Use the lid to trap heat and moisture for faster simmering, steaming vegetables, and braising — the self-basting rings on the underside cycle moisture back onto your food for tender, juicy results. Before first use, rinse and dry. After cooking, rinse with warm water and loosen any residue with a stiff brush or chain mail scrubber (a little gentle dish soap is fine); a chain mail scrubber works neatly around the basting rings. Dry thoroughly, rub on a thin coat of seasoning oil, and buff away the excess. Store on top of a fully dried skillet or separately to prevent trapped moisture and rust.