Cast iron cookware is fantastic for so many uses. But it can be temperamental. If you purchased old cast iron or your own somehow got rust, this tutorial shows you exactly how to clean rust from cast iron cookware to leave it looking like new.
Cast iron, while durable, is susceptible to rust if not cared for properly. But you can often find older cast iron pieces at thrift stores or estate sales very cheaply, and snap them up because with these tips, they’re now worth snagging.
To remove rust from cast iron cookware, you need to use a blend of hands-on scrubbing with tools like steel wool and cleaners like vinegar. It takes a bit of work, but it’s absolutely worth it.
After dealing with the rust, make sure you rinse and dry your cookware completely to avoid rust forming again. Re-seasoning your pan is the final touch, refreshing its non-stick qualities and safeguarding it against future rust so it’s ready for the next time you want to use it.
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Initial Preparation
Start by examining the cast iron cookware thoroughly. You’ll need to locate all areas affected by rust and determine the extent of rust coverage. Understanding whether you’re dealing with minor surface or more severe pitted rust will help you gauge the effort required.
If the cast iron has any food residue or grease, wash it off using warm, soapy water and a brush. After washing, make sure to rinse the cookware thoroughly and dry it completely with paper towels.
Properly seasoned cast iron cookware will release everything from cinnamon rolls to omelets easily. But if you have old, stuck-on food, you want to be sure to clean it and reseason it to ensure it releases well the next time.
This is the only time you want to use soap when cleaning your cast iron cookware. Soap is normally the last thing you want to use, as it strips the seasoning from your pan and can leave it prone to rust, but in this case, you are already going to strip it and reseason it.
How to Physically Remove Rust
You can effectively remove rust from cast iron cookware through different scrubbing methods. Depending on the level of rust and what you have on hand, you can try one or more of these techniques to eliminate the rust.
Scrub with abrasives
Steel wool or sandpaper are effective options when removing rust with abrasives. It’s best to start with a coarse grade and then switch to a finer one to ensure the cookware’s surface isn’t damaged.
Vigorously rub the rusted areas and then wipe the surface down with a dry cloth to remove any rust particles. This works best for smaller patches of rust, but you need to ensure you don’t overdo it.
Use the salt and potato method
An unexpectedly effective method involves a potato and coarse kosher salt. To use this technique, sprinkle salt over the rusted area of the cookware.
Cut a potato in half and scrub the salt into the rust using the cut side – and yes, this is a perfect use for those old potatoes you forgot to cook. After scrubbing, rinse the cookware with water and then dry it well.
This works best with larger baking potatoes just because they’re easier to grip, but you can use any potato you have on hand. This technique also works well for larger areas of rust and is less potentially harmful to the cast iron surface.
Use a wire brush
For more stubborn rust, use a wire brush, especially if you have the kind that attaches to a drill for added efficiency. If you have small bits of surface area rust, this is overkill.
First, secure the cast iron cookware to prevent it from moving. Then, using steady pressure, scrub the wire brush on the rusted areas. After you remove the rust, clean the area with a dry cloth to remove all rust particles.
How to Use Chemical Reactions to Remove Ruse
You can also effectively treat and restore cast iron cookware with chemical rust removal methods. These approaches use chemical reactions to lift and dissolve the rust, which often makes removal easier.
Utilize a vinegar soak
Vinegar, thanks to its mild acidity, can effectively dissolve rust. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water into a container larger than your cookware, and use this to soak your pan.
Be mindful when using vinegar, as its acidic nature can damage cast iron if left in contact for too long. Use it cautiously, and keep a close watch on the cookware throughout the rust removal process to avoid any damage.
Fully submerge your cast iron cookware in the prepared solution for up to 24 hours, but remember to check on it periodically. The deeper the rust, the longer you need to let it soak, so start checking at 12 hours for surface rust patches.
After the soak, use a non-metallic brush and scrub away any remaining rust. Rinse the cookware thoroughly afterward and dry it immediately.
Apply rust removers
Commercial rust removers offer a concentrated solution to rust issues. Choose a rust remover designed specifically for your needs and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Be sure to wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when using chemical rust removers. These are my last resort when trying to save a pan, as it can be excessively caustic, but when you have deep and stubborn rust, sometimes this is the only way to remove rust from cast iron.
Cleaning Cast Iron After You Remove Rust
Once you successfully figured out how to clean rust from cast iron cookware, use warm water to rinse the piece and a soft sponge or cloth to gently clean the surface. I use the Ringer, which is a stainless steel chainmail design that works exceptionally well to clean cast iron without damaging it (I’ve owned it for over 10 years and still love it).
It’s critical now – and any other time you wash your cast iron – that you use non-abrasive materials to clean. This ensures that you don’t remove the seasoning or damage the surface that may allow rust to form again.
Cast iron and moisture don’t mix, so you cannot let it air-dry. That’s just asking for rust to come back.
Instead, place it on the stove over low heat to dry any lingering moisture, then give it a thorough wipe-down with a clean, dry cloth. Be sure to get every spot, handle, and edge.
Once the cookware is bone dry, season the cast iron by lightly coating it with oil or shortening using a cloth or paper towel. Rub off any excess oil to avoid a sticky finish.
Heat your oven to a temperature between 450 and 500 degrees, and bake your cookware for an hour upside down on the bottom rack with a layer of aluminum foil below it. When you put it upside down, this ensures the oil doesn’t pool in the pan and the foil catches any drips.
After the hour, turn off your oven and let the cookware cool down inside. Repeat this process at least twice for an extra robust seasoning layer before you cook something like these lemon garlic scallops.
How to Prevent Rust in the Future
To prevent rust and ensure your cast iron cookware lasts longer than you do, it takes simple steps to avoid rust and keep it well-seasoned. Keep your cookware in a dry environment, and use a paper towel to absorb any leftover moisture each time you clean it.
Routine maintenance is also crucial. After each cleaning, apply a thin layer of oil to maintain the seasoning, and dry the cookware thoroughly, preferably by heating it on the stove to remove any moisture.
The step where you put it into the oven is needed only if you accidentally remove the seasoning and need to reseason it. Otherwise, cast iron is simpler to care for than many other dishes you own.
No matter what, avoid common mistakes like soaking the cookware in water, using soap to clean it, or using metal scouring pads. All of these can damage the seasoning and promote rust.
And never, ever put it in the dishwasher.
Once you’ve brought your cast iron back to life, make sure you use it regularly. It’s one of my favorite tools in the kitchen to make everything from a mix it in the skillet mega chocolate chip cookie to skillet tamales that are so much easier than traditional ones.
Make sure to bookmark this tutorial on how to clean rust from cast iron cookware to remember next time!
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