How to care for a cast iron skillet?!
How to care for a cast iron skillet?
it was already cured when I bought it but I have been washing it with a regular sponge and dish soap and water and the pan seems to be getting scratched (or the finish seems to be coming off)after only 5-6 uses. what am I doing wrong?
Answers:
You are washing with soap--this is a no-no with cast iron. You need to re-cure the pan. Put about a tablespoon of GOOD olive oil in the pan. Rub it inside and out with a paper towel. Put your oven on 300 degrees and set the pan inside for about ten minutes then turn off the oven and let the pan sit inside till it cools. After cooling, wipe pan out with clean paper towel and store it. If properly seasoned, your pan will not need soap to clean it...only HOT water and a soft brush or a soft rag. Don't use Scotch Brite type material or sponges with the "green scratchy stuff" on them. They take off the oil and your pan will start to look as you described. After washing, dry with paper towels (you will ruin a dish rag) and make sure it's completely dry inside and out. Put a little more oil in and rub in with paper towels.
Good luck!!