Although we work hard to make sure that everything we put it out is clean and presentable, this is still a secondhand store and things are still dusty and dirty. So, if you find some glamorous glass, a gorgeous piece of cast iron cookware, a new set of dishes, or some kitchen tools, make sure you give them a thorough cleaning before you use them!
Glass ware, kitchen item, and dishes can often be put through the dishwasher, but some of the older ones are not dishwasher safe, so do those by hand. To be on the safe side, wash all china by hand if you don't know its age. Cast iron is best washed by hand as well, but be sure to avoid letting it soak as this will promote rust. Keep a good scrubby handy and if you have stuck food or any other unwelcome guests in your pan, put some water in it and bring it to a rolling boil on the stove. This will help get most anything stuck in your pan off with ease. Seasoning your cast iron is very important as it helps make your pans more nonstick and virtually immortal. When you first get them home give them a good washing (use soap or go without, your choice) and then put some oil in the pan. Use an oil that's good for high temp cooking so you don't get burned oil flavor in your pans and keep away carcinogens. Wipe the pan down with the oil, inside and out, but make sure it's not sopping. You really only need to give it a light but thorough going over. Stick it on the stove or in the oven at a medium temp and let it cook for a little while then let it cool and give it a good wipe off with a clean absorbent rag or paper towel to get any excess oil off. Once it cools completely you can store as you would any other cookware, just being sure it's not kept somewhere damp.
Enjoy the new treasures!
Glass ware, kitchen item, and dishes can often be put through the dishwasher, but some of the older ones are not dishwasher safe, so do those by hand. To be on the safe side, wash all china by hand if you don't know its age. Cast iron is best washed by hand as well, but be sure to avoid letting it soak as this will promote rust. Keep a good scrubby handy and if you have stuck food or any other unwelcome guests in your pan, put some water in it and bring it to a rolling boil on the stove. This will help get most anything stuck in your pan off with ease. Seasoning your cast iron is very important as it helps make your pans more nonstick and virtually immortal. When you first get them home give them a good washing (use soap or go without, your choice) and then put some oil in the pan. Use an oil that's good for high temp cooking so you don't get burned oil flavor in your pans and keep away carcinogens. Wipe the pan down with the oil, inside and out, but make sure it's not sopping. You really only need to give it a light but thorough going over. Stick it on the stove or in the oven at a medium temp and let it cook for a little while then let it cool and give it a good wipe off with a clean absorbent rag or paper towel to get any excess oil off. Once it cools completely you can store as you would any other cookware, just being sure it's not kept somewhere damp.
Enjoy the new treasures!