Caring For Your Cast Iron

Caring for you cast iron cookware should not be stressful.  Keep it simple.  If you do these three simple things you and your family will enjoy your Fredericksburg Cast Iron for generations: 

 

1. Use your Fredericksburg Cast Iron
2. Often (not always) Coat with a Layer of Oil (grapeseed oil, olive oil, avocado oil, etc.)
3. Don't Soak your Cast Iron in Water

Cooking

Heat up slowly on low to medium heat.  Your thick walled Fredericksburg Cast Iron will absorb heat slowly then retain and emit heat longer.   One thing to remember is that once your skillet hits temperature you may want to back off the heat as you begin to cook. 

Cleaning

After each use wash with warm water removing any remnants with a wood or metal spatula, a touch of dish soap and a basic kitchen scouring pad / sponge.  Avoid heavy scrubbing with lots of pressure.  Its super critical that you don't soak or place your skillet in the dishwasher.

Dry your Skillet

Thoroughly dry your skillet after cleaning.    While not necessary after each use its a good idea to periodically place on a burner on medium / low heat after cleaning and apply a light layer of oil on the entire skillet.    Once dry and coated with season leave your cast iron on your range to cool down.

Rust Prevention

If you use your cast iron often and keep it dry and oiled rust will not be an issue.  If rust does develop you can easily remove the rust with a scouring pad, dry on your cooktop, and apply some oil as described above.

For Life

Your Fredericksburg Cast Iron is one of the most durable kitchen implements you will ever own.  Cast iron when simply cared for as described above will be an heirloom that can be passed down for generations.   Cast iron is very durable with very few things that you can do to destroy it.