How Do You Get Rust Off Cast Iron?

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Things You'll Need

  • Fine steel wool pad

  • Mild dishwashing liquid

  • Kitchen towel

  • Vegetable oil or cooking oil

  • Paper towel

  • Aluminum foil

  • Wire brush or sandpaper

  • Rust-proof primer

  • Touch-up paint

  • Paint brush

  • Automotive wax

Cast iron is prone to rusting and requires special cleaning techniques.

Cast iron is a heavy metal used for cookware, furniture, tools and more. If you notice reddish-brown flakes on the cast iron, it means that it has rusted. Getting rid of rust on cast iron can be more time-consuming than removing it from other metals. This is because cookware is the most common cast-iron object a person needs to clean, and that needs to be seasoned in an oven after cleaning.

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Cast Iron Cookware

Step 1

Scrub off the rust with a fine steel wool pad. The fine steel wool prevents scratches on the cast iron.

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Step 2

Wash the cast iron in a sink. Use mild dishwashing liquid and warm water. Rinse off the soap and dry the cast iron with a kitchen towel.

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Step 3

Apply vegetable oil or cooking oil to cookware with a paper towel. Coat the cast iron inside and out.

Step 4

Place a sheet of aluminum foil on the oven's lower rack. Turn the oven on to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

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Step 5

Place the cookware upside down on the top rack of the oven. Let the cookware season for at least one hour. The seasoning adds a protective rust-proof coat to the cast iron.

Step 6

Turn off the oven and let the cookware cool. Store it in a cool, dry area.

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Cast Iron Furniture

Step 1

Wash dirt, grime and rust flakes off the furniture with a garden hose.

Step 2

Scrape off the rust with a wire brush or sandpaper. Scrub down to the underlying metal.

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Step 3

Apply a rust-proof primer to the cast-iron furniture with a paintbrush. The coating lasts for several months.

Step 4

Repaint the areas of the cast iron with touch-up paint in the same color as the furniture. Allow paint to dry completely.

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Step 5

Apply automotive wax to the cast-iron furniture to protect it from moisture.

Cast Iron Stove

Step 1

Scrub off the rust with a steel wool pad or scrubbing pad.

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Step 2

Put on rubber gloves before pouring rust remover onto a steel wool pad. Apply the rust remover.

Step 3

Leave the rust remover on the stove for about 10 to 15 minutes. Rust removers dissolve rust.

Step 4

Use a damp cloth to wipe away the rust remover. Dry stove with paper towels.

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