Do You Need to Oil a Cast Iron Skillet Every Time? Here's the Answer.

TLDRIn order to protect a cast iron skillet from rusting, it is recommended to add a thin layer of oil after washing and cleaning it up. While it may not be necessary to oil it every time if you have a good seasoning base, it is still a good practice to maintain the protective coating.

Key insights

Oiling a cast iron skillet after washing and cleaning it helps to protect it from rusting.

Certain types of food can weaken the seasoning on a cast iron skillet and make it susceptible to rusting.

Adding a thin layer of oil to the skillet, inside and out, helps maintain the protective coating.

It is not necessary to go through the full seasoning process every time you oil a cast iron skillet.

While it may be possible to skip oiling if you have a well-seasoned skillet, it is still recommended to do so to maintain the protective coating.

Q&A

Do I need to oil a cast iron skillet every time I use it?

While it is recommended to oil a cast iron skillet after washing and cleaning it to maintain the protective coating, it may not be necessary to do so every single time if you have a good seasoning base.

What happens if I don't oil my cast iron skillet?

If you don't oil your cast iron skillet, it may become susceptible to rusting, especially when exposed to moisture and certain types of food.

Can I use any type of oil to season my cast iron skillet?

Yes, you can use various types of oil to season your cast iron skillet, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or even flaxseed oil.

How do I clean a cast iron skillet?

To clean a cast iron skillet, wash it with warm water and a mild soap, then scrub off any stuck-on food. Rinse and dry thoroughly, and then apply a thin layer of oil to protect it from rusting.

Can I skip the oiling step if my cast iron skillet is well-seasoned?

While it may be possible to skip the oiling step if you have a well-seasoned cast iron skillet, it is still recommended to oil it regularly to maintain the protective coating.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to the topic of oiling a cast iron skillet every time.

02:16Clarification that oiling a cast iron skillet every time may not be necessary if you have a good seasoning base.

02:43Encouragement for viewers to share their opinions and leave comments or questions.