What You Need To Know If Using The Aluminum Foil Scrubbing Hack On A Cast-Iron Pan

Cast-iron pans might be your most prized culinary possessions. They're sturdy, long-lasting, and are often passed down for generations. But to keep them in pristine condition, you'll need to take care of them properly. So, what happens when you have a bit of rust on the bottom? Enter the affordable household item you likely have hidden in your cabinets: aluminum foil.

Aluminum foil is one of those everyday items that has many clever uses. In this case, the aluminum foil helps remove rust in a two-fold manner. Because of its durability, it can physically scrub and remove rust when balled up tightly for a good surface area without scratching the metal. Chemically, rust is known as iron oxide, and when it comes in contact with aluminum, it undergoes a reaction that removes the rust.  Once the cast-iron pan is rust-free, don't skip the most important step before using it to keep it in prime condition for searing and caramelizing all your favorite dishes: Re-seasoning it.

Seasoning your cast-iron pan is beneficial for several reasons, including creating an even cooking surface that allows for easy food release and providing an extra barrier to prevent rust and erosion.

Seasoning your cast-iron pan doesn't need to be difficult. Traditionally, you'll begin by soaping and scrubbing the pan out. After that, give your pan a rinse, then dry completely. Add one teaspoon of oil to both the inside and outside of the pan, ensuring it lacks a greasy finish, before baking in an oven preheated to 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes to an hour. The old-school secret to a perfectly seasoned cast-iron pan, however, is to simply keep using it, as the layers of oil will polymerize and form a strong barrier on the pan over time.

Once you've completed seasoning, it's important to look for a few key indicators that will ensure your cast-iron is ready to use. The first is that the color should be dark, and the cookware should be smooth and shiny. Next, ensure that it looks evenly oiled, this will show that it is sealed properly from rust. Make sure the seasoned surface doesn't flake and there aren't any visible oil spots. The best indicator of a properly seasoned cast-iron is that it produces a non-stick surface. That being said, once you start using it regularly, you'll be able to tell when it might need to be re-seasoned again. Make sure to avoid all the common mistakes when caring for your cast-iron pan.