Cleaning and seasoning - a pictorial

[Greg Stahl]

WAGS member Tom Penkava took some of his time and put together this very nice, self explanatory PDF file to show folks how he cleans his cast iron with LYE and then his seasoning method.  

Thanks TOM for sharing your methods!!!


Tom Penkava's Cleaning and Seasoning  (size = 1.7 MB)

[Scott Sanders]

Thanks Tom...........That is a nice series of pictures that does a good job of showing your cleaning and seasoning method method.  That is the same way I do mine, although I am in the process of setting up an electro system.  About the only thing I do a little different is, I use a stainless scrubbie instead of a copper scrubbie.  Oh, and I don't have a supervisor to consult, so I have to do it on my own, and with the great help from all you other WAGS  members.

Thanks again,                         Scott

[Stu]

Hi Guys,

Has anyone used the oven cleaner method? I ran across it on another site, it seems easier if you don't have a lye bucket handy.

Stu

[Chris Stairs]

Hi Guys,

Has anyone used the oven cleaner method? I ran across it on another site, it seems easier if you don't have a lye bucket handy.

Stu

Hi Stu,
  Welcome to WAGS!
 Yes, we also recommend the oven cleaner method for cleaning cast iron. It works great if you only have one pan to clean. If you are going to be getting more pans, it will cost a lot of money for oven cleaner.

  The lye is much more cost effective and you can just keep on using it. It will save money in the long run.

Chris

[Bryce King]

Stu,

See the thread posted below titled "New problem - what do I do about this".  It talks about the over cleaner method and also using a lye bath.

Very informative about both methods.

[Jesse and Kim Dunfee]

I don't see a link but I can tell you for the price of 3-4 cans of oven cleaner you can set up a safe lye bath that will serve you for a very long time........ :)

[star10]

I just recently got a  No. 10 Baster.  It has light rust inside, not much at all.  The outside is rust free along with the lid.  What is the best method to remove the rust?

[C. Perry Rapier]

I just recently got a  No. 10 Baster.  It has light rust inside, not much at all.  The outside is rust free along with the lid.  What is the best method to remove the rust?

Hello Mark. Welcome to WAGS.  :)

Well, it it was me, and I only had that one piece, and I wanted to take the rust from the inside, I'd do this. I'd fill it all the way up with a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar and let that take the rust off it. Keep your eye on it, and then check it after about 4 or 5 hours, have you another container there that you can dump your solution into, so you can check the progress of your piece. If it don't suit you, then dump the solution back in and let'er go another round.

[star10]

Thank you! I will give it a try this afternoon.  After further inspection, the lid also has light rust on the bottom side of the lid.  Will the 50/50 soution work just as well if I place some on the bottom side or do I need to submerge the whole lid?  The outside looks great and I just don't want to screw it up.  After this process do you recommend reseasoning it with crisco, in the oven or do you have a better method?  Again, thank you, I am very new to this as you can tell. Thanks.

[Vindii]

I followed this guide to season my waffle iron.  Its very well written but I have one question.  After applying crisco and heating in the hot grill until gray it says to remove the hot iron and apply another coat of crisco.  

Is it safe to assume after that it just air dries or should it go back in the grill for another heat session?

[Debera Shields]

I can't remember exactly where I read various articles that when done using vinegar bathes the solution needs to be neutralized. I think it went along the lines of soaking overnight in either oven cleaner or a baking soda and water solution to neutralize the vinegar.

 Others stated just a good hot soapy scrub afterwards is enough before seasoning.

 What are some suggestion for the best way to clean vinegar off a pan?  

[Shorty Thompson]

Thanks for the tips !

[Philip Wojcikiewicz]

One question for this, and other posts about cleaning using lye, they all say "one can of lye".  That is great, but what is the size of that can?  More specifically what is the ratio of Lye to water?  Is it 8 ounces of lye to 4 gallons of water?  That is more what I am looking for.

I won't be keeping this solution for a long period of time as I am only going to be cleaning on piece.

thanks,
Phil

[Jodi Nielson]

 More specifically what is the ratio of Lye to water?  

Phillip, the ratio is 1 lb of lye to 5 gal. of water.  Some make it double strength to speed up the process.  1 lb is generally 1 "can".  My first lye bath was in a kitty litter bucket--when I was done I just put the lid on it and saved it for next time.  

I know you say you're only cleaning one piece, but that's where it starts.  Once you start using that piece, you'll be out looking for more.......lol

[Philip Wojcikiewicz]

Thanks Jodi, that is perfect for what I need.  I will probably pick up a cheap container at the dollar store to do this piece in.  Not sure if I will store it anywhere as I don't really plan on having other pieces at this point, though I know that can change.

Phil

[Cheryl Watson]

Phillip,
Another option is to just spray it with Oven Cleaner, which is lye. (Sodium Hydroxide)
Seal in plastic bag and let sit for a few days.
That way you don't have to have a concern about disposing of lye bath solution if you choose not to keep it.

[Philip Wojcikiewicz]

Thanks Cheryl I will look in to that option as well on here I hadn't seen that yet (specifics).

Phil