Wash the aluminum skillet with soapy water and a kitchen sponge. Rinse the pan well with warm water and dry it with a soft cloth. This removes any dirt, debris or foreign objects that will hamper the curing process.
Dampen a paper towel with vegetable oil. Cover the cooking surface, including the walls, with a thin layer of the oil.
Pre-heat a burner on a low setting for two minutes. Set the aluminum skillet onto the heat and allow it to remain until the vegetable oil is completely evaporated, which generally takes anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes.
Remove the skillet from the heat and allow it to cool completely before rinsing it under a warm tap. Dry the aluminum skillet with a soft cloth.