How To Remove Rust From Cast Iron And Restore It

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Grab that collection of rusty cast iron skillets you wish you knew how to use, because I’m going to teach you how to remove rust from cast iron. This method does more than just remove some of the rust–this method also removes the seasoning. That means we are going to completely restore those rusty pans so they’re like new and beautiful!

How To Remove Rust From Cast Iron Pans

Grab one of those rusty cast iron skillets, and a few other essentials that will help completely restore that pan to like-new condition.

Supplies To Remove Rust From Cast Iron

• One can of Easy Off oven cleaner with the yellow cap {make sure it contains lye}
• Rubber gloves
• Heavy duty, black trash bag
• One canister of Bar Keepers Friend
• Stainless steel scrubbing pads
• Vinegar
• Old rags
• Crisco shortening {the plain white stuff}

Restoration Process: Strip Away The Seasoning

• Clean the cast iron by hand. You can use Dawn, or another mild dishwashing liquid to clean it. Dry thoroughly.
• Wearing rubber gloves, spray Easy Off all over the cast iron. Cover all the surfaces completely, then place the pan in a heavy duty black trash bag and seal it up. The goal is to keep the fumes inside the bag.
• Set the trash bag in a warm spot for a few days, preferably a sunny spot outdoors. The garage is a good place if the weather is cold. Just be sure the spot will be undisturbed.
• After two or three days, remove the cast iron pan from the bag. Use a stainless steel scrubber and Bar Keepers Friend {and some good old elbow grease!} to scrub it down.
• Once the pan is cleaned, dry it off and assess. Your cast iron skillet may need a repeat of the process if you can’t see completely bare metal.

This is what a new, unseasoned cast iron skillet looks like before seasoning.

How To Remove Rust from Cast Iron

• In a large tub or sink big enough to hold your cast iron pan, mix up a 50/50 mix of the white vinegar and water.
• Soak the cast iron in this mixture for up to 30 minutes, but no longer!
• Within 30 minutes, remove the cast iron and scrub it with the stainless steel scrubber. You may need to scrub a lot. Rinse the pan with water to see if you need to repeat the process. But do not soak it for more than 30 min at one time.
• Once you see no more rust, immediately dry the pan thoroughly.

How To Re-Season Cast Iron Pans

• Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.
• Quickly scrub down the cast iron with mild soap and water.
• Dry thoroughly with an absorbent towel.
• Immediately put the pan into the warm oven, and set a timer for 20 minutes.
• At the end of 20 minutes, remove the cast iron pan from the oven. Apply a light layer of white Crisco to the entire pan, inside and out. A rag works well to rub the Crisco into all the surfaces.
• Use a clean rag to wipe out all the excess shortening.
• Return your pan to the oven, and turn the heat up to 300 degrees F. Once the oven reaches 300, remove the pan and wipe it down again.
• Place the cast iron back inside the oven. Turn the heat to 450 degrees F.
• Bake your cast iron skillet for one hour.
• Turn the heat off, but leave the skillet to cool inside the oven.
• Repeat the entire process, minus washing the pan with soap and water. You will start by placing the pan into a 200 degree oven.
• Complete this process 2 or 3 times to achieve the beautiful, black non-stick finish of a seasoned cast iron pan.

To keep that gorgeous finish, don’t stick that pan away and forget it. Use it! Regular use is what helps keep cast iron pans at their best.