Cast iron pans are highly regarded in the cooking community for their longevity and great results, but they also require a bit of special care due to the nature of cast iron.
If left to their own devices or misused, cast iron can easily fall into disrepair and become cracked or rusty. Fear not! Many home and professional chefs have found themselves in this position before and your rusty cast iron is absolutely NOT garbage. It just needs a little bit of help.
Restoring cast iron is relatively easy when you know what to do. The timeless piece just needs some simple tools and good old-fashioned elbow grease.
Whether you were passed down a pan that has seen better days, found a beautiful vintage piece at a flea market in rough shape, or simply stored your pan in a musty box in the basement for a few years, we will teach you how to restore cast iron it to its former glory.
Rust is not as severe of a dilemma as a cracked pan. It will take a little bit of work and some inexpensive supplies you probably already have hanging around your home. Learn how to clean a rusted cast iron skillet or pot by following the simple steps below.
Determine the level of rusting
Some pans will just have some surface-level rust on cast iron in a few spots, which is commonly referred to as profile rusting. If you have a pan with mild rusting skip to the next step.
If your pan is covered in severe rust over the majority of its surface we suggest you start with a vinegar soak.
Vinegar Soak
What you'll need:
- Equal parts water and vinegar
- A basin or bowl large enough for your pan to be submerged
- Steel wool
Instructions:
- Fill your sink with an equal part mixture of tap water and white vinegar.
- Fully submerge your pan in the solution, and leave it to soak. The rust will start to dissolve and loosen. You can soak a pan this way up to 6 hours, but it may only take an hour or two, depending on the level of rust on your pan.
- Check in on the pan often and see how it has progressed.
- Remove your previously rusty pots and pans from the solution as soon as the vinegar has done its job as the vinegar can start to damage the pan if left to soak too long.
- The rust may be loosened enough that you can just put the steel wool directly on the pan and scrub inside and out.
- Rinse and dry well
Removing rust from cast iron
Normally, taking steel wool, a scrub brush, or a scrub pad to your cast iron would be the death of the seasoning. You must compromise the seasoning on your pan temporarily in order to get rust off cast iron. Try to avoid using a copper scrub pad as it may still be too harsh and damage your cast iron.
There are a few different methods for a restoration process, besides the vinegar method, that will remove the rust from your cast iron skillet:
1. Vinegar Method
See above.
2. Dish Soap Method
What you'll need:
- Mild dish soap and water
- Steel wool
Instructions:
- Add some mild dish soap and water to the pan.
- Scrub rusted areas with steel wool.
- Rinse and dry well.
3. Baking Soda Method
This one works great for less severe cases of rust, as baking soda makes a great mild abrasive.
What you'll need:
- A few pinches of baking soda
- Water
- Scrub brush
Instructions:
- Sprinkle baking soda inside of the pan.
- Add a little bit of water and mix with the soda to form a paste.
- Use a scrub brush to rub the paste into rust and remove it.
- Flip pan over and repeat.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly.
4. Coarse Salt Method
What you'll need:
- 1/2 - 1 cup of coarse salt
- Scrubber or a towel
Instructions:
- Pour 1/2 - 1 cup of coarse salt in the bottom of the pan, depending on size.
- Take a scrubber or a towel and rub thoroughly, concentrating on rusty areas.
- Flip over pan and repeat.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Clean your cast iron
Your rusty cast iron has been restored to its original glory. The time has come to start over again from scratch. No matter the method you used to remove the rust, you will need to give your cast iron a thorough cleaning.
Wash your pan with mild dish soap and a soft towel to remove any leftover particles of rust, salt, baking soda, etc. Then, take a clean dry dishtowel and thoroughly dry the pan.
Towel drying is one of the most important steps in preventing more rust in the future. Moisture is not this pan's friend!
Seasoning your cast iron pan
The great news is you have now fully removed the rust from your cast iron cookware. The process of removing all of that rust will have effectively removed, or greatly disturbed, your cast iron seasoning. Luckily, re-seasoning your pan isn't as difficult as it may seem.
How to season cast iron:
- Take your clean, dry pan and rub a thin layer of vegetable oil or shortening on the cast iron. Don't forget to cover the outside and handle of the pan. The cooking oil you use is very important in this process. Do not use olive oil as the smoke point is too low and it will burn. Unsaturated oils, like canola or flaxseed, are best as they polymerize (combine) to the metal more easily.
- Lightly rub any excess oil away with a towel or paper towels.
- Take your pan and place it inside of your oven, upside down on your upper rack. Place a piece of aluminum foil or baking sheet on the rack below the pan to catch any oil that drips as it bakes.
- Heat the oven to 350°F and bake for 1 hr.
