Seasoning prevents a cast-iron pan from rusting and creates a non-stick surface.
To season cast-iron pans
Brush shortening or vegetable oil over the entire inside surface, then heat the pan in the oven for an hour at 350F. Cool and wipe with a dry towel.
It’s ok to use (a little) soap on cast-iron pans
The fear behind this myth is that soap will destroy the seasoning. But if your cast-iron pan has been seasoned, you can used a few drops of soap to clean it. The oily protective coating that seasoning creates, will keep the soap from penetrating too far. Just don’t leave 5he pan to soak in water for a long time, as this leads to rust formation.
