How To Remove Rust From Cast Iron

The benefits of cast iron cookware are immense. Not only does the food tastes great when cooked in a cast iron vessel, but the utensil also lasts for a lifetime. However, it is important to take proper care of the cast iron utensils to keep it in working condition for a long time. The main problem with cast iron utensils is they rust frequently, especially if you are living in humid areas where there is lot of moisture in the air. Removing rust from a durable cast iron pan is easy as long as the rust is not too deep, ideally three millimeter in thickness. Once you have removed the rust, make sure to season it before using the vessel for cooking or using it as a storage space. If you were thinking of discarding your old rusted cast iron utensil, then here are some handy tips for you to consider. Read on to learn more.

Tips To Remove Rust From Cast Iron Vessels

Sprinkle salt in the middle of the pan. Depending on the size of the pan, sprinkle 2 to 5 tablespoons of salt. Add equal amounts of vegetable oil to it.
Take a folded paper towel and scrub the pan concentrating more on the rusted portion.
Add more oil and salt if necessary.
You may also use steel wool to scrub more stubborn rust spots.
Take a dishwashing liquid and rinse the vessel thoroughly in hot water.
Dry it.

How To Season A Cast Iron Vessel

Seasoning is an important part to make your pan rust-resistant. A well seasoned pan has a virtually nonstick surface for cooking.
To start with the seasoning process, brush vegetable oil all over the surface of the vessel.
Next, heat the vessel in a preheated oven at 220 degree Fahrenheit for one hour. Then recoat the vessel again by brushing oil after half an hour.
Take a paper towel and wipe the vessel properly.
Cool it completely before using it.

Tips On Cleaning A Seasoned Cast Iron Vessel

Avoid using soapy water while cleaning a seasoned pan.
Instead, scrub it with salt and oil and rinse in hot water.
You may dry it completely on low heat before storing your pan.

Other Methods Of Removing Rust From Cast Iron Vessels

Mix equal amounts of white vinegar and water and make a solution. This forms a strong cleaning solution to remove rust.
For a more stubborn rust spot, scrub the area with baking soda first and then use the vinegar solution to clean it.
Potato sliced and dipped in baking soda or vinegar can do wonders in removing rust stains.
Many people prefer using a wire brush and a soap solution to remove rust from cast iron vessels. However, it takes a lot of hard work to clean the vessel properly if you were to employ this method.
Tang is also a great choice for removing rust from cast iron. Citric acid in the tart has a fantastic effect on rust. Just sprinkle the tang over the rust spots and drizzle with warm water. Allow it to sit for a few minutes and then scrub with some steel wool.

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