How to Remove Rust from Cast Iron Cookware

Rust is not a friend of cast iron cookware. Sometimes rust will try to come and take up residence in ironware when there is too much moisture present. This is why it is very important that the cast iron is thoroughly dried after each use. If you should find rust living in your cast iron there are some things that you can do to get rid of it. In this article I will show you how to remove rust from cast iron cookware.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
   Remove Rust from Cast Iron Cookware with Vinegar and Water

   Remove the Rust
   
   To remove rust from cast iron cookware first try taking some steel wool with a little oil and scour the area where there is rust. If that works move on to step 2.
   
   For more serious cases of rust in cast iron try soaking it in a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water for a few hours. This should help to dissolve the rust and help to remove rust from cast iron cookware. After soaking, scrub it off with the steel wool.

2. 
   After you Remove Rust from Cast Iron Cookware, Dry on the Stove

   Rinse and Dry
   
   Rinse the cast iron thoroughly with hot water and dry it out with a towel. Set the stove on low heat and place the ironware on stove. Let the cast iron dry over the heat for several minutes until completely dry. Season while the ironware is still warm.

3. 
   After you Remove Rust from Cast Iron Cookware, Season it with Coconut Oil

   Season
   
   After you remove rust from cast iron cookware, it needs to be reseasoned. Season the ironware with either vegetable shortening or coconut oil. Do this by applying a light coating onto inside of the cookware. Either place it back on the stove over low heat for a few minutes to encourage the oil to absorb or go ahead and store it.
   
   I prefer to season my cast iron cookware with coconut oil because it is more healthy than shortening, and it can withstand high heat. Coconut oil is also anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial.

4. 
   After you Remove Rust from Cast Iron Cookware, Store it in a Dry Place

   Storage
   
   Store the cast iron cookware in a dry place away from any moisture. Prevent rust from returning by keeping the cast iron dry. Place a paper towel inside the cast iron to absorb any moisture that may be present in or around the it and always store it without lids on. Also, do not stack your cast iron cookware because rust can develop. If you need to stack them do too lack of space then place cloth in between to prevent rust.

Resources

• How to Season New Cast Iron Cookware
• How to Care for Cast Iron Cookware
• How to Clean Old Cast Iron Cookware
• How to Cook With Cast Iron
• Cast Iron Cooking for Dummies Cookbook

[Upon-Request]

on 4/3/2009 Good tips for cast iron care!