Cooking Habits That Can Harm Your Cast Iron

Even beyond food choices, some cooking habits can hurt your skillet.

6. Desserts After Savory Dishes
Baking cobblers or brownies right after frying onions or bacon can leave your dessert tasting smoky. Solution: Clean the pan thoroughly or keep a separate skillet for sweets.

7. Boiling or Steaming
Cast iron isn’t meant for high-moisture cooking. Boiling or steaming water can break down seasoning and cause rust. Use stainless steel or enameled pots instead.

8. Storing Food in the Skillet
Leaving leftovers in cast iron can damage seasoning and lead to rust. Always transfer food to storage containers once cooled.

9. Extreme Temperature Changes
Never pour cold water into a hot skillet — thermal shock can crack or warp the pan. Let the skillet cool naturally before cleaning, and preheat it gradually.

Quick Tips for Long-Lasting Cast Iron:

• Always dry the skillet completely after washing.

• Rub a thin layer of oil on the pan after each use.

• Use mild soap sparingly.

• Store in a dry place to prevent rust.

Follow these tips and your cast iron skillet will reward you with perfect sears, baked goods, and meals for decades to come!