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How to Season a Cast Iron Skillet, According to Cooking Experts
Learn how to properly use one of the most versatile (and affordable) kitchen tools.
Zach is a freelance writer who has been active in media since 2009. In the more than a decade and a half since he moved to New York City to pursue a career in the industry, he has covered everything from pop culture and tech to food and New York City life and almost everything in between.
His work has appeared in Thrillist, Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, GQ, VinePair, Inside Hook, Forbes, Parents, Hop Culture, Gawker, and myriad other websites covering a wide range of topics from travel and food to the wine and spirits world, including as a reviewer for Liquor.com. He is also a Certified Cicerone® and serves on numerous tasting and judging panels, including the New York International Beer Competition and Ultimate Spirit Challenge.
Besides writing, Zach supplements his writing with entrepreneurial endeavors as the owner of two award-winning bars and restaurants in Manhattan. He's also an active hospitality educator and consultant, providing knowledge and training curriculums both in-house and for hire around New York City. He has appeared as an expert on nationally syndicated television shows, web series, and podcasts including Thrillist's "Best (and the Rest)," Heritage Radio Network's "Beer Sessions Radio," and more. In 2021, he signed on as the co-host of Back of House’s first podcast, So You Want To Run a Restaurant, which highlights conversations with owners, operators, and luminaries from the hospitality industry.
Given the amount of tools and gadgets available, it may seem impossible to have all the essential kitchen items you need on hand without blowing out your budget. But most chefs would agree that a cast iron skillet is one item worth investing in, thanks to how affordable and versatile they are. However, before you can start whipping up meals, it's important to know how to season a cast iron pan to get the best results. Read on for the best advice from cooking experts on how to get started and keep your utensil up to snuff over time.
The timeless tool has maintained relevance for a good reason: There's not much a cast iron skillet can't do.
"Cast iron has been used for generations and is making its way back into popularity," says Jessica Robinson, two-time cookbook author and founder of A Farmgirl’s Kitchen. "People are cooking and baking at home more regularly and looking for alternatives to nonstick cookware."
As the name suggests, a cast iron skillet is a cooking pan made from cast iron. And while it might seem old-fashioned, this traditional material comes with plenty of benefits.
"Cast iron skillets are known for their excellent heat retention and even heating," explains Jessica Chan, former professional chef and current food blogger at Jecca Chantilly. "They're heavy, durable, and versatile."
She says that cooks love them because they're ideal for various cooking methods, including searing, frying, sauteeing, and even baking.
"When seasoned and maintained properly, cast iron skillets even offer nonstick capabilities," Chan adds.
Why Is It Important to Season a Cast Iron?
Unlike your nonstick pots and pans, cast iron cookware isn't ready to fire up right out of the box: You'll need to prepare it first.
"Seasoning is a crucial component of keeping cast iron working properly," says Robinson. "Regular usage of your skillet or cast iron bakeware over time will leave a thin layer of cooking oil residue that creates a natural nonstick surface. In addition, it also helps cast iron cookware from rusting."
Ready to start cooking? Luckily, it won't take you too long to get everything ready. Here's how to season a cast iron skillet, according to experts.
Clean the Pan
The first part of the seasoning process should be to wash the unseasoned cast iron skillet by hand with warm water and a few drops of dish soap, says Chan.
"Then, immediately dry the skillet with a paper towel or dishcloth to prevent rusting," she says.
Coat It With Cooking Oil
Once the skillet is wiped clean, Chan says to rub a thin coating of vegetable oil onto the entire surface, including the cooking surface. You can also opt to use high-quality extra virgin olive oil, flaxseed oil, canola oil, peanut oil, or other cooking oils with a high smoke point.
"Use a paper towel to spread it evenly and wipe away any excess oil," she suggests.
Place It Upside Down in a Hot Oven
Your next step is to place the pan upside down on the middle rack of an oven that has been preheated to 400 degrees. Chan then says to bake the skillet for at least one hour then turn off the heat and let the pan cool completely in the oven.
"This process binds the oil to the cast iron and forms a protective layer of coating," Chan explains.
