Cast Iron Care & Seasoning Guide
Cast iron cookware is a lifetime investment. Unlike non-stick pans that wear out in a few years, a well-cared-for cast iron piece gets better with every use. This guide covers everything you need to know — from first use to long-term storage.
First-Time Use
Rinse with warm water
Remove any factory packaging residue. Rinse under warm water — no soap needed. Do not soak.
Dry completely
Wipe dry with a cloth, then place on the stove over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until all moisture evaporates. Cast iron must be bone-dry before storage or oiling.
Apply a thin oil coat
Using a folded paper towel, rub a thin layer of neutral oil (vegetable, sunflower, or flaxseed) all over — inside, outside, handle, and base. Less is more — too much oil causes a sticky coating.
Heat until it stops smoking
Place on medium heat for 5 minutes until the oil polymerises and the pan stops smoking. You're ready to cook.
After Every Use — Daily Routine
Clean while still warm
Use a stiff brush or chain mail scrubber under warm running water. Scrub off food residue. No soap. If food is stubborn, simmer a little water in the pan for 2–3 minutes to loosen it.
Dry immediately on the stove
Never air-dry cast iron — water causes rust. Wipe with a cloth and heat on the stove for 1–2 minutes until completely dry.
Wipe with oil before storing
Apply a few drops of oil on the cooking surface and wipe with a paper towel. This maintains the seasoning layer and prevents rust.
Deep Re-Seasoning (When Needed)
Re-season when your pan looks dull, food is sticking more than usual, or rust spots appear. This only takes about 90 minutes and fully restores the pan.
- Scrub all rust and old residue off with steel wool or a coarse salt + oil paste
- Wash thoroughly, rinse, and dry completely on a hot stove
- Apply an extremely thin layer of flaxseed or vegetable oil all over (inside, outside, handle)
- Place upside down in an oven preheated to 200–230°C, with foil on the rack below
- Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and let the pan cool inside completely
- Repeat 2–3 times for a stronger, darker seasoning layer
Storage Tips
- Store in a dry, well-ventilated location — avoid humid under-sink cabinets
- Place a paper towel or cloth between stacked cast iron pieces to prevent scratches
- Never store with the lid on a wet pan — trapped moisture causes rust
- If storing for a long period, apply a generous oil coat and wrap in a dry cloth
What To Avoid
| Don't | Why |
|---|---|
| Wash with soap | Strips seasoning layer over time |
| Soak in water | Causes rapid rusting |
| Dishwasher | Destroys seasoning and causes severe rust |
| Air-dry | Even brief air-drying causes rust spots |
| Rapid temperature change | Can cause thermal stress (e.g. putting a red-hot pan in cold water) |
| Metal scourers on well-seasoned pan | Scratches the surface — use chain mail instead |
| Acidic foods on new/unseasoned pan | Strips new seasoning and adds metallic taste |
Seasoning Oil Guide
| Oil | Smoke Point | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Flaxseed oil | 107°C | Oven seasoning — bonds hardest, most durable |
| Vegetable / Sunflower oil | 230°C | Daily cooking and maintenance |
| Mustard oil | 250°C | Traditional Indian seasoning, excellent polymerisation |
| Coconut oil | 177°C | Good flavour, builds seasoning well |
| Ghee | 250°C | Excellent for high-heat tadka, adds rich flavour |
| Olive oil | 190°C | Avoid — too low smoke point, becomes sticky |
When Something Goes Wrong
My pan is rusty
Scrub rust off with steel wool. Re-season as per the deep re-seasoning steps above. The pan is not ruined — rust is always fixable.
My pan has a sticky coating
Too much oil was applied during seasoning. Scrub the stickiness off, wash with a little soap this once, rinse, dry, and re-season with a much thinner oil layer.
My pan is cracked
Cast iron can crack if subjected to sudden thermal shock (cold water on a hot pan) or dropped. A cracked pan is not repairable and should be replaced. Contact us if you believe the crack is a manufacturing defect — we'll assess and replace under warranty.
Have a question about caring for your Aditi pan? We're happy to help.
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