How to Rejuvenate a Rusty Cast Iron Frying Pan
I have many cast iron pots and pans that I have picked up over the years at yard sales. New cast iron is expensive and I have saved hundreds of dollars by knowing how to clean rusty cast iron.
The first step in cleaning a rusty cast iron frying pan is to remove the rust. The easiest and most efficient way to do this is with steel wool and water. Do not use dish soap while you are removing the rust from the cast iron as it will interfere with the years of seasoning the pan is likely to have had. Scrub the rust from the surface of the cast iron with the steel wool while holding the pot under the tap. Depending on how badly the cast iron frying pan is rusted, this step could take a while, but ultimately, all of the rust will come off.
Once the rust has been removed from the cast iron frying pan, rinse thoroughly with water then empty water out. Place the cast iron frying pan on a hot stove and heat until all of the water has evaporated. If you miss this step, the cast iron will simply rust again. Let the cast iron frying pan cool down until it's able to be handled, then season the pan.
Seasoning cast iron is a step that must be done after every use in order to keep the rust away and to keep the pan's no-stick surface. Use a neutral oil, such as vegetable or sunflower oil, or use vegetable shortening. Do not use olive oil or butter as they will go rancid over time. Rub the oil into the pan's surface, both inside and out, with a paper towel. This gets the oil into the uneven surface of the pan, protecting it. Wipe out any excess oil. The pan is now ready to use again.
Published by Angie Mohr CA CMA - Featured Contributor in Finance and Lifestyle
Angie Mohr is a Chartered Accountant and Certified Management Accountant who has worked with thousands of business clients from home-based entrepreneurs to rock bands to celebrity chefs. She is also the auth... View profile
-
Tips for Buying Used Cast Iron Cookware
Things to keep in mind when shopping for used cast iron cookware.
- How to Care for Your Cast Iron Cookware Seasoning, storing, and cooking in cast iron, to those who have never used cast iron this can seem like a lot of trouble for a frying pan, but once you've done it you will never want to use a "nonstick" frying pan aga...
- How to Properly Clean Cast Iron Cookware Properly cared-for and cleaned cast iron cookware can last generations.
-
Tips for Cooking with Cast Iron on Camping Trips
Some tips for cooking outdoors with your cast iron cookware.
-
Seasoning Cast Iron Cookware: The Black Goddess
When you learn to use cast iron cookware you may grow attached. This old favorite is hard to beat when it comes to Southern cooking.
- 10 Reasons to Cook with a Cast Iron Skillet
- 10 Tips for Cooking with Cast Iron Skillets
- Healthier Cooking with Cast Iron
- How to Use Vinegar to Clean and Restore Rusty Cast Iron Cookware
- Easy Tips for Seasoning Cast Iron Cookware
- How to Care for Your Cast Iron Cookware
- Tips for Buying New Cast Iron Cookware
|
|
- Rust does not hurt cast iron and can easily be removed
- Properly seasoning the cast iron cookware will prevent rust from returning
- Rusty cast iron cookware can be picked up at yard sales for very little money
17 Comments
Post a CommentOf all the sites I have gone to about the care of cast iron pans, this is the only one that answered my question about the care of cast iron. THANKYOU!!!!
Thank you, I was just about to throw out a huge cast iron frying pan that was here when I moved in. I have thought about decorating it but I would much rather cook with it. Thanks!
I am so glad I found this, Angie! I have a bunch of pans, which were my mom's, but they are indeed rusty...so I did not dare use them! Now I know I can...that's super!
I loved my mom's old cast iron frying pans, very helpful :) Sheri
Oh, how I wish I had seen your article a few months ago. I dragged out an old skillet that I hadn't used in years, got the rust out of it, and then ended up ditching it when it quickly re-rusted (if that's a word). I didn't season it correctly. Thanks for the information.
I love my cast iron skillet. My southern cornbread would not be the same without it :-)
Cast iron makes the best cookware! Taken care of properly, it will last forever, and adds trace amounts of iron to the diet also!
Cast iron makes the best cookware! Taken care of properly, it will last forever, and adds trace amounts of iron to the diet also!
Cast iron makes the best cookware! Taken care of properly, it will last forever, and adds trace amounts of iron to the diet also!
This is great information especially for the younger generations who have no idea what seasoning a pan means.