Robinson also suggests taking one extra step to help with clean up, by placing a piece of aluminum foil on the bottom rack of your oven to catch any oil drips.
Following the process above—and repeating it, if needed—isn't the only way to get your iron skillet read or cast iron pans ready.
"The second best way to season cast iron is by simply cooking with it," says Chan. "Regularly cooking with oil in a cast iron skillet will develop an extra layer of seasoning you can't get from cooking oil alone."
How Often Should You Season a Cast Iron?
Seasoning cast iron isn't something you do once and then forget about, however. You'll need to repeat the process over time.
"A cast iron skillet should be thoroughly re-seasoned in the oven every three to four months for optimal performance," Chan says. "But cooking with oil in the cast iron skillet regularly can help maintain the seasoning."
The re-seasoning process follows the same steps as the initial one, including cleaning and wiping down the pan before covering it in the cooking oil of your choice and sending it through another round in the oven.
How to Clean a Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
Once you season a cast iron pan, you'll also need to take special considerations in maintaining it.
"You should clean a cast iron pan by hand with hot water and a sponge," says Jeff Leitman, CEO of Hell's Kitchen Cookware. "Food should be scraped off, using coarse salt, a stiff brush, or steel wool to remove stubborn food stains. After each cleaning, it is recommended to apply a light coat of oil to maintain the seasoning on the cast iron skillet."
Robinson suggests always thoroughly wiping down and drying your clean cast iron pan, or even consider putting it back on the stove over low heat to ensure all water evaporates. However, there is still some debate about whether or not to use traditional dishwashing methods.
"I've found that I use soap mostly on the outside of my skillets," says Robinson. "If you use too much soap on the inside, it can easily remove the seasoning you've worked hard to maintain. Cast iron pans are pieces that are meant to last a lifetime and be passed down for generations."
Most cooks would agree that it's worth the effort to season a cast iron pan simply because of how much the simple tool can accomplish in the kitchen.
"Since cast iron retains heat well and distributes the heat more evenly, it helps cakes and baked goods rise better and bake more evenly," says Robinson. "But it's not only great for baking: It's perfect for homemade pizza, dinner rolls, bread, cornbread, biscuits, quiche, and more. Plus, cast iron is great on the stovetop, oven, on the grill, or for campfire cooking."
It's also the optimal piece of cookware for certain techniques. "Cast iron skillets are great for many recipes since they can withstand high heat," says Leitman. "Pan-seared foods, such as steaks and vegetables, are especially great."
Foods to Avoid With a Cast Iron
Though it's a versatile wonder, not all dishes belong in a cast iron pan.
"Cast iron is a reactive material so it’s important to avoid cooking highly acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus," says Chan. "The acidity can strip the seasoning and cause the food to taste metallic."
It's best to use non-reactive pans like stainless steel when cooking with highly acidic foods, she suggests. However, time can also play a factor.
"I have also found if you bake a pie in cast iron, remove it as soon as it's completely cooled, or it will remove all of the seasoning," Robinson warns.
Conclusion
Getting the most out of your cast iron cookware comes down to knowing how to season it properly. The process involves cleaning the new pan and fully drying it before wiping down all surfaces with high-heat cooking oil. Then, place it in a hot oven for an hour before turning off the heat and letting it cool.
As time goes by and you cook with your pan, you'll need to repeat the process and re-reseason it. Experts say you should also avoid using too much soap on your cookware, instead using steel wool and stiff brushes to remove food scraps before wiping the pan dry and lightly re-seasoning with a little oil on the stovetop.
It Ends With Us opened to $50 million at the domestic box office, but rumors about a behind-the-scenes rift between director Justin Baldoni, 40, and Blake Lively, 36, continue to rumble on. Lively plays Lily Bloom, a florist who ends up in a toxic relationship with Ryle Kincaid (Baldoni), in the first major adaptation of a Colleen Hoover novel. The movie hadn’t even been released before the first rumors started about possible friction on set between Baldoni and the rest of the cast. No one has gone on the record to make a statement either way, but plenty of sources have been leaking gossip from the set. Here’s what’s been reported so far.
Creative Differences?
