Restart a Cast Iron Skillet - food.straw.restart PEP BB

I found this Lodge 10” cast iron skillet in the trash.  It needed some work.  First I cleaned it up with a damp rag. Then I sanded what I could with a sander and finished with steel wool.  After a second wipe down with a damp rag, I heated it on the stove and added a layer of bacon grease.  A few days later while doing some baking, I put it in the oven and baked on the grease at 400.

I was able to get a big cast iron pan at a yard for 5 dollars!
First, I ran the oven on a self clean cycle with the pan inside.
Then, I wiped and wiped and wiped with a rag until I was satisfied.
I applied coconut oil to it and the lid and let it sit on the stovetop for a bit.
It looks ready to cook on. Maybe I’ll make pancakes for breakfast tomorrow?

Minimum requirements for this BB:
- restart a cast iron skillet, griddle or dutch oven

To show you've completed this Badge Bit, you must provide proof of the following as pictures or video (<2 mins):
  - original cast iron skillet
  - progress of restarting the cast iron skillet
  - completed restart of cast iron skillet


I got these skillets at an antique store. They are actually in really good shape compared to some cast irons I've done. We spent a few years accumulating pans from antique stores and resetting them for gifts for friends and family. They make good wedding presents, Christmas presents, graduation gifts, etc.

The new-to-me cast iron skillets.


I put them in the oven on self-clean.


I then scrubbed them with vinegar and then cleaned with some soap.


Dried them on the stove. It's hard to see how much rust and gunk is left when it's wet so I went back and scrubbed again until I was happy with them.


After drying, I rubbed them all over with olive oil.


Nice and clean and ready to use.