“Nasty” black stuff? Sorry for maybe being ignorant, I am new to cast iron cookware, but I thought the black stuff is what we appreciate and cure the pans for?
The smooth black parts, yes. The gunky/bumpy parts on the handle, no. That comes from years of continued use and improper cleaning where new oil polymerizes over leftover particulate the next time it’s cooked on.
But I wouldn’t recommend a dishwasher cycle as the method to use to strip your pan either. Self cleaning cycle on the oven should take care of it.
Have you tried running it through the dishwasher yet? That would probably get rid of that nasty black stuff and maybe you could find some markings.
“Nasty” black stuff? Sorry for maybe being ignorant, I am new to cast iron cookware, but I thought the black stuff is what we appreciate and cure the pans for?
The smooth black parts, yes. The gunky/bumpy parts on the handle, no. That comes from years of continued use and improper cleaning where new oil polymerizes over leftover particulate the next time it’s cooked on.
But I wouldn’t recommend a dishwasher cycle as the method to use to strip your pan either. Self cleaning cycle on the oven should take care of it.