Photo by NILS MEILVANG/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images
The issues between Baldoni and the rest of the cast/crew appear to go beyond mere creative differences. "All is not what it seems," a set source tells PEOPLE. "There is much more to this story. The principal cast and [author] Colleen Hoover will have nothing to do with him."
Social Media Evidence
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Fans note that Hoover, Lively, and Slate do not follow Baldoni back on Instagram. This could be nothing, but it certainly doesn’t look good.
Friction On Set?
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There was alleged friction on set with Lively, who is also a producer on the movie, clashing with Baldoni. “There are all these things that happen every day on set, there’s always friction that happens when you make a movie like this," Baldoni told ELLE. "Then at the end of the day, it’s that friction, I believe, that creates the beautiful art. Everything in life needs friction to grow. We created something so beautiful and so magical, and it was hard, and it was worth it at the same time. And I grew so much as both a filmmaker, an actor and as a person throughout this experience."
Complex Personalities?
Photo by James Devaney/GC Images
Baldoni also made some comments to TODAY that hint at friction. “Every movie is a miracle… You’re navigating complex personalities and trying to get everybody on the same page with the same vision. And mistakes are always made, and then you figure out how to move past them."
Who’s Directing Next?
Photo by Gotham/WireImage
When asked about directing the sequel, Baldoni seemed reluctant. "I think that there are better people for that one,” he told Entertainment Weekly. “I think Blake Lively's ready to direct. That's what I think." Hoover adds, "I think that whoever decides to take charge of the next one would do it justice. But, you know, it’s a lot of people to get the same schedules again."
Chauvinistic Behavior?
Photo by Nils Meilvang / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP) / Denmark OUT (Photo by NILS MEILVANG/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images
A source told the Daily Mail Baldoni created an uncomfortable atmosphere on set. “During scenes depicting abuse, Justin failed to consider Blake’s character’s perspective, instead focusing solely on what he believed was the abusive male viewpoint,” the source says. “His approach was very chauvinistic, creating a tense atmosphere on set.”
Method Acting?
Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Sony Pictures
The Daily Mail source suggests Baldoni might have taken method acting too far. “Justin almost became the character in the sense that some women on set felt he was borderline abusive to them and that he was unprofessional and unapologetic,” the source says. “Directing a film so serious and so important about domestic abuse without allowing the women to be included in this process is disturbing.”
Script Rewrites?
Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Sony Pictures
The Daily Mail source alleges Baldoni would take any script rewrite requests from Lively and Hoover personally. “Without Colleen's book, none of this would have been possible,” the source says. “Parts of the film were rewritten under the instruction of Colleen - they had to be. He took their script decisions very personally, even though they weren’t intended that way. His behavior extended beyond the main players. Once he felt ganged up on, he became even less empathetic.”
Clashes Behind the Scenes?
Photo by Gotham/WireImage
Some of the friction behind the scenes may be down to Ryan Reynolds being involved. “The iconic rooftop scene, my husband actually wrote it,” Lively told E! News. “Nobody knows that but you now. We help each other. He works on everything I do. I work on everything he does. So his wins, his celebrations are mine and mine are his. I mean, he's all over this film."
Spotlight on the Issue
Photo by Nils Meilvang / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP) / Denmark OUT (Photo by NILS MEILVANG/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images
A source tells PEOPLE that Baldoni is respectful and aware of the issues highlighted in the movie. “In every bit of press he has done, he has placed an emphasis on the importance of spotlighting this issue and breaking the cycle of violence,” the source says. “Though this is Justin’s biggest directing and acting role to date, this film has never been in the interest of self-promotion. It has, and will continue to be about the message with the goal of touching real lives and inspiring people to speak out against DV. Ultimately, it is about the survivors and hope.”
You never quite know when a movie might become a beloved cult classic—many of the following films were not runaway successes when they first came out, but have since cemented their place in cinema history. Comedy, science fiction, romance, and fantasy all feature heavily in this collection, which includes a movie where an actor made Mel Brooks laugh so hard the director lost money from ruined takes. Can you guess which one? Read on to find out!
