How to Clean Old & Rusty Cast Iron Cookware

Improper storage of cast-iron cookware can result in the formation of rust.

Cast-iron cookware rusts when cared for inappropriately. After you wash your cast-iron cookware, it's imperative that you immediately dry it thoroughly and store it in a cool, dry place or rust may develop on its surface. Cleaning old and rusty cast-iron cookware involves stripping the rust away with an abrasive method. Fortunately, if the rust damage is not too extensive, you can restore the cookware back to its original appearance.

Things You'll Need

• Sink basin or dish pan Warm water Mild soap Steel wool Lint-free cotton towel White vinegar Rubber gloves Safety goggles Oven cleaner Trash bag with tie

Instructions

Method 1

1. Fill a sink basin or dish pan with warm water. Add 1/2 tsp. of mild soap to the water and agitate with your fingers to create suds. Place the rusty cast-iron cookware in the sink basin or dish pan.

2. Scrub the rust off of the pan with a piece of steel wool.

3. Rinse the pan and dry with a lint-free cotton cloth. Reseason before next use.

Method 2: For Crusted Rust

1. Soak the cookware in a mixture of 1 part white vinegar and 1 part water for three to four hours to loosen crusted rust.

2. Remove the cookware from the vinegar and water solution and dry thoroughly with a clean towel.

3. Put on rubber gloves and safety goggles. Spray the cast-iron cookware with oven cleaner. Place the cookware in a plastic garbage bag and tie it closed. Leave the cookware in the bag overnight in a well-ventilated location.

4. Remove the cookware from the garbage bag in a well-ventilated location to avoid inhaling oven-cleaner fumes.

5. Scrub the cookware with steel wool in a solution of hot water and dish soap. Rinse and reseason before using again.

Tips & Warnings

• Fine-grade sandpaper is an alternative to steel wool. To prevent rust, store your cast-iron cookware in a cool, dry place such as your oven. Remember to remove it before you use the oven. After removing rust and washing the cookware, you will need to reseason it.

References

• Pan Man: Cleaning and Seasoning Cast Iron Cookware
• Lodge Manufacturing: Use and Care