Rust on my skillet after seasoning

[dawnstar_87]

I'm new to cast iron and just tried seasoning an old skillet I picked up at a flea market. I used flaxseed oil and baked it at 450°F. It looked nice at first, but after a few days I saw small rust spots around the edges. I didn't use soap, I just wiped it down. Maybe I didn't dry it well before adding oil? Not sure what I did wrong. Any tips would be great. Thanks!

 

[castawaycook]

The flaxseed oil seasoning probably came off in flakes, revealing the bare iron underneath, which then rusted. Flaxseed tends to form a brittle coating that can chip off easily. You might want to switch to Crisco, canola, or vegetable oil instead. Start by stripping the pan down to the bare metal, and then apply 3-4 thin layers of seasoning at 450°F, making sure to heat it past the oil's smoke point each time.

After you're done cooking, it's okay to wash the pan with soap. Just be sure to dry it completely on the stove, then while it's still warm, apply a really thin layer of oil.

 

[mavoo]

I'm new to cast iron and just tried seasoning an old skillet I picked up at a flea market. I used flaxseed oil and baked it at 450°F. It looked nice at first, but after a few days I saw small rust spots around the edges. I didn't use soap, I just wiped it down. Maybe I didn't dry it well before adding oil? Not sure what I did wrong. Any tips would be great. Thanks!

The most important thing to remember when caring for cast iron cookware is to dry it thoroughly after each use. If any water remains, rust will start to form, so after washing, wipe it immediately with a cloth or paper towel and then place it on low heat for a few minutes to remove all moisture. When seasoning, always apply a very thin layer of oil and wipe away any excess, since too much oil can leave a sticky surface or flake off later. Choosing the right oil also matters; while flaxseed oil works for some people, it often flakes, so it's usually better to use canola oil, vegetable oil, or grapeseed oil as they create a more durable seasoning. Don't season just once apply three or four thin layers.

 

[BigBob75]

Use Crisco to season cast iron and carbon steel. I dry my cast iron and carbon steel pans on the stove (heat dries them fast), then coat with oil.

 

[shenshan5]

I agree with them! Also, make sure to completely dry it after washing. My mom taught me to warm it on the stove for a few minutes. Once it is completely dried and still warm, then that's the time I can start applying a very thin coat of oil.