Starring Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, and Julianne Moore, this Coen Brothers’ movie is known for its quirky characters and funny dream sequences, not to mention the brilliant dialogue. “I’m so happy to be in that movie,” Bridges told The Hollywood Reporter. “I pretty much dug it all, man. There’s an aspect of the Dude I aspired to — he’s authentic, isn’t he? He’s who he is, and that’s about it. He’s a lovely cat.”
The Princess Bride (1987)
20th Century Fox
Starring Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, and Mandy Patinkin, The Princess Bride is full of quotable quotes and pure magic. This fantasy adventure is beloved by movie buffs for good reason. "I loved that it was about true love and that she would never give up and nor would Westley," Wright told Entertainment Weekly. "You always dream about as a little girl but I never stopped dreaming about that."
Repo Man (1984)
Universal Pictures
Emilio Estevez, Harry Dean Stanton, and Tracey Walter star in Repo Man, a movie that deserves its cult classic status. “The day I auditioned for The Breakfast Club I went on a Taco Bell commercial audition as well. I was just happy for any callback. I also auditioned for 16 Candles and really believed I nailed it, but they told me I didn’t get the part and I needed to go audition for Repo Man,” Estevez told Boise State Public Radio.
Withnail and I (1987)
Handmade Films
Richard E. Grant, Paul McGann, and Richard Griffiths star in this comedy drama is known for its sharp wit and memorable dialogue. Withnail and I is still deservedly considered one of the most quotable comedies ever written.
Clerks (1994)
Miramax Films
Starring Brian O'Halloran, Jeff Anderson, and Jason Mewes, this cult Kevin Smith movie is perfectly representative of the slacker 90s genre. “I worked in six convenience stores in New Jersey from 1989 to 1993, which is where Clerks came from,” Smith told The Guardian. “It was an appealing, easy job, like being a bartender: it puts you nominally in charge and people have to socialize with you.”
Harold and Maude (1971)
Paramount Pictures
Starring Bud Cort, Ruth Gordon, and Vivian Pickles, this love story still has a devoted following. “The film was written for L.A., but none of us felt that the ambience was right,” producer Charles Mulvehill told Variety. “So we found an estate in Hillsborough instead. Hal wanted to be away from the studio, and he didn’t want people showing up at the set all the time.”
The Cable Guy (1996
Sony Pictures
Jim Carrey, Matthew Broderick, and Leslie Mann star in this dark comedy directed by Ben Stiller. Carrey gives a typically unhinged performance as a demented cable installer in this cult movie.
The Goonies (1985)
Warner Bros. Pictures
The ultimate 80s classic coming-of age story, The Goonies is still beloved by movie buffs. Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Ke Huy Quan, and Jeff Cohen are magical in their roles as friends looking for pirate treasure.
Ghostbusters (1984)
Columbia Pictures
Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis give career-cementing turns in this supernatural comedy. Murray is his typical sardonic best in this classic 80s movie.
Beetlejuice (1988)
Warner Bros. Pictures
Starring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Geena Davis, this wonderfully weird movie put Ryder on the map. A Tim Burton classic that still stands up today, with Keaton giving an iconic performance as the titular character.
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988)
Allied Filmmakers
Starring John Neville, Eric Idle, and Sarah Polley, this Terry Gilliam’s film is imaginative and whimsical. A classic fantasy adventure rightfully beloved by movie buffs.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
Paramount Pictures
Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, and Mia Sara star in this funny, unique high school comedy directed by—who else?—John Hughes. “He was not easygoing in some ways,” Broderick told The Hollywood Reporter. “He was nervous it wouldn’t come out right.”
Labyrinth (1986)
Tri-Star Pictures
Starring David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly, and Toby Froud, Labyrinth is one of the most beloved fantasy movies ever made. It’s hard to pinpoint what makes this film so iconic but Bowie’s performance elevated the Jim Henson classic.
Spaceballs (1987)
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Mel Brooks, Bill Pullman, John Candy, and Rick Moranis send up movies like Star Wars in this hilariously offbeat science fiction parody. “Rick was hysterically funny in the role,” Brooks says. “He cost me a lot of money because I ruined so many takes he was in by helplessly breaking into loud laughter.”
A Christmas Story (1983)
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon, and Darren McGavin star in the ultimate holiday movie. Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without watching this nostalgic, heartwarming comedy.
