How do I get the black residue off my cast iron skillet?

One of the simplest ways to remove the residue is by using salt. Yes, that's right, salt. Take an oily paper towel (it's best to use the same type of oil you season the pan with) and use it to rub salt over the bottom of the pan.

How do you clean crud off the outside of a cast iron skillet?

Steps to Clean the Outside of the Skillet:

  1. Begin by boiling water.
  2. Place the skillet in the sink upside-down. …
  3. Carefully pour the boiling water over the outside of the pan.
  4. Using caution not to burn your hands, scrub off any food or buildup on the pan with a wire grill brush.

How do you remove black carbon from cast iron?

Sprinkle an even layer of salt on the inside of the pan. Add just enough water to make a paste and rub the salt on the inside surface of the cast-iron pan to scour off carbon. Rinse the pan and scrub any remaining carbon off with a wire scrub brush. Wash the pan with soapy water and dry thoroughly with paper towels.

What is the black coating on cast iron?

That black residue on your cast iron skillet is usually just carbon deposits. It is not harmful. The carbon deposits causing that black stuff coming off your cast iron pan into your food or cleaning cloth form due to the overheating of oil or fats, or bits of burnt food.

How do you remove old sticky grease from cast iron?

3:405:00Why is My Cast Iron Sticky? And How to Fix It! – YouTubeYouTube

How do you remove carbon buildup from pans?

A mixture of baking soda and vinegar will remove a buildup of carbon off of pans. Cover the bottom of the pan with baking soda and slowly pour vinegar over the powder until it is bubbling over the carbon stains.

Can I use steel wool on cast iron?

Use a fine grade steel wool pad and scrub the pan surface, inside and out, to remove rust and debris. Use hot water and mild soap if needed. Once you have cleaned all the residue off the cast iron, wash and dry your skillet as noted. Once you have restored your cast iron skillet, you must immediately re-season the pan.

Can cast iron coating coming off?

After cooling, all the old seasoning can be scrubbed off with soap and water and you'll be down to bare cast iron. It's important to immediately season the pan again or it will start to rust. … If there's a "layer of oil" on the pan, that's what will form that soft coating that flakes off.

Can cast iron lose its coating?

Cast iron skillets have a reputation for being indestructible—but is there ever a time when you need to throw it out? Here's the scoop. … With proper reseasoning care, years of frequent use can actually improve the pan's “seasoning”—its natural nonstick coating. But sadly, cast iron skillets can indeed break.