How To Clean Cast Iron With Rust

Without the protective layer of carbonized oil called seasoning cast iron is susceptible to rust.
How to clean cast iron with rust. Use the potato to scrub the salt over the skillet to remove the rust. Use fine steel wool to remove rust from affected areas. Then use a rag to scour away the rusty spots. Don t let the pan air dry. For those of you with a rusty skillet lodge cast iron recommends a good scrub wash dry oil and bake.
Remove all the rust. Apply a coat of rust proof metal paint. To do so submerge your entire pan in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. You can also use a paste of salt and water to scrub away the rust. Even a well seasoned pan can rust if it s left in the sink to soak put in the dishwasher allowed to air dry or stored in a moisture prone environment.
Wipe off any excess water with a towel immediately after rinsing. How to clean rust from cast iron using vinegar vinegar is another fantastic solution whether used alone or with a mild abrasive like baking soda. Typically used as a natural oven cleaner white vinegar picks up where scrubbing with other products leave off. Unlike non stick pans cast iron was meant to last forever even when rust takes hold. Scrub with bristle brush gentle scouring pad or mesh sponge if needed.
But for cast iron with a thick layer of rust you ll need to remove the seasoning entirely. There s no need to throw away a cast iron skillet that s a little or a lot rusty. Next cut a potato in half and place one of the cut sides of the potato face down on the skillet. Allow the pan to soak checking on it frequently to see if the rust has been removed this could take up to eight hours. With a good sprucing up using this five step method you can salvage your skillet and get back to cooking.
Mix basic white vinegar with water in equal parts and submerge your pan in it. Scour the skillet until the area returns to raw cast iron. But for seriously rusted out and busted pans whitehead suggests a vinegar soak. Wash the skillet thoroughly. Oil alkyd acrylics check with your paint supplier or product label to ensure it will bond to cast iron and protect it from surface rust.