Many years ago when I purchased my set, I just followed the very simple instructions on the pan labels. You need to peel potatoes and boil the peelings in water for given time. This is to remove a protective coating of bee's wax. Clean, dry and swipe with reccomended oil (I can't recall ) heat, wipe and store with a faint coat of oil. The more you use these the better they get. So much better than non-stick!