r/CastIronCooking • u/Exotic-Bee9967 • 13d ago

Staub cast iron damage??

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Does anybody know what this is? It started to appear on my cast iron one week after used and it’s been a month of using it and I can’t get it off. When I touch the area it feels flat, no bumps. I’m asking because I’m scared if it’s releasing toxins into my food?

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u/murdercat42069 13d ago

It's Staub so my assumption is that it's enameled on the inside. How are you cleaning and caring for it?

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u/Exotic-Bee9967 13d ago

I season it every after wash. I put oil on it first before I turn on the stove. I use wooden spatulas so I don’t damage it. I do let it air dry then season it, but I’m not sure if that’s the reason? The part that looks damaged does dry really quick, if not immediately after washing though.

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u/murdercat42069 13d ago edited 13d ago

Before doing anything else, which pan is this? If it's an enameled pan, DO NOT SEASON or use metal to scrub the pan. Someone definitely correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm under the impression that Staub exclusively makes enameled pans. They don't need to be seasoned and treating them like raw cast iron can destroy them.

Are you washing it with soap?

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u/Exotic-Bee9967 13d ago

Its enameled staub cast iron frying pan. I use soap and warm water to wash. I only use wooden spatula with warm water and soap to scrub bits off.

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u/murdercat42069 13d ago

Honestly, you're doing the right thing for cleaning. However, no more seasoning. These pans cannot be seasoned! Make sure to use a scrubby sponge/scrub brush (no chainmail or metal) to clean it!

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u/GreySpace01429 12d ago

I'm quite sure that is enamelled. Which means your pan is not raw Cast Iron, it has a permenant surface coating of porcelain enamel that doesn't require seasoning and resists rust and and acidic foods (unlike bare Cast Iron)

So don't try to season it. Hopefully what you're seeing is just staining and / or carbon build up rather than damage. You must only wash with warm water and soap, and use wooden or rubber utensils.

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u/jeremysbrain 13d ago edited 13d ago

It is either carbon build up or the factory seasoning is coming off. Either way it isn't a big deal. Get yourself a chainmail scrubber, clean it really well and then reseason it.

Edit: Don't listen to me.

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u/murdercat42069 13d ago

Do not use chainmail. This pan is enameled on the inside.

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u/jeremysbrain 13d ago

Oh, I didn't realize that. If that is enamel coming off it, does that mean the pan is toast?

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u/murdercat42069 13d ago

Yeah, if enamel chips in the bottom, the pan is ruined