How to care for an antique cast iron cook stove

Rust is the number one enemy of cast iron.

If you have an antique cast iron cook stove, to keep it looking its best you need to do a bit of regular maintenance. Although your cook stove is not in use, it still requires upkeep and care.

Things You'll Need

• Steel wool
• Wax paper
• Vitamin E oil
• Soft cloth

Instructions

1. Scour any rust spots with a piece of steel wool. This may take a bit of elbow grease, but it should remove a rust spot that has just started to form. Use a clean cloth to remove the rust debris. You may need to take the stove apart to get to rust spots you cannot see.

2. Rub the finish of the cast iron with wax paper about once a month.Use a circular motion and rub until the iron surface shines. You can also take the stove apart and rub the wax paper on small spaces and corners. The wax forms a protective layer that will help prevent rust.

3. Rub the stove with vitamin E oil and a soft cloth to clean especially dingy areas. Just pour a small amount on the cloth and apply in a circular motion until it is evenly absorbed into the iron.

Tips & Warnings

• For the parts of the stove that are not cast iron you can use other cleaning products, but be sure such products do not come into contact with the iron. It is better to spray the cleaning product onto a cloth and wipe down the porcelain or other water-safe surfaces on your stove.

• Moisture is not a friend to cast iron; don't set beverages on the cook stove or use it for a food preparation surface. If water is left sitting on the stove it will rust.

• Moisture can also cause rust in your cook stove due to moisture in the air. During the summer, if you do not use your air conditioning regularly you will need to check for rust spots.