How to Fix Rusted Iron Skillets

Cast-iron skillets are great for those looking for a long-lasting, stick-free cookware. Iron skillets are known for their heat retention, even cooking and durability. Unlike other non-stick cookware, cast-iron does not rely on a chemical coating that can be scraped off over time. Instead, a surface seasoning is maintained. While this seasoning is durable and easy to maintain, poor treatment can damage an iron skillet's surface, producing rust patches and uneven surfaces. However, with a little effort, you can return a cast-iron skillet to its original non-stick state. Does this Spark an idea?

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Soap
Scrub brush
Steel wool
Power sander
Vegetable oil
Paper towels
Aluminum foil
Oven

Instructions

- 1
  
  Wash your skillet with a stiff scrub brush and soap. Soap is not typically used on a cast-iron skillet because it strips the layers of cooked-on carbon that makes the surface non-stick. However, removing surface rust often requires starting from scratch.
- 2
  
  Scrape surface rust with steel wool. Most rust that develops on cast-iron is the product of improper oiling and remainder moisture. Perhaps your skillet was inadequately dried after the last use. Typically, this mean that rust can be entirely removed with steel wool.
- 3
  
  Rub out the inside with paper towels. Alternate paper towel rubbing with steel wool until the surface is free of all rust.
- 4
  
  If the rust is deeper and resists steel wool scraping, you'll likely have to power sand or even sandblast the surface of your skillet. Use a power sander with a medium grain belt to file down the skillet surface until all rust has disappeared.
- 5
  
  Re-season your skillet. Once the rust is gone, it's important that you immediately reseal the newly exposed iron surface. Rub vegetable oil or melted shortening over the surface of the skillet. Lay down a layer of aluminum foil in the oven, then preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lay the skillet face down on the foil, then allow your skillet to cook for a full hour. Turn off the oven and let your skillet cool on its own.

Tips & Warnings

Maintain your skillet by rubbing it with salt and oil after every use.

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