is being burned. Recover it when it's cooled (as a volunteer firefighter, I've recovered several pans from the rubble that would be good as new when cleaned and re-seasoned. NEVER TRY TO COOL THEM QUICKLY WITH WATER! They will crack!) PS: Anybody know how to "season" an old-fashioned iron teakettle? Grease will give you greasy water. Otherwise, they'll rust...any ideas? Thanks.
Hi John,
Most old timers like me that have used cast iron teakettles for their purpose which is as a humidifier that blends in unlike a pot or bucket or other water holder on your wood stove. You can use the hot water for drinking but, there's an heavy mineral and iron content to the water.
Enjoy.
LW
I know if you need an abrasive you can put salt on it and use a paper towel. I have seen a little soap and water used but the pan is heated until all water evaporates. Then you add oil all over and heat it until it smokes. These are Iron that has already been seasoned well. not starting out. I have heard there is one American company making cast Iron called "Logan".
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