Cast Iron - Before and After Shots

[lokidog]

First two photos are of a #6 Wagner that I found at Goodwill.  I could not even tell what brand it was until after cleaning.

The second two are of a #9 Lodge that a friend gave me. It had been neglected a bit.  These two I used Crisco for the seasoning.

[Timberstalker]

Those two are impressive. Thanks for sharing, Loki.

[AL WORRELLS KID]

My Mama told me.......“When you are done cooking, never put the pan in a sink of detergent water. Just let it cool until is just warm to the touch and wipe it out with a paper towel.  It is already sanitary.  It will come clean as a whistle.”  She then mumbled with a smile, “It’s like a man.  You can’t go and scrub and try to change all of his blemishes. He has built those over a lifetime. You learn to oil and bake him, and give him character, and taste.” (Daddy turned out just fine!) Thanks, Mama.
Doug

[frazierw]

I have a real hard time with the cleaning part.  I have tried to just wipe out with paper towels, but there are times where stuff is still stuck and required scrubbing. Should i bake it instead of that is the case?  Still learning when it comes to cast iron.

[Special T]

I have a real hard time with the cleaning part.  I have tried to just wipe out with paper towels, but there are times where stuff is still stuck and required scrubbing. Should i bake it instead of that is the case?  Still learning when it comes to cast iron.

I have a steel scraper and a wire mesh scrub pad. I usually scrape wipe  then put in the oven at 200 till it hits the temp and then turn off the oven.

[fowl smacker]

Look great, nice work.

[lokidog]

Look great, nice work.

Thanks.

I have a real hard time with the cleaning part.  I have tried to just wipe out with paper towels, but there are times where stuff is still stuck and required scrubbing. Should i bake it instead of that is the case?  Still learning when it comes to cast iron.

I wash mine with soap and water. It might take me longer to build up that ultra slick coat, but I'm fine with that. If you bake it too hot (>400), you will destroy the good stuff on it as well.

Let's see some other before and after photos!

[Rob]

I scrub mine with a plastic bristled brush and warm water after use until it is clean.  Then I pop it back on the burner that is still warm and put some oil in it before putting it away.

Fastest way I have found to build up the coat after seasoning is to cook lots of bacon!

[Bigshooter]

I scrub mine with a plastic bristled brush and warm water after use until it is clean.  Then I pop it back on the burner that is still warm and put some oil in it before putting it away.

Fastest way I have found to build up the coat after seasoning is to cook lots of bacon!

 

When I am seasoning a new cast iron skillet I cook nothing but bacon in it for about a year.  I just drain most of the grease out after I cook the bacon and let it sit until I cook bacon again.  After a year it will be non stick no matter what you cook in it.

[jrebel]

Cleaning cast iron after cooking is very easy.  Put 1/2" to 1" of water in and bring to a boil.  If you have really stuck on grime you can use a metal spatula to lightly scrape (it won't take much).  Dump contents and wipe out with a paper towel.  Rinse with hat / warm tap water.  Place back on the stove top to dry on a hot burner.  When all the water is evaporated off hit it with oil, oil spray or whatever you preferred method of seasoning is and remove from burner to cool.  It is ready to be used the next night.