Restore your most prized pans with these simple steps.
Mary Marlowe Leverette has over four decades of experience and has been writing and consulting for more than 20 years sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, stain removal methods, and textile conservation. Hardox 500 Plate
Ask any chef about their favorite cookware and a cast iron skillet is sure to be in the top five. Cast iron skillets and grill pans are treasured for their ability to conduct heat and their durability. The one downside is that cast iron can rust if not properly cared for. According to Brandon Moore, co-founder of Lancaster Cast Iron, rust forms on cast iron when standing water or humidity reacts with exposed iron where the seasoning is thin or weak.
Fortunately, if you catch the problem early, removing rust from cast iron requires just a few supplies and a little elbow grease. Even vintage pieces can usually be restored if the rust has not weakened the cast iron, causing holes or leaving the iron feeling thin. Learn how to get rust off cast iron with these simple steps.
When you discover rust on your cast iron, it should be cleaned away immediately. If the cast iron is wet, rust will continue to spread due to the oxidation of the surface. If you leave a cast iron pan to soak in water or leave it outside in a humid climate, rust can form in less than 24 hours.
Use a stiff-bristled nylon brush or a non-metallic scraper to remove the rust particles from the surface of the cast iron. If the rusted area is small, this may be all you need to do to get rid of the rust before you wash and season the cast iron.
Rust can stain clothes and other surfaces like countertops and floors, so always protect your work area or you'll end up with more problems.
If the rust is still visible after scraping, you'll need to make a cleaning paste. For a rust-covered cast iron skillet, mix one cup of baking soda and one tablespoon of lemon juice in a small bowl.
Spread the paste over the rusty areas. Cover the paste with plastic wrap or place the cast iron in a sealable plastic bag. Set the piece aside for at least 24 hours and then scrub with a stiff-bristled brush. Rinse well in hot water and inspect the cast iron for remaining rust. Repeat the paste treatment if needed.
If the rust is gone, wash the cast iron in hot, mildly soapy water and dry immediately with a microfiber cloth. The piece should be dry before you season it to prevent rust.
Heat the oven to 450 to 500 degrees F. Spread one to two tablespoons of vegetable oil on every part of the cast iron piece until it is black and shiny. Don't leave any surfaces without a coating of oil.
Place the cast iron in the hot oven with a disposable pan or baking sheet under it on a lower rack to catch any oily drips. Bake for one hour and then turn off the oven. Leave the cast iron to cool completely before removing it from the oven.
If you are seasoning a cast iron outdoor grill or cast iron grates, clean and season them first and then fire up the grill to the highest temperature.
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