Keeping your Lodge 12 Inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet in tip-top shape is pretty simple once you get the hang of it. Although the manufacturer's description might say it's dishwasher safe, it's really better to wash it by hand. Dishwashers can be a bit too harsh and might mess up that important seasoning that makes the iron naturally non-stick.

Here's an easy routine: Try to clean the skillet while it's still a bit warm—makes getting rid of food bits much easier. A stiff brush or a cloth works well for scrubbing leftovers. You can use a bit of soap, but don't go overboard with it; avoid harsh detergents because they can damage the skillet's seasoning.

After cleaning, make sure to dry it completely. Leaving it wet is a quick route to rust, and we definitely don't want that. You can dry it with a towel or just put it on a warm stove for a few minutes. Once it's dry, rub a thin layer of oil over it. Most cooking oils will do the trick, but some folks swear by flaxseed oil for its durability. This keeps the seasoning strong and adds some extra rust protection too.

From our research, maintaining that seasoning is key. It not only keeps the skillet naturally non-stick, but it also helps it last longer and cook better over time. We've found that many people prefer hand washing for these reasons.

Plus, a well-seasoned skillet is great at holding heat, which folks rave about. And don't forget, regular care ensures your Lodge skillet stays awesome for a long time. If it ever seems a bit dull or less shiny, you can bring it back to life by re-seasoning it.

Just clean it well, dry it, coat it with a layer of oil, and bake it upside down in the oven. Sticking to these habits will keep your trusty cast iron a kitchen favorite for years.

Hey! So, if you're looking to season your Lodge 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet, it's pretty straightforward. Even though these skillets come pre-seasoned, keeping up with the seasoning will help maintain that non-stick surface and ward off rust.

Here’s a quick guide on how to season it:

1. Clean It Up First: Start by washing your skillet with warm water and a touch of mild soap—just this one time to get rid of any packaging residue.

   Make sure it's thoroughly dry before you move on.

2. Oil It Up: Take some vegetable oil, flaxseed oil, or really any oil that works well with high heat.

   Use a cloth or paper towel to spread a thin, even layer over the whole thing, inside and out, handle included.

3. Bake Time: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

   Place the skillet upside down on the middle rack. You might want to pop a sheet of aluminum foil on the lower rack to catch any drips.

   Let it bake for about an hour to let the oil create that protective layer.

4. Let It Cool: After baking, just turn off the oven and leave the skillet in there to cool down slowly.

   This helps the seasoning stick better.

5. Repeat If Needed: If your skillet feels sticky or it's brand new, you might want to repeat this whole process a couple of times to get that nice, smooth, non-stick finish.

A Few Maintenance Tips:

• Use It Often: Cooking with oils and fats will naturally keep the seasoning going strong.

• Skip the Soap: Once it's seasoned, avoid soap when cleaning. Just use hot water and a brush or cloth.

  If there's stubborn food, a bit of coarse salt can help.

• Keep It Dry: Always dry your skillet thoroughly since moisture can lead to rust.

• Oil It Up Again: After drying, rub a tiny bit of oil on it before you store it away.

From what we’ve found, keeping up with these steps helps keep the skillet in great shape.

And hey, you can use it on all kinds of cooking surfaces, which is pretty cool. Enjoy cooking with it!