How to Clean Old Cast Iron Pans

An old, rusted cast iron pan is really a diamond in the rough. Cast iron pans are the original, natural nonstick pans that will last for generations. You can use cast iron pans on the stovetop and in the oven. When seasoned well, cast iron pans will not let foods stick even when you use no oil. You can make old cast iron pans good as new with very little effort.

Things You'll Need

• Steel wool pad or sandpaper
• Dish soap
• Oil, shortening or lard
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Remove the rust by rubbing a steel wool pad or sandpaper on the pan.

2. Wash the pan with dish soap and water and then dry.

3. Coat the pan with a thin coat of oil, shortening or lard. Vegetable oil will work fine. Rub the oil on the inside and the outside of the pan to cover completely.

4. Move your oven rack to the second from the top location and preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. Put the oiled cast iron pan on the oven rack upside-down. Place a large pan on the oven rack beneath the cast iron pan to catch any dripping oil. Bake the pan for one hour then turn the oven off and let the pan cool completely.

Tips & Warnings

• A well-seasoned cast iron pan will be shiny and black.

• Re-season your cast iron pan if food starts to stick again using the same method.

References

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

Resources

• Chow: Cast Iron Cooking