Is your cast-iron griddle already rusty? Don’t throw it away yet. Here are some quick steps on how to restore it like it’s brand new.
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Easy Ways To Season Your Cast Iron Griddle At Home
What You’ll Need
- Cast iron griddle
- Half a cup of pure flax oil or vegetable oil
- Three tablespoons of baking soda
- A cup of vinegar
- A cup of distilled water
- Abrasive scrubs (e.g. steel wool, metal scouring pads)
Step 1: Soak the Cast Iron Griddle In Vinegar And Water
For two hours, completely submerge your cast iron griddle in equal parts of water and vinegar. The vinegar’s acidity will help dissolve the rust.
REMINDER: Do not soak the griddle for more than 24 hours, as this will erode and pit the surface of the griddle.
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Step 2: Sprinkle Baking Soda And Scrub the Griddle’s Surface
To neutralize the acid from the vinegar, generously sprinkle some baking soda and scrub the surface of the cast iron griddle with a metal scouring pad. Wash the griddle with water until all the rust is gone.
Step 3: Let the Griddle Rest And Then Wash It Again
Once all the rust is gone, dry the griddle using paper towels and let it rest for around five to ten minutes. Then, wash it again with water to remove any vinegar or baking soda residues.
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Step 4: Place the Cast Iron Griddle Over a High Flame
Using a gas stove, heat the griddle over a high flame for one to two minutes, until it is completely dry.
If you do not have a stove, you can use an electric tabletop oven, and set it for about ten minutes for 350 degrees Celcius.
Step 5: Spread the Flax Oil On the Cast-Iron Griddle
Squirt about a tablespoon of flax oil on the griddle and wipe it off with paper towels. You can apply more if needed, and make sure to cover all parts of the griddle, including handles.
You will see that any remaining residue of rust will be wiped off.
Step 6: Place the Cast Iron Griddle In the Oven
Carefully place the griddle upside down on a rack in the oven. Put a foil underneath the rack to catch any oil drippings.
Turn the oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit or 260 degrees Celsius and set the timer for one hour. Once the time is up, let it cool down inside the oven for another 1 ½ hours until you can already handle it with your bare hands.
Step 7: Repeat Steps 5 and 6 To Achieve a Flawless Finish
If you want a really good seasoning, you can repeat steps 5 and 6 for around two more times. But if you want your cast iron griddle to look impeccably brand new, repeat the process for up to six more times.
If you want to watch the whole process of seasoning a cast iron griddle, watch this informative YouTube video by Joshua Weissman:
Easy, right? Now your cast iron griddle will totally look brand new! Always remember to wash your griddle properly with soap and water after cooking with it. And, make sure to use a sturdy metal scouring pad to scrub food residues.
What meals do you usually cook with your cast iron griddle? Share some of your favorite recipes in the comments section below!
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Congratulations – you have just enamelled your pan! It is an excellent finish for cast iron!