How to Clean Rusty Cast Iron Pans

Mary B
by Mary B
Cast iron cookware is wonderful for many reasons. A well-seasoned cast-iron skillet is naturally non-stick. ...
Cast iron cookware retains heat — that is, they stay hotter —
Cast iron pans can be used on the stove top as well as in the oven.
And did you know that cooking with cast iron pots and pans can boost your iron intake.
These lovelies DO have some down sides!
They are super heavy.....and since the handles get hot....you have to be pretty careful.
They need to be seasoned well and cleaned carefully to retain the non-stick surface provided by that seasoning.
Sometimes the pans do rust. When they do, it is a simple matter to get them clean.
Cut a potato in half and get out your table salt.
Use some good old elbow grease and rub the potato around the salt in the pan.


You will be amazed at how easily the salt and the moisture from the potato removes the rust.
Give it a good rinse...no soap needed or recommended.
Heat the pan with a little oil and let it cure for a bit.


Magic!


A clean rust free pan!
Mary B
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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  3 questions
  • Jo Mueller Jo Mueller on Oct 23, 2016
    You mention "Heat the pan with a little oil and let it cure for a bit" What kind of oil? How high and long should you let it heat? And what do you mean by "cure"?
  • Suzann Suzann on Oct 25, 2016
    I love my club aluminum and have purchased most of it off E-Bay. But, I have scorched both the inside and outside of my 3 qt. from cooking how can I clean it up? Thanks
  • Jus12214909 Jus12214909 on Oct 25, 2016
    I just used my pan and couldn't remember if it was a potato so I used half a lemon and the kosher salt it work just as well. I also put the oil on it when I finished. Will this harm it?
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  • Giorgia Giorgia on Oct 28, 2016
    good idea
  • I don't doubt it, but there are a multitude of other "ingredients" in these drinks which could be responsible for your stomach problems, but the acidity is not the culprit. The hydrochloric acid in your stomach already far exceeds any that you drink in the coke etc.
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