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Buena Vista Pictures
Starring Gene Hackman, Anjelica Huston, and Gwyneth Paltrow, The Royal Tenenbaums is Wes Anderson at his quirky and wonderful best.
Rushmore (1998)
Buena Vista Pictures
Another Wes Anderson delight, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, and Olivia Williams light up the screen in this coming-of-age comedy. Funny, unique, and endlessly rewatchable.
My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Toho
Starring Noriko Hidaka, Chika Sakamoto, and Shigesato Itoi, this Hayao Miyazaki classic is beloved for its charm and gentle storytelling. My Neighbor Totoro is easily one of the best animated films ever made.
The Birdcage (1996)
United Artists
Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, and Gene Hackman are perfectly cast in this very, very funny movie about a gay cabaret owner pretending to be straight for the sake of his son. The movie is not witty but full of heart and pathos.
Tootsie (1982)
Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange, and Teri Garr star in Tootsie, one of the best comedies from the 80s. The movie’s themes are still very relevant today, and it’s Hoffman at his finest.
Have we reached peak hydration culture? It’s become totally normalized for people to walk around carrying giant tumblers of liquids (remember the Stanley cup craze?) but is it necessary, or even dangerous to be drinking this much water? “People have this fear that they’re always dehydrated or underhydrated and they need to fix that regularly,” Colleen Muñoz, director and co-founder of the Hydration Health Center at the University of Hartford, tells the Wall Street Journal. “That’s probably not usually the case.” So how do you know if you’re overdoing it with the water? Here’s what the experts have to say.
Severe water intoxication is dangerous and comes with alarming symptoms. “Water intoxication comes from drinking too much water," nurse practitioner Elizabeth Clay tells OSF HealthCare. "And it can lead to some severe symptoms. You can get a headache, disorientation, confusion, nausea, vomiting – it can even be fatal.”
2. Blood Pressure
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Muscle weakness, double vision, and a rise in blood pressure are also symptoms of water intoxication. “The amount of water that a person should consume is going to be individualized," Clay says. "But overall, your kidneys can only handle so much. And that's between 0.8 and one liter. So, you really don't want to be taking in more than that per hour in water.”
3. Low Sodium
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Drinking too much water can cause hyponatremia. "This is where sodium in the body is too low from excessive sodium loss in sweat or urine," pediatrician and sports medicine specialist Jeffery Cline, MD, tells University of Utah Health. "Or it is diluted by taking in too much free water without any electrolytes."
5. Nausea and Vomiting
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6. Dehydration and Intoxication
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Be careful not to let dehydration lead to drinking too much water in a short amount of time. “Dehydration can play a major role in water intoxication because when a person feels that they're getting dehydrated, they may try to overcompensate and may drink too much water at one time, and your body can't handle that," Clay says. "So, you'll start to get these symptoms whether it's nausea, vomiting, confusion – just disruption of your brain activity – and that comes from that depletion of sodium. And so, your cells inside your brain are holding on to that water and it causes swelling inside your brain and that can lead to some serious complications.”
7. Mental Confusion
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Mental confusion could be a sign of overhydration. “In severe cases symptoms could include mental confusion, seizures, unconsciousness and even coma,” says Gundersen Health. “The first treatment is to stop drinking fluids which will help someone recover in a few hours. However, with more severe symptoms, immediate medical attention may be necessary.”
8. Fatigue
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Loss of energy, drowsiness, and fatigue are all possible symptoms of too much water, says the Mayo Clinic. “You may feel nauseous or sleepy, and you may develop vision problems, muscle cramps or elevated blood pressure levels,” Candacy George, D.O., tells ChristianaCare News. “In rare cases, overhydration may cause breathing difficulties, seizures and even death.”
9. How Much Water?
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So how much should you drink? “Everyone has individualized hydration needs, but generally, women should drink 9 cups of water daily, and men should drink 13 cups, according to the National Academy of Medicine. Look at your urine to gauge how well you’re hydrating; it should be pale yellow. Darker urine may be a sign of dehydration. Clear urine, combined with excessive water intake, may suggest overhydration,” George says.
