AUS-ION™ Polished Cleaning & Care
Jump To:
Unlike our traditional seasoned iron, AUS-ION™ Polished doesn't require any seasoning. The smooth, precision polished cooking surface is ready to use from day one and stays easy to maintain with simple, regular care.
With everyday use and occasional light scrubbing, the surface remains smooth, durable, and naturally low-stick. Cleaning can be as simple as a quick wipe-out after cooking (though for best results, wash, dry thoroughly, and apply a very thin layer of oil to protect the surface).
The polished surface will naturally darken with use; this is expected and does not affect performance. If you prefer a brighter finish, you can restore it anytime.
To refresh the shine:
- Lightly scrub with a scourer or steel wool, following the circular grain
- Rinse and dry thoroughly
- Apply a thin layer of oil to protect the surface
This removes any build-up, restores smoothness, and resets the surface to its original polished feel.
First decide, is my pan dirty or just a bit oily? You may not always need to wash your pan to clean it; you will find that a wipe out after cooking will often suffice with iron cookware.
Always use a wooden or steel scraper to loosen/remove any stuck on food residue before the pan cools. This only takes a few seconds and it is much harder to remove stuck on residue once the pan has cooled!
When required, clean your pan under hot (not boiling), running water – preferably while your pan is still warm. Soap is optional.
After washing/cleaning, immediately dry your pan with a cloth or paper towel.
To finish, where possible, place your pan on a still-warm stovetop (or turn heat on low), to ensure that your pan is completely dry before storing. This will help prevent rust.
Never place your iron pan in a dishwasher — these skillets are for hand-washing only.
Even with a smoother polished surface, release is tied down to two essentials: heat and fat. With the right balance of heat, fat, and time, your proteins will easily slide off from the very first cook.
For best results:
- Preheat gradually (medium is your new high — our pans are very conductive)
- Add oil once the pan is warm
- Let proteins rest briefly (not fridge-cold)
- Give food space — don't overcrowd
- Wait for food to naturally release before flipping
- Keep the surface smooth — remove stuck bits after cooking
To prevent sticking, AVOID:
- Overheating or heating too fast
- Cooking completely dry
- Adding cold food to a hot pan
- Overcrowding the pan
- Flipping too early
- Leaving burnt-on patches or rough residue
If you've tried everything and still need help, email info@solidteknics.com with photos or a video and we'll guide you.
Do I need to season my AUS-ION™ Polished pan?
No! The cooking surface is polished and does not require seasoning. After use, simply clean, dry thoroughly, and apply a very thin layer of oil to the surface.
How can it be non-stick without seasoning?
The polished surface reduces the microscopic texture that normally causes food to stick to raw iron. With the right balance of heat and oil, food releases easily — even without a built-up seasoning layer.
Will the surface stay shiny?
Over time, the polished surface will naturally dull with use — this is normal and does not affect performance. If you'd like to bring the shine back, scrub with a scourer or steel wool, following the circular grain of the pan.
Can I build seasoning if I want to?
Yes. While it's not necessary, you can absolutely develop a natural patina over time through regular cooking. The pan will darken and become even more low-stick — just like traditional wrought iron.
Is the polished surface a coating?
No. There are no coatings or chemicals on our pans. The surface is simply solid wrought iron that has been precision polished smooth.
Can I cook acidic foods?
Yes. Because the cooking surface is polished rather than built on a traditional seasoning layer, there's no seasoning to strip away. If you want a completely inert option for acidic dishes, our nöni™ stainless steel range is the best choice.
Is it suitable for all cooktops?
Yes. AUS-ION™ Polished pans are compatible with all heat sources, including induction, gas, electric, oven, BBQ, and open flame.