How to Remove Rust from a Cast Iron Skillet

Cast iron skillets can be an invaluable addition to your cookware collection. When cooking, the iron from the cast iron skillet leeches out of the skillet and into your food. This adds iron to your diet. When cast iron is not properly cleaned or seasoned rust can develope. However, this is not a reason to throw out your skillet. You need to properly clean your skillet to remove the rust and season your skillet to prevent rust from reappearing.

Things You'll Need

• Potato
• Baking soda
• Vegetable oil

Instructions

Remove Rust from a Cast Iron Skillet

1. Wash your cast iron skillet with dish soap and warm water. Place on your stove's burner to ensure that it dries completely.

2. Cut a potato in half.

3. Sprinkle the potato half with baking soda. Baking soda will work as a mild abrasive to remove rust from your cast iron skillet.

4. Clean the rusted areas of your cast iron skillet with the bottom of the potato. Work in a circular motion. If necessary, sprinkle more baking soda on the potato.

5. Rinse your cast iron skillet and return it to the stove burner to dry. Do this every time you clean your cast iron skillet.

6. Season your cast iron skillet by coating it with vegetable oil, lard, or Crisco. Heat on a hot burner for five minutes. Repeat if this is the first time you seasoned your skillet.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use Pam or any other nonstick cooking spray to season the pan.

• Never put cast iron in the dishwasher. Never leave cast iron to dry on its own or the rust will reappear. Be careful when using Brillo pads or sand-paper to remove rust, they may be too abrasive for your cast iron pan. Do not store food in your cast iron skillet.