There’s no denying that the rise of Netflix has forever changed how we watch our favorite shows and movies. Anyone who has ever lost an evening—or even an entire weekend—to a binge-watching session can attest to just how easy it can be to get sucked in and hit that “Are you still watching?” prompt again and again. But even though the streaming service has made it simpler than ever to access content on demand, there are still some handy tricks you might not know about. Read on for eight cool and useful Netflix features you’re probably not using.
Big names have long been a way to draw audiences to the box office, and streaming hasn’t changed that. However, staying on top of the latest releases has made it somewhat more complicated to follow some of your personal favorites’ careers—unless you have a Netflix account.
One of the service’s most overlooked features is the ability to search for content by actor or artist. Besides typing their name into the app’s search bar, you can also dive deeper by clicking the “More info” button after you’ve finished a program and selecting their name from the “cast” tab, according to MakeUseOf.com. This will bring up their entire body of work that you can dive right into or bookmark to watch later.
2. You can play games.
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Most people are entertained by Netflix’s broad catalog of content that they can access simply by pressing play. But did you know you could also use your membership to literally play?
Besides being a streaming platform, Netflix users are also usually surprised to discover that they also have access to about 50 different games. The titles are available for download to mobile devices and tablets as part of your membership, with options like vintage versions of the iconic Grand Theft Auto series, arcade-style games, sports, puzzles, and more.
3. You can reboot your algorithm.
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Even though Netflix started cracking down on password sharing not long ago, there’s a decent chance that the algorithm that’s supposed to help you find your next binge-watch has gotten seriously derailed. But instead of slogging through lackluster recommendations, use a handy feature to get back on track.
Members can easily reset their algorithm by going through their viewing history and removing titles they don’t want to be associated with their account, according to MakeUseOf.com. Simply click on the account icon and select “viewing history” to access yours and begin dropping shows and movies that don’t appeal to you or were abandoned mid-watch. This can be especially helpful if your interests have changed in recent years or if you share the account with someone you live with.
4. Don't neglect the rating option.
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Your viewing history isn’t the only way Netflix decides what it wants to serve up to you next. The service has also long provided a way to rate content, providing users the option to mark titles as “did not like,” “liked it,” and “loved it.”
While it can be easy to skip over this as the credits roll on the final episode, it can actually help keep the app aware of what you actually want to watch. Making it a point to use this feature can cut down on the time you spend frantically searching for something new to start.
5. Optimize download for travel and mobile viewing.
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Netflix isn’t just a great option for hanging out on the couch: The app is also available on mobile devices, making it a fantastic way to pass the time while traveling or commuting. But unfortunately, it’s only helpful if you’re someplace with a decent cell or internet connection—unless you plan ahead.
According to Tom’s Guide, users can change their settings to ensure they’re never left without another episode on the go. One involves enabling “Download Next Episode,” which will both download the next segment of the series you’re watching onto your device and delete any finished content. And if you trust Netflix’s algorithm, turning on “Downloads for You” will have the app stockpile content it thinks you'll enjoy offline.
Do you have a show or movie you know you’ll want to have access to? You can also always prep specific content ahead of time simply by clicking “download” on its title page.
6. Reset your watch progress.
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Whether you’re prone to falling asleep mid-episode or someone else in your home is better at bingeing shows than you, it can be hard to stay on top of which shows you’ve actually watched. Instead of jumping around trying to find where you left off, you might want to try starting from scratch with Netflix’s helpful feature that allows you to reset your watch progress.
Similar to fixing your algorithm suggestions, you’ll have to access your viewing history to get started, per MakeUseOf.com. From there, you can choose to restart an episode or go back to the beginning of an entire series. This way, you can make your way through your new favorite show at your own pace.
7. Learn keyboard shortcuts.
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Watching Netflix on your laptop? You might be surprised to know you can navigate the experience more easily by using keyboard shortcuts, just like in some of your other go-to programs.
According to Tom's Guide, the relatively straightforward commands include being able to jump ahead 10 seconds by using the left and right arrow keys and controlling volume with the up and down keys. You can also press “M” to quickly mute your content or “F” to quickly enter full-screen mode.
