How to Remove Rust From Cast Iron With Oven Cleaner

Heavy oven cleaner usage can remove rust from cast iron.

Cast iron cookware's hardy nature and the fact that it conducts heat evenly makes it ideal for camping pots and pans or cookware that sees heavy use. Sometimes cast iron cookware is left to soak in water for a few days, or cast iron camping accessories are stored away with rain droplets on them. The moisture causes rust to form on the surface of the cast iron. Cleaning cast iron with normal household vinegar and oven cleaner both removes rust and leaves the metal with a sparkling, shining finish.

Things You'll Need

• Steel wool
• White vinegar
• Measuring cup
• Container
• Rubber gloves
• Trash bag
• Oven cleaner
• Dish soap
• Sponge or brass brush

Instructions

1. Scour the rusted areas with steel wool to remove any large flecks of rust. Rinse the pan under running water to remove the steel wool residue.

2. Create a solution of 50 percent vinegar and 50 percent water. Make enough to cover all the rusted areas on the cast iron. Pour the solution into a rusted pot or pan, or place other cast iron items in a container and submerge them. Allow the cast iron to soak for three hours.

3. Put on protective rubber gloves. Set the cast iron in an open trash bag. Spray the item with oven cleaner, lifting and moving the pan as necessary to coat all areas of the cast iron until it's saturated. Tie the bag shut and place it out of the reach of children. Allow the cast iron to soak in the oven cleaner overnight. Leave the cast iron in the oven cleaner for longer if the pan was particularly rusted or grease-coated.

4. Open the bag the following day and place the cast iron item in an empty sink. Dispose of the trash bag. Wash the pan with soap and warm water, using a sponge or brass brush as necessary.

5. Repeat the process if the rust proves stubborn.

Tips & Warnings

• Cast iron cookware must be re-seasoned after soaking it in over cleaner.

• Avoid leaving cast iron in vinegar for long periods of time, as extended exposure to vinegar can weaken the cast iron itself.

References

• Panman: Cleaning and Seasoning Cast Iron Cookware
• Superior Cast Iron Cookware: Cleaning Cast Iron Is A Snap; Getting Easier With Use
• What's Cooking America: The Irreplaceable Cast Iron Pans