- Turn off the heat. Leave the pan inside the oven until it cools. (This prolongs the heating a little bit more and helps the polymers to form.)
- Remove the pan from the oven.
- Repeat the process. You should do this at least a few more times. You will notice the surface on your cast iron will start to look smooth and shiny - this is exactly what you want to see!
A good seasoning will help prevent food sticking and provide even cooking. Here is some more advice abouthow to season cast iron.
Avoid future rusting
Now that you have a rust-free, fantastically seasoned cast iron pan, you will want to keep it that way for as long as possible. There are a few things you can do to avoid rust in the future:
- Clean your cookware immediately after use
- Don't let it sit on the sink after cleaning, because this increases the risk of bacteria and water spots
- Thoroughly towel dry after every single use/wash, or put it back on a warm stove top and let all the water evaporate.
Check out some other great tips forcleaning cast ironand keeping your set in prime condition!
Can you ruin a cast iron pan?
Yes. Not every cast iron skillet can be restored. If you're dealing with a cracked pan it is likely no longer of use to you. You can take the pan to a welder to repair the crack, but it is a costly process that isn't really worth it in the long run unless you have some serious emotional ties to the piece. Letting go of the pan and purchasing a new skillet is both cheaper and easier to do.
The final word
If your cast iron cookware is rusted there are several ways to solve the problem. Make sure you determine the level of rust and then decide if you want to use vinegar, baking soda, dish soap, or coarse salt. Make sure to clean your cast iron once you're done, and then season it for future cooking. And to avoid future rusting, clean it and dry it properly after use. There's no reason why rust should get in the way of you using your favorite cast iron pot or pan in the future. Simply bookmark this guide, and come back to it when they rust sets in.
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FAQs
Does vinegar remove rust from cast iron? ›
The vinegar solution will dissolve the rust, but once that's gone, it can penetrate further and start eating away at the original cast surface of the pan, the ultimate death sentence for your skillet. If that happens, retire it to a piece of farmhouse-chic kitchen decor.
What is best oil to season cast iron? ›All cooking oils and fats can be used for seasoning cast iron, but based on availability, affordability, effectiveness, and having a high smoke point, Lodge recommends vegetable oil, melted shortening, or canola oil, like our Seasoning Spray.
How long do you soak cast iron in vinegar? ›Soak your rusty cast iron skillet. Place your cast iron cooking implements in the vinegar mix, so they are totally covered. Leave to soak for up to 8 hours. It's important to remember that rust might come away before the eight-hour period is over, so it's important to check the skillet every half hour.
What dissolves rust on cast iron? ›The easiest way to remove rust from cast iron is to soak the pan in a 1:1 vinegar and water solution. Then scrub the rust off with a scrubby sponge, scrub brush, or steel wool.
Does WD 40 Remove rust cast iron? ›WD-40 Specialist® Rust Remover Soak quickly dissolves rust and restores tools, equipment, and surfaces to bare metal without chipping, scraping or scrubbing. Great for removing rust from tools, metal, cast iron, chrome parts, and more without harming paint, gaskets, trim, or other surrounding parts.
Can you use steel wool on cast iron? ›Can I use steel wool or a metal scrubber to clean my cast iron pan? No! We recommend using a pan scraper or the Lodge Chainmail Scrubber to remove any stuck-on residue.
Can I use bar keepers friend on cast iron? ›The simplest way to remove a lot of rust from cast iron is to make a slurry of Bar Keepers Friend and a couple of tablespoons of water in the pan and scrub the rust off using a stainless steel scrubber. We recommend wearing rubber gloves. Again, wash, dry, and re-season your pan afterward.
What happens if you leave cast iron in vinegar for too long? ›Keep checking it, because leaving the pan in vinegar too long—once the rust has been loosened—will start to damage the cast iron itself. Once the soak is complete, gently scrub the rust away from the cast iron pan with your scrubber.
Can you let a cast iron soak overnight? ›Don't let it soak in the sink
Cast iron is porous, meaning that long exposure to water can cause it to soak up the moisture and eventually rust. While a short soak won't do much harm, I avoid soaking the thing for fear of forgetting it and ruining the cure I've worked so hard develop.
It Makes a Great Cleaner
You can also use it to scrub skillets and pans. Just make sure you don't use it on non-stick pans since it can damage the non-stick finish, which can be dangerous for your health. Use it on cast iron and other pans mixed with soap. It's a great way to remove stubborn stuck on bits.
Is a little rust on cast iron OK? ›
Cast iron can be pretty resilient, and even very rusty, damaged pans can be rehabilitated—and in most cases, the rust they're facing is pretty minor. It's important to note that you shouldn't use your skillet while it still has rust on it.
