Cast-iron skillets have been utilized almost religiously for a long time, but they became especially popular at the beginning of the 20th century. In some families, a cast- iron skillet is passed down from parents to children to grandchildren — and for good reason: When properly cared for, a good cast-iron skillet can last for generations. There’s nothing quite like a classic breakfast of bacon and eggs right out of the iron skillet. The problem is, once breakfast is over, you’re left with grease and other stuck-on food. But if you follow these steps, you’ll be left with a cast-iron skillet that’s good as new and ready for its next use. HOWTO CLEAN AND PRESERVE YOUR CAST-IRON SKILLET turn on the tap and let it run as hot as possible. (Warning: Never run cold water over hot iron. You’ll crack the metal and ruin the skillet.) Rinse the hot skillet under the hot water. There will be a lot of steam, so be sure to lean back a little! Then, using a wood or silicone spatula (never metal — this will scratch the iron), remove all excess grease and food particles. They should come off like a breeze. If any food particles remain, it’s time to break out the salt. Once the skillet is cool, add about a tablespoon of coarse salt and one tablespoon of water. With a soft sponge, scrub away the leftover debris. Once the remaining particles are gone, rinse and dry thoroughly. To make sure your skillet is completely dry, set it back on a hot burner for a few minutes so that all leftover water drops evaporate. To maintain the nonstick surface of the skillet, you’ll need to complete a few more steps. Remove it from heat and use a lint-free rag to gently rub a tablespoon of vegetable oil (coconut and peanut oil work too) into the surface of the skillet. Cover all parts of the skillet, including the bottom and handle, with a thin layer of oil, and when you see that dull shine, it’s good to go! Every time you use your cast-iron skillet, follow these steps. It may sound like a bit of extra work, but your skillet will reward you with decades of delicious meals! The best way to clean cast iron is to use heat. If you’ve let the skillet cool after cooking, start by heating it back up until you get a touch of smoke coming off the grease or stuck- on food. As the skillet heats up,
3 More Air Conditioning Myths To Cool Down With
Myth #1: Ceiling fans will keep your home cool when the air conditioner is off.
Truth: Ceiling fans are great for circulating air — but that’s all they do. They don’t cool the air in any way, though the movement of the air can create a mild cooling sensation on your skin. Some people opt to leave the ceiling fan on while they’re away from home and then turn the A/C off. This isn’t going to do much to keep your home cool or save on your electricity bill (in fact, this will hurt your bill more than anything — ceiling fans are surprising energy hogs). When you want to circulate the air, use your ceiling fan, but if you want to keep your home cool, turn on the A/C.
Myth #2: Air conditioning can make you sick.
Truth: There’s a belief that keeping your home cool — or downright cold — in the summer can cause a cold. The truth is keeping your home cool will have no effect on whether or not you catch a cold. People do report having cold-like symptoms after they turn on their air conditioning unit. This is something that often occurs in the spring or when you turn on your system after having it sit unused for long periods of time. The burst of air can push dust and other allergens into your home.
Myth #3: You can install an A/C anywhere in or around the home.
Truth: A/C units can’t go just anywhere. For outdoor units, you want to find a place that’s out of direct sunlight throughout the day. Finding a shaded or partially shaded spot will help increase efficiency. You also don’t want to install the unit in a heavily planted area, as keeping the unit clear of plants and other debris is important for maximum performance.
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