How Do I Clean the Outside of a Used Cast Iron Skillet?
- 1). Spray the outside of the cast iron skillet generously with oven cleaner. Place the skillet in a heavy plastic bag and close the top of the bag.
- 2). Check the skillet regularly. Spray the outside of the skillet with additional oven cleaner and reclose the bag every other day for as long as necessary to remove caked-on oil and grime.
- 3). Remove the skillet from the bag, then wash the skillet with dish detergent and hot water. Fill the sink with two gallons of hot water and a quart of white vinegar. Allow the skillet to soak in the hot water for 30 minutes, then scrub the outside of the skillet with a scrub pad.
- 4). Season the skillet immediately, especially if you live in a damp climate, as the cast iron skillet will begin to rust very quickly. To season the skillet, coat it with a generous coating of cooking oil and bake the skillet in a 350 degrees F oven for an hour. Dry the skillet thoroughly with paper towels.