Is Crisco good for seasoning cast iron? ›Any cooking fat will work, but some make more sense than others. For example, there's absolutely no reason to waste extra-virgin olive oil or other expensive oils for your cast-iron seasoning. We use Crisco shortening because it's inexpensive and easy to apply.
What oils should not be used on cast iron? ›Higher Concentration of Unsaturated Fat
Unsaturated fats have a chemical makeup that is more optimal for polymerization, the process that needs to occur to develop the perfect cast iron seasoning. So steer clear of oils with a higher concentration of saturated fats, like coconut oil and palm oil.
After each use, to get the most out of your cast-iron skillet, it is best practice to apply a thin layer of oil on the surface. Regularly oiling your cast iron skillet will provide a protective layer to the surface and help keep it from rusting.
Is WD-40 good for cast iron? ›Using WD-40
Another way to remove rust from any metallic surface, not just a cast-iron stovetop, is to use WD-40. WD-40 Multi-Use Product protects items against rust and removes rust from them. Simply soak your cast iron stovetop for a short period of time and then scrub it with a wire brush.
WD-40 can help remove rust from metals like iron, chrome, and stainless steel without further damaging the surface of the metal or removing the paint. The Multi-Use Product is great for loosening and removing excessive surface rust.
Can you use olive oil to season cast iron? ›Olive oil is a great option for seasoning your cast iron skillet because it is affordable and easy to find. It also has a high smoke point, which means it can withstand high temperatures without burning.
Does Coca Cola remove rust? ›Coca-Cola is carbonated, which allows it to dissolve with metal oxides and break up rust on a variety of metals and alloys. Phosphoric acid also gives it rust-busting power, while citric acid makes it an effective stain remover.
Can you use Dawn soap on cast iron? ›Will soap ruin cast iron? Using soap will not ruin your pan. It is totally fine on enameled cast iron, and on plain cast iron, too. It's not going to destroy your seasoning.
Is it OK to use a Brillo pad on cast iron? ›How to Clean Cast Iron. Follow these easy steps if your skillet has any rust spots or if it's completely coated in rust. Scrub with hot water using a nonabrasive scour pad with coarse salt or a brillo pad on all sides of the skillet until all of the rust spots are gone.
How do you clean a heavily soiled cast iron pan? ›
Avoid using the dishwasher, soap, or steel wool, as these may strip the pan's seasoning. Scrub off stuck-on bits: To remove stuck-on food, scrub the pan with a paste of coarse kosher salt and water. Then rinse or wipe with a paper towel. Stubborn food residue may also be loosened by boiling water in the pan.
What is the black coating coming off my cast iron skillet? ›They are most likely carbon deposits. This happens due to overheating of fats and oils. Using an oil with a low smoke point will carbonize at high temperatures and cause residue from the pores of your pan to rub off onto your food. While unappealing, they won't hurt you in such a small amount.
What happens if you leave Bar Keepers Friend on too long? ›Don't leave it on too long.
Instructions state that Bar Keepers Friend should be thoroughly rinsed from the surface you're cleaning after one minute. Leaving the product on too long can cause discoloration on some surfaces, so don't take a chance with this one.
In a nutshell, this is how to clean your cast-iron skillet: Immediately after cooking, rinse in warm water, sprinkle with a bit of baking soda, and scrub gently with a nylon brush. The baking soda neutralizes any flavors and odors from what you've just cooked, and has anti-bacterial properties.
Why does my cast iron come out sticky after seasoning? ›Sticky Surface
If the seasoning in your pan is sticky, this is a sign of excess oil built up on the cookware. The Fix: To remedy stickiness, place the cookware upside down on the top rack of the oven and bake at 450-500 degrees F for one hour. Allow to cool and repeat if necessary.
Coke has phosphoric acid, which is a compound that can remove rust. Phosphoric acid is what gives coke its flavor (that I know you love). Nonetheless, it is also what makes it more acidic than any other acids, like vinegar. Coke is a good way to clean cast iron and remove rust from it because it is inexpensive.
How do you strip and Reseason a cast iron pan? ›To strip your cast iron pans in the oven, set them upside down on the middle rack, close the door and run the self-cleaning setting. Allow your pans to cool in the oven, then remove and wash with hot soapy water and, if needed, some steel wool to remove any remaining seasoning, rust or flakes.
Can I use an SOS pad on my cast iron skillet? ›Here's another kitchen no-no: Don't use steel wool cleaning pads on your cast iron cookware. If you use cast iron a lot, you probably know how important its protective seasoning is, and so does John Bedford, founder and editor of Viva Flavor, a food company that also specializes in cookware maintenance.
Can you leave water sitting in cast iron? ›If the food is really cooked on, you can always let the pan soak for a bit. But don't let cast iron sit in water too long or it will start to rust. Now, if you wash your cast iron with water, it is imperative that you dry it as soon as possible. Otherwise it will rust, especially if it's a newer pan.
