How to clean a cast iron pan from rust 🥝 how to clean

Cast iron pans are very hardy and durable, the only thing that can harm them is improper handling. Our grandmothers knew how to clean a cast-iron skillet from rust, and now many new effective tools and methods have appeared. In this article you will learn how to use folk remedies to remove rust with maximum efficiency, and their combination with modern methods.

to contents ↑

How to remove rust from a cast-iron skillet?

There are various means to combat rust on cast iron. Some of them may be available to you, and for some you can go to the nearest store. In order to remove rust or wash a rusty pan, you will need:

• liquid detergent for dishes;
• abrasive cleaning powder;
• soda;
• vinegar;
• vegetable oil;
• a metal brush or sandpaper;
• phosphoric acid or Coca-Cola and Pepsi;
• deep capacity.

to contents ↑

How to clean a cast iron skillet from rust?

The easiest ways to remove corrosion from cast iron are using an oven and a dishwasher. In the fight against rust, heating the dishes helps well. Modern ovens are equipped with a self-cleaning function, which is suitable for processing dishes too. If your stove does not have this property, just turn it on a certain temperature.

Method 1

How to use the oven effectively when cleaning from rust:

1. Remove any food debris from the pan.
2. Place in the oven 150 degrees or turn on the self-cleaning function.
3. Leave on for 30 minutes.
4. Allow the dishes to cool.
5. Wash with detergent.

Note: Read also about what to do if a cast-iron frying pan sticks.

Method 2

As for the dishwasher, then you just need to wash the pan several times. It is worth noting that this method is only suitable for removing fresh rust formed due to improper storage of dishes.

Method 3

Clean the formation on the dishes with a cleaning powder with a metal abrasive brush. For this:

1. Wet the pan.
2. Apply a cleaning powder to it.
3. Rub the entire surface well with a wire brush.
4. Rinse in running water.
5. Wipe dry.
6. Preheat in the oven at 180 degrees 40 minutes.
7. Remove and grease with vegetable oil.
8. Put in a preheated oven for an hour.
9. Remove and cool.
10. Oil the second time.

Note: instead of a metal brush, you can use sandpaper, but be sure to work with rubber gloves so as not to damage the skin on your hands. 

Method 4

One of the simplest and most effective methods of cleaning a cast iron skillet from rust is its digestion. Using this method, you can use different auxiliary cleaning products. For high-quality digestion, it is important to observe the proportions and duration of the process.

The step-by-step instruction will help to do this correctly:

1. Take the enameled bucket.
2. Pour 6 liters of water.
3. Add half a pack of soda.
4. Put the pan in the water.
5. Cook over low heat for 10 hours.

Note: you can process other cast-iron dishes with the pan. After boiling, if necessary, wipe with a wire brush and cleaning powder.

Method 5

Another method of digestion is designed to use phosphoric acid. This acid can be found in some drinks. Use, for example, Coca-Cola or Pepsi. For this:

1. Pour 2L Coca-Cola or Pepsi into a deep container.
2. Dip the dishes in the liquid.
3. Bring to a boil and turn off.
4. Let the pan cool.
5. Rinse in warm running water.
6. Place a dry frying pan in the oven.
7. Turn it on 250 degrees.
8. Burn with butter.

Method 6

To clean and get rid of old rust in a cast-iron pan, digestion in vinegar solution is also suitable. Follow this procedure as follows:

1. Take the deep dishes.
2. Pour 3 liters of water into it.
3. Add 3l of vinegar.
4. Put the pan in the solution.
5. Leave for 2 hours.
6. Wash in warm water.
7. Dry over low heat on a stove.
8. Cover the bottom of the pan completely with oil.
9. Rub it with paper towels.
10. Place the pan in a hot oven for 3 hours.

Note: if after soaking in the solution the rust remains in some places, wipe it with a stiff brush. Do not leave the dishes in a solution of vinegar for longer than the specified time - this may damage.

Once you have resolved all the problems with cleaning your kitchen utensils, provide further with our helpful tips. proper maintenance of a cast iron pan.

to contents ↑

Useful Tips

• Clean the pan every time immediately after cooking.
• Always wipe the surface of the dishes dry.
• Do not use laundry soap and wire brush in a calcined protected pan.
• After cleaning with vinegar, always carry out the calcination process.
• Store cast iron cookware in a dry, dark place.
• Spend repeated protection sometimes. Bake the butter in a pan and cool. Repeat twice.

Note: It's time to check the dishes in action after cleaning. Use our recipe ideas, what is better to cook in a cast iron pan.

to contents ↑

Stock footage

Following these simple rules, you can easily cope with the rust in your cast-iron skillet, without spending a lot of effort. Remember that proper care for any dishes always helps prevent the problem, and accordingly in this case you save your personal time.