The Important First Step New Cast Iron Pans Need (Even Before Seasoning Them) - Tasting Table

"Washing your new pan is a very important first step to ensure that it's safe to use. During the manufacturing process, the cast iron could have come in contact with dust, debris, and various chemicals or industrial coatings meant to preserve the metal."

"The protective layer on cast iron pans isn't just oil; it's a hardened coating that develops during seasoning. Using soap and water for normal washing won't remove it."

Washing a new cast iron pan with soap and water is crucial for safety, despite common myths. New pans may have dust, debris, or chemicals from manufacturing that need to be removed. This initial wash ensures no harmful residues leach into food. Seasoning a cast iron pan creates a hardened coating through polymerization, which soap and water do not strip away. Gentle washing of seasoned pans is safe, as it does not remove the protective layer, but soaking can lead to rust.

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