When should you throw away cast iron? ›If a crack appears in your cast iron pan, it's time to ditch it. Even a hairline crack will expand and contract when heated and cooled, and ultimately the pan will split—a potentially dangerous situation if it happens during cooking! Plus, cracks are difficult to clean and may harbor bacteria and rust.
What does soap do to a cast iron? ›
Soap doesn't remove seasoning, but it can remove some oil.
This is built up over months and years of use, as a layer of seasoning develops on the pan's surface.
Remove all the rust: Use fine steel wool to remove rust from affected areas. Scour the skillet until the area returns to raw cast iron. Wash the skillet thoroughly: Wash the cast iron with warm water and mild dish soap. Scrub with bristle brush, gentle scouring pad, or mesh sponge if needed.
Can you restore a badly rusted cast iron skillet? ›Cast-iron skillets are naturally prone to rust. But even if it has turned bright orange, the pot absolutely can be fixed. (Even if you snag an old, rusty skillet at the flea market, that orange will come off!) It only takes a few simple steps to have your rusted cast iron looking brand-new.
How do you clean heavily soiled cast iron? ›Avoid using the dishwasher, soap, or steel wool, as these may strip the pan's seasoning. Scrub off stuck-on bits: To remove stuck-on food, scrub the pan with a paste of coarse kosher salt and water. Then rinse or wipe with a paper towel. Stubborn food residue may also be loosened by boiling water in the pan.
Is rusted cast iron salvageable? ›If your rusty cookware happens to be made of cast iron, most culinary authorities say it's completely salvageable. In fact, with a few simple tools and a little elbow grease, there are plenty of ways to thoroughly remove rust from cast iron.
How do you remove built up crud from cast iron? ›You can use two methods to give cast iron a good scrub: salt or a stiff brush. Pour a quarter cup of salt into your pan and use a flat-edged kitchen utensil to push the salt around the pan. The salt will begin to discolor as you scrub. Remove all grains from the pain to avoid corrosion, then apply a light coat of oil.
Can I use steel wool on cast iron? ›Can I use steel wool or a metal scrubber to clean my cast iron pan? No! We recommend using a pan scraper or the Lodge Chainmail Scrubber to remove any stuck-on residue.
How do you completely Reseason cast iron? ›- Start with a Clean Slate. Get your brush or steel wool wet and with a drop of dish soap, scrub down the entire pan: top, bottom, sides, and handle – the whole thing. ...
- Rinse & Dry. Rinse the pan off and dry it. ...
- Oil Rub. ...
- Bake. ...
- Cool. ...
- Repeat.
Newly seasoned cast iron may have a brownish tint to it. It's not rust, it's just the initial patina baking in. It can take a few coats of seasoning and some use to get a black finish. Don't worry about the brownish colour - go right ahead and use the pan.
Can I use SOS pad on cast iron? ›Here's another kitchen no-no: Don't use steel wool cleaning pads on your cast iron cookware. If you use cast iron a lot, you probably know how important its protective seasoning is, and so does John Bedford, founder and editor of Viva Flavor, a food company that also specializes in cookware maintenance.
What should you not clean cast iron with? ›
If you prefer something more natural, a palm scrub brush like this one will work, but it might not last as long. You can always grab a standard soft sponge but just know it'll probably be the final act for that sponge. Avoid using metal scrubbers that will damage the cast-iron surface.
What should you not clean with cast iron? ›Before you cook with your cast iron skillet, there are a few "don'ts" to know about cleaning it - don't use soap, don't use steel wool, and don't put it in the dishwasher. These things could take off the pan's seasoning and could cause it to rust (more about that later).
Does heat remove rust from cast iron? ›Place the cast iron in the middle rack of a conventional oven with a baking sheet underneath. Set the oven to the self-clean cycle. This will burn off all the old seasoning and build up and leave you with a bare piece of cast iron.
How do you restore a 100 year old cast iron skillet? ›- Place pan upside-down in sink and sprinkle with baking soda. ...
- Add a few squirts of dishwashing liquid. ...
- Use a scrub brush to remove rust and debris. ...
- Turn pan over a clean using more baking soda and a scrub pad. ...
- Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Don't fill your cast-iron cookware with wine or vinegar. A splash for sauce or deglazing is OK, but tossing a significant amount straight into the pan undiluted will ruin your cookware, and your health.
Is wd40 good for cast iron? ›Using WD-40
Another way to remove rust from any metallic surface, not just a cast-iron stovetop, is to use WD-40. WD-40 Multi-Use Product protects items against rust and removes rust from them. Simply soak your cast iron stovetop for a short period of time and then scrub it with a wire brush.