Techniques for Restoring an old Cast-Iron Skillet, Propane Torch for Cleaning Cast Iron

Techniques for Restoring an old Cast Iron Skillet
Propane Torch for Cleaning Cast Iron

Check out all my web pages on cast iron pots, kettles, and Dutch ovens (just click on the underlined topics):

Main Page:
The Irreplaceable Cast Iron Skillet

Question & Answer Pages:

Ammonia for Cleaning Cast Iron

Ceramic Top (Flat Top) Electric Range and Cast Iron Pots

Hot Fire for Curing & Cleaning

Iron and Carcinogens in Cast Iron

Misc. Questions & Answers

Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Pots

Salt for Cleaning Cast Iron

Sanding Cast Iron Pots

Self-Cleaning Oven for Cleaning & Seasoning

Warped or Cracked Cast Iron Pots

Washing Cast Iron Pots

Christine Beatty of Louisiana (5/15/2006):

I just got an old deep cast-iron skillet with a lid. It was very gummed-up. I used a propane torch to clean it, and that was the best method I have ever used. I was very careful not to heat it too fast so that it wouldn't crack. The grease flaked up and I just wiped it off. It worked so well and in only about ten minutes. No soot either.

The propane torch I use is not a small blow torch but one that connects by a hose to a propane tank. It is available by catalog (I think mine came from Northern Tools). It is very powerful, and we use it to light large piles of branches and tree trunks (debris from Hurricane Katrina). My favorite use, however, is burning gunk off of pots!