Black residue

[Carol Caten]

I recently purchased a cast iron skillet in an antique store. It was very clean and in excellent condition. I, nonetheless, brought it home and cleaned it up and seasoned it according to directions on e-how. The pan seems to be like the one purchased by John Brown at a yard sale and identified as a "Lodge" circa 1930s.
I purchased it for using not collecting and have never owned one before. When I wipe the surface of the pan with a clean white paper towel, I am getting a black residue no matter how much I wipe. Is this pan safe to use?

 

[Doug D.]

That phenomenon is not unusual on a pan that has been stripped back down to bare iron. Washing with Dawn, rinsing, and drying should see a reduction. Sometimes the residue will be a brownish color. Go ahead and get it hot in the oven and apply your initial seasoning. Better instructions are here:

http://www.castironcollector.com/seasoning.php