Simple Guide to Cast Iron Care & Maintenance

Few things in the kitchen have as much character as cast iron cookware. With every use, it becomes more naturally nonstick, develops richer flavor, and turns into a trusted kitchen companion. But for that to happen, it needs proper care.

If you own a Victoria product, you already have a durable, high-quality piece in your hands. Now, here’s everything you need to keep it in top condition, from first-time seasoning to everyday maintenance.

Why Is Seasoning So Important?

Seasoning is the process of applying thin layers of oil to cast iron and heating them until they form a natural, nonstick coating. This layer protects your cookware from rust, improves cooking performance, and gives it that signature deep black, slightly glossy finish.

Victoria cookware comes pre-seasoned with flaxseed oil and ready to use. Still, adding extra layers at home can help build an even stronger, longer-lasting surface.

How to Season Cast Iron for the First Time

Step 1: Clean

Wash your cookware with warm water and a small amount of mild soap. Dry it thoroughly with a towel.

Step 2: Apply Oil

Rub a very thin layer of oil over the entire surface, inside, outside, and handle.
You can use flaxseed, canola, vegetable, coconut, or avocado oil.

Pro tip: Less is more. Too much oil can leave a sticky or uneven finish.

Step 3: Heat

Place the cookware upside down in an oven preheated to 400°F. Bake for 1 hour, then let it cool inside the oven.

Pro tip: Repeat this process 2 to 3 times for a stronger initial seasoning.

No oven?
You can season on the stovetop by heating the pan over medium-high heat for 7 to 10 minutes, until you see light smoke, then turn off the heat and let it cool.

How Do You Know If It’s Properly Seasoned?

• The surface is evenly dark with a subtle sheen
• Food releases easily (try the egg test)
• It doesn’t feel sticky to the touch

If any of these aren’t quite right, simply repeat the seasoning process.

Daily Maintenance (After Each Use)

• Clean with warm water and a soft sponge or a Victoria scrubber
• Dry completely, first with a towel, then by heating it on the stovetop for 2 to 3 minutes
• Apply a very light layer of oil while it’s still warm

These simple steps help maintain seasoning and prevent rust.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Soaking your cookware. Water is the main enemy of cast iron
• Using harsh soaps or abrasive scrubbers. They can strip the seasoning
• Using sharp utensils. These can scratch the surface, though it is fixable

What If Your Cast Iron Rusts?

Don’t worry, it’s not ruined. You can restore it:

1. Scrub away the rust using steel wool, a brush, or a scrubber
2. Wash and dry thoroughly
3. Repeat the seasoning process as if it were new

When Does Cast Iron Become Truly Nonstick?

Perfect seasoning doesn’t happen overnight. It develops over time.

Cooking with natural fats, like bacon or fatty cuts of meat, helps build and strengthen the seasoning layer.

Tip: Avoid highly acidic foods, like tomatoes or vinegar, during the first few weeks, as they can wear down the seasoning.

Extra Tips to Extend the Life of Your Cookware

• Use your pan often
• Cook fatty foods in the first few weeks
• Preheat gradually to avoid sudden high heat
• Store in a dry place, uncovered or loosely covered to prevent moisture buildup

Taking care of your Victoria cast iron cookware is easier than it seems. With consistency and a few good habits, your cookware will only get better over time, becoming a piece you can rely on for years, even generations.