How to Restore a Rusted Cast Iron Pan

Cast iron pans are durable, non-stick and long-lasting. Cast iron cookware is versatile, allowing you to cook on the stove top and use it to bake in the oven. Maintaining and properly storing your cast iron cookware will prevent rust from accumulating. Don't throw away cast iron pans you find in the attic or bypass them at a garage sale, you can bring rusty cast iron cookware back to life.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scouring powder
• Steel wool pad or scrub sponge
• Dishwashing liquid
• Paper towels
• Shortening or lard
• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil

Remove the Rust

1. Wet the inside of the cast iron pan with water. Sprinkle scouring powder into the pan and scrub with a steel wool pad if there's a lot of rust, or a scrub sponge for slightly rusty cast iron pans.

2. Wash the cast iron pan with hot water and dish liquid. Rinse pan well and dry completely with paper towels.

3. Air dry the cast iron pan overnight to allow all moisture in the pores of the cast iron pan to evaporate.

4. Heat the oven to 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Set pan in the oven for 20 minutes to dry completely if you don't want to wait overnight for the pan to dry.

Season the Pan

5. Use a paper towel to apply a light coating of lard or shortening to the inside of the cast iron pan. Make sure to apply to the bottom, sides and the inside edge completely.

6. Set the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place the pan upside down on the baking sheet. The bottom of the pan should be facing up.

7. Place the baking sheet with the pan on it in the oven and bake for one hour. Wipe off excess grease after 15 minutes and continue baking. Let the cast iron pan cool before handling.

8. Repeat step 3 two more times to create a stronger seasoning bond in the cast iron pan.

Tips & Warnings

• Store your cast iron cookware with the lids off. This prevents moisture from forming that can lead to rusting. Line the inside of cast iron cookware with a paper towel to absorb any moisture.
• Use hot water only when cleaning your cast iron cookware. Dish liquid will remove the seasoning in the pan. Never put cast iron in cold water, as this can cause the pan to warp or break.

References

• Baking Pans: Cast Iron Pans
• Cast Iron Cookware: Saving the Rusty Cast Iron Cookware
• Superior Cast Iron Cookware

Resources

• What's Cooking America: The Irreplaceable Cast Iron Pans
• The New Homemaker: Cooking with Cast Iron

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