How to Remove Rust from a Cast Iron Pot

Cast iron cooks food evenly.

Cast iron cookware is the material of choice for many cooks and professional chefs. Although cast iron cookware is expensive and prone to rusting, it offers the advantage of even cooking so the food tastes better. But keeping a cast iron pot free of rust requires regular maintenance. Removing rust from a pot and keeping the rust away (at least for awhile) is an easy process, although it can take time.

Things You'll Need

• Fine steel wool pad
• Dishwashing liquid
• Dish cloth
• Cooking or vegetable oil
• Aluminum foil

Instructions

1. Scrub off the rust with a fine steel wool pad. Rub in circular motions to remove the surface stains.

2. Wash the pot with dishwashing liquid. Scrub clean with a brush. Rinse off with hot water. Dry the pot with a dish cloth.

3. Apply cooking oil or vegetable oil to the pot. Cover both the insides and outsides of the pot. According to the Mother Earth News website, cast iron cookware needs to be “seasoned,” or covered in oil and then heated, to reduce rusting.

4. Tear off a large piece of aluminum foil. Cover the bottom rack of the oven with the foil. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the pot upside down on the top rack. Heat the pot for one to four hours.

5. Turn off the oven and let it cool. Remove the pot from oven once it is cool. Store the pot in a cool and dry place.

References

• Mother Earth News – How do you remove rust and care for a cast iron pot?