Can I use soap on cast iron?

Yes. Modern dish soap will not strip seasoning — that myth comes from the lye-soap era. Use a small amount of soap, warm water, and a brush or scraper. Dry immediately and apply a thin coat of oil after washing. What damages seasoning is soaking, dishwashers, and prolonged exposure to acidic foods like tomato sauce.

How do I restore a rusty cast iron skillet?

Scrub rust with steel wool or a chain mail scrubber. Wash with soap and dry completely. Apply a thin coat of vegetable oil or flaxseed oil to the entire surface. Bake upside down in a 450°F oven for one hour. Repeat the oil-and-bake process 3-4 times to rebuild the seasoning. Even badly rusted cast iron is usually salvageable.

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