8. Change your subtitles.
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No matter what your hearing level is, many viewers now opt to keep subtitles turned on while watching shows and movies to ensure they don’t miss any dialogue. However, you can go further than just turning them on or off.
According to MakeUseOf.com, users also have the option to change the look of the subtitles on their screen. By clicking on the account button and selecting “subtitle appearance,” you can control everything from font size and type to background color and shadowing. This can be especially handy if you’re watching on different screens or have difficulty making out the text.
It wouldn’t be quite accurate to say COVID is back when it never left, but the virus is making itself felt again. “We've seen a bit of a seasonal pattern emerge where we've had an uptick in COVID in the summer and then another one in the winter—usually the winter one being more severe,” Michael Ben-Aderet, MD, associate medical director of Hospital Epidemiology at Cedars-Sinai, tells Cedars-Sinai Newsroom. “The FLiRT variants is just a technical term for the continued mutation of the Omicron variants of COVID-19. And for the last year or so, pretty much all the variants of COVID-19 that we've seen circulate in the United States have been variants of Omicron.”While it’s natural to get nervous about COVID spikes, summer surges are not unusual. “This has been the case for a couple of years,” Dr. Ben-Aderet says. “Why that is, I don't think anyone truly understands. A lot of viruses are seasonal in nature. Some viruses are seasonal in summer; some are in winter. COVID-19 seems to be in both. Some of that has to do with the virus itself—the virology, how it spreads. And another aspect of it is human behavior: School being out, people being on vacation, people traveling, people mixing and doing more activities does play a role in that summer surge.”
With COVID surging in places, here’s how to protect yourself—and others—from getting sick.
The right mask can help prevent transmission. “Make sure to wear a good, well-fitting mask. They’ve been proven to help prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Dr. Ben-Aderet says. “If you haven't been vaccinated, vaccines are still available, and it's really best to be up to date on your vaccinations. Avoid being around others who are sick. If you are exposed or if you're sick, stay home if you don’t need to go out.”
Vaccines and Boosters
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The CDC recommends staying up to date with vaccines and boosters. “Although vaccinated people sometimes get infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines significantly lowers the risk of getting very sick, being hospitalized, or dying from COVID-19.”
"Everyone six months or older should get the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine, including pregnant moms,” says CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen. “For RSV, all infants under 8 months and children 8-19 months with risk factors should get nirsevimab. Pregnant moms between 32-36 weeks gestation can get the maternal RSV vaccine. All adults over 75 should get an RSV vaccination, and adults 60-74 with risk factors should get a one-time lifetime dose."
Clean Air
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The CDC recommends taking steps for cleaner air. “If your home has a central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC, a system with air ducts that go throughout the home) that has a filter, set the fan to the ‘on’ position instead of ‘auto’ when you have visitors and use pleated filters. Change your filter every three months or according to the manufacturer's instructions.”
Get Tested
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If in doubt, get tested. “All available testing, both commercial and home testing, will still test against the FLiRT variants,” Dr. Ben-Aderet says. “Paxlovid is still widely available and still works very well. So there hasn't been any reduction in activity of Paxlovid, and it’s still recommended for high-risk individuals with COVID-19.”
Stay Home
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If you test positive for COVID, the CDC recommends staying home to stop the spread of the virus. “When you go back to your normal activities, take added precaution over the next 5 days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors. This is especially important to protect people with factors that increase their risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses.”
Good Hygiene
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Continue practicing good hygiene, like stringent hand-washing. “Handwashing has always been one of the most effective ways of keeping diseases at bay,” says Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Region. “It is a simple act that pays dividends when it comes to keeping ourselves healthy and safe. Handwashing is also one of the key cornerstones of COVID-19 prevention. Now more than ever, as we embrace the new normal and live with COVID-19, hand hygiene needs to become an integral part of our daily routine and our lives as we live through this pandemic and beyond to protect us from diseases.”
Don’t hesitate to get treatment if you feel unwell.” Seek health care promptly for testing and/or treatment if you have risk factors for severe illness,” says the CDC. “Treatment may help lower your risk of severe illness, but it needs to be started within a few days of when your symptoms begin.”