How to Repair Rusted Cast Iron Cookware

Removing rust from cast iron cookware takes oil, salt and elbow grease.

Cast iron cookware is extremely sturdy and heats foods evenly. The key to successful cooking in cast iron pans is proper seasoning, care and storage. Although durable, cast iron pans can rust when they come in contact with water for prolonged periods. Fortunately, you can bring a rusted pan back to life in a few minutes. Cast iron pans can be expensive, so search flea markets and yard sales for cheap finds. You might just land a great deal on an old, rusted pan you can quickly spruce up again.

Things You'll Need

• Salt
• Vegetable oil
• Nylon scrub brush
• Fine steel wool
• Mild dish detergent
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Pour 2 to 4 tbsp. of salt into the pan and add an equal amount of vegetable oil.

2. Scrub the pan with a nylon brush or fine steel wool. Concentrate on the rust spots while covering the pan with the salt and oil. Add more salt or oil if necessary.

3. Wash the pan with a mild dish detergent and rinse with hot water. Dry thoroughly.

4. Reseason the pan by coating the cooking surface in vegetable oil. Heat the pan in a 250-degree Fahrenheit oven for 30 minutes. Recoat it with oil and heat for another 30 minutes. Turn off the oven, allow the pan to cool completely and remove the oil with paper towels.

Tips & Warnings

• Never wash cast iron cookware in the dishwasher or use it to boil water, both of which will cause it to rust.

• Line your cast iron pan with a paper towel and store in a warm, dry cabinet. Store the lid separately to prevent condensation, which can cause the pan to rust. You also can store your pan in the oven; every time you turn the oven on the pan will reseason itself.

References

• "The Cast Iron Skillet Cookbook"; Sharon Kramis and Julie Kramis Hearne; 2004
• "How to Fix Just About Everything"; Bill Marken; 2002

Resources

• Food Network: 100 Cast-Iron Recipes
• Holiday Cook: History of Cast Iron Cookery