How to remove rust from a cast iron pan?

The old cast-iron frying pan, although it is a rarity in the kitchen, is sometimes indispensable. All housewives know this, so everyone has this miracle device in stock. When necessary, you remove it and with annoyance you find that it is rusty. The question arises: how to remove rust from a cast-iron frying pan? There are many very simple ways to clean a cast iron pan. You can easily do this at home. To begin cleaning you will not need a lot of financial and physical investments. Just a fantasy and a little perseverance.

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All ways are good

How easy it will be for you to remove rust from a cast-iron frying pan is a matter of time. The longer your cast-iron pan has been exposed to corrosion, the stronger your stubbornness will be. Timely unnoticed processes become irreversible.

Everyone knows that it is better to deal with the fiend of hell at its inception. So it is in our case. The less rust there is in the pan, the more chances it has to remain your irreplaceable assistant and not fly into the garbage chute.

Let's look at some really simple ways to clean rust from a cast iron skillet at home:

• Thermo.
• Vinegar.
• Mechanical.
• Acid.

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Method 1

This cleaning option may not be accessible to everyone, for its implementation it is necessary to have an autogen (gas welding apparatus operating on a mixture of oxygen and propane). Bring the pan to red by heating, and then cool it down sharply with water. All dirt should fall off. In severe cases, bring to the desired result with a metal brush or sandpaper.

Important! To achieve a greater effect, it is recommended to clean the surface with the addition of metal pile.

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Method 2

Cleaning with vinegar helps in this situation. This versatile tool is a huge assistant in the fight against the ubiquitous dirt, soot, scale and traces of metal oxidation. To clean the cast iron pan of rust:

1. Take a large capacity.
2. Soak the kitchen utensil in it in a vinegar solution (mix vinegar with water in equal proportions).
3. After soaking for 3-4 hours, the places affected by corrosion are treated with a mixture of salt with vegetable oil (1 tbsp. Of each component).
4. When finished, wipe the pan with a dry rag or napkin.

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Method 3

A more radical cleaning method can be used. It is based on the processing of rust-damaged surfaces with electrical appliances:

1. First you need to clean the surface from dirt and rust with a metal brush or sandpaper.
2. Then you put a special nozzle in the form of a “hedgehog” on the electric drill, and without any difficulty clean your cast-iron skillet.

Important! After it has been possible to remove the rust from the cast-iron pan, especially with the use of abrasive products, it is recommended to carry out the firing process of the cast-iron surface with the addition of oil. The purpose of this action is to create a protective layer that will help protect against destructive oxidation processes.

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Method 4

But this is not all, since cast iron has a porous structure, and acid treatment can be used to remove rust of especially old origin. You have the right to choose between oxalic, acetic or phosphoric.

Important! Experts recommend opting for phosphoric acid, as it is more effective. This chemical compound is used for anticorrosion treatment of metal, and creates a protective layer against corrosion.

If someone is embarrassed by the use of acid, then you have one more way - use the world famous Pepsi and Coca-Cola drinks. In the permitted amount, they contain the food supplement E338 - exactly the phosphoric acid we need.

Consider the simplest method - the method of complete immersion in the presence of the desired volume of acid. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Degrease the pan by any means.
2. Prepare a container with a solution in the ratio of 100-150 g of 85% acid per 1 liter of water.
3. Dip the kitchen utensils in a container and leave for 1-1.5 hours.
4. Stir the solution from time to time.
5. Remove and rinse with warm water.
6. At the end, make a neutralizing solution in the following proportions: 48% alcohol, 50% water, 2% ammonia.
7. Rinse the pan with this solution.
8. Rinse again with warm water and dry.

Important! In no case do not miss one of the stages, they are all interconnected.

After you safely remove rust and wash away all acid residues from cast iron, you must turn on the oven to the maximum. Go to the procedure of hardening.

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Creating a protective layer by burning oil

After you have removed the rust using either the abrasive or acid method, you need to restore the protective layer using the oil burning procedure. This will help you make sure that in the future you are less likely to be puzzled by the question of how to remove rust from a cast-iron pan, and the food in it will not burn.

Sequencing:

1. Lubricate the entire inner surface of the pan with any sunflower oil (linseed, sunflower, rapeseed).
2. Place the pan in the oven at 200 degrees.
3. After one hour, turn off the oven and allow the pan to cool.

Important! Cookware that has passed the firing process must not be washed with detergents. The protective film will be destroyed. Using a soft sponge or cloth will not damage the protective layer and food will not burn.

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Stock footage

From the first minutes of buying a cast-iron frying pan, think about the proper storage and care of it. Then it will serve you, and maybe even your children, for many years.