- 1). Run iron cookware through your oven's self-cleaning cycle to remove accumulated grime. Place the iron cookware on an oven rack facing down, then run it through one cleaning cycle. The cookware will be coated with a layer of fine ash, and may be rusty.
- 2). Fill your sink or a large basin with a mixture of half vinegar and half water. Soak the clean cookware in the mixture to remove rust deposits. The cookware can safely soak for up to four hours but no longer, as the acid in the vinegar can damage the cookware. Use a plastic scrubber to remove stubborn rust. Rinse the cookware with clear water.
- 3). Remove the iron cookware from the water and dry it thoroughly with a towel. Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature, and place the cookware in the warm oven until it is completely dry.
- 4). Use fine sandpaper to remove any rust that appears on the dry cookware. Wipe the cookware with a dry towel to remove rust and sandpaper dust.
- 5). Season the iron cookware to prepare it for use. Use a paper towel and coat the iron cookware with a thin layer of shortening or cooking oil. Place the cookware upside down in an oven preheated to 350 to 400 degrees F. Place a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil under the cookware to catch drips of melting grease. Allow the cookware to remain in the oven for 45 minutes. Season the cookware at least three times before using. Allow it to cool between each seasoning process.
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