Caring for Your Netherton Foundry Loaf Tin

Using Your Pre-Seasoned Loaf Tin for the First Time

Your loaf tin is pre-seasoned and ready to use. Simply wash it in hot water (no soap or detergent), dry thoroughly, and you’re good to go. For optimal results, we recommend applying a light coating of flax oil before the first bake. This will help build up the seasoned layer and improve the tin’s long-term performance.

Re-Seasoning Your Loaf Tin at Home

Over time, your loaf tin may benefit from re-seasoning to maintain its naturally non-stick surface.

To re-season:

• If rust is visible, remove it gently with fine sandpaper or steel wool.
• Wash the tin in very hot, soapy water.
• Scrub with a stiff brush or scouring pad and dry thoroughly.
• Using a clean cotton cloth, apply a very thin, even layer of flax oil to the entire surface (inside and out).
• Place the tin upside down on an oven rack with a tray beneath to catch drips.
• Heat the oven gradually to around 250°C (480°F or Gas Mark 8).
• Once at temperature, bake for 1 hour.
• Turn off the oven and let the tin cool completely inside.
• Store in a dry, well-ventilated space.
• Thin coats work best — excess oil can lead to sticky patches.

Everyday Use

• Always preheat your loaf tin before baking to reduce sticking.
• Bring ingredients like butter, eggs, and liquids to room temperature for best results.
• Iron retains heat well, so allow your tin to cool gradually before cleaning.
• Avoid very cold water on a hot tin to prevent possible warping.

Cooking with Acidic Ingredients

Acidic ingredients (such as tomato paste or citrus) can erode the seasoned layer.

Tips:

• If using acidic ingredients in your recipe, re-season the tin afterward.
• If rust forms, follow the re-seasoning steps above.

Cleaning Your Loaf Tin

• Never clean in the dishwasher.
• Do not pour cold water into a hot tin — this may cause it to warp.
• Wash with hot water and a stiff plastic brush only.
• Avoid all soap and detergents.
• If food sticks, try gently boiling a little water in the tin to loosen residue.
• Dry thoroughly with a towel. Never let the tin air-dry.

Best Oils for Re-Seasoning

Use: Edible flax oil (also called linseed oil)
Avoid: Olive oil, nut oils (ineffective), or boiled linseed oil (not food-safe)

Storing Your Loaf Tin

• Store in a dry, airy cupboard or shelf.
• Do not cover tightly — trapped moisture may lead to rust.

Each Netherton Foundry loaf tin is individually handmade, so natural variation is to be expected. With simple, regular care, it will reward you with years of reliable service and character-rich baking results.

Netherton Foundry is a proudly family-owned business in the heart of South Shropshire, once known as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Where smokestacks once dominated the skyline, today there is a gentler rhythm to life, but the legacy of innovation remains.

Drawing deep inspiration from Shropshire’s iron masters of the 18th and 19th centuries, especially Abraham Darby, the pioneer behind the world’s first iron bridge, Netherton Foundry blends traditional craftsmanship with a modern environmental conscience. Their work reimagines the spirit of that extraordinary era, honouring its ingenuity while being mindful of the environmental lessons it left behind.

Each product is a celebration of heritage, quality, and sustainability, reflecting a time when things were made to last and made with care.