How to clean a cast iron frying pan from rust

Cast iron pans are very hardy and durable, the only thing that can harm them is wrong handling. How to clean a cast-iron frying pan from rust, our grandmothers knew, and now there are many new effective ways and means. In this article, you will learn how to use folk remedies to remove rust with maximum efficiency, and their combination with modern methods.

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How to remove rust from a cast-iron frying pan?

There are various means for controlling rust on cast iron. Some of them may be available for you, and with some you can go to the nearest store. You will be useful:

• liquid dishwashing detergent;
• abrasive cleaning powder;
• soda;
• vinegar;
• vegetable oil;
• metal brush or sandpaper;
• orthophosphoric acid or Coca-Cola and Pepsi;
• deep capacity.

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How to clean the cast iron pan from rust?

The easiest way to remove corrosion from cast iron is to use an oven and a dishwasher. In the fight against rust, the heating of dishes is very helpful. Modern ovens are equipped with a self-cleaning function, which is suitable for processing utensils too. If your cooker does not have this feature, just turn it on at a certain temperature.

Method 1

How to use the oven effectively when cleaning rust:

1. Clean the pan of food residues.
2. Place in the oven for 150 degrees or turn on the self-cleaning function.
3. Leave for 30 minutes.
4. Allow the dishes to cool.
5. Wash with detergent.

Method 2

As for the dishwasher, it should simply wash the frying pan several times. It is worth noting that this method is suitable only for removing fresh rust formed due to improper storage of dishes.

Method 3

Clean the formation on the dishes with a cleaning powder with a metal abrasive brush. To do this:

1. Wet the frying pan.
2. Apply a cleaning powder to it.
3. Gently rub the entire surface with a metal brush.
4. Rinse in running water.
5. Dry thoroughly.
6. Warm in the oven at 180 degrees for 40 minutes.
7. Remove and grease with vegetable oil.
8. Put in a preheated oven for one hour.
9. Remove and cool.
10. Apply oil a second time.

Note: instead of a metal brush, you can use sandpaper, but be sure to work with rubber gloves to avoid damaging the skin on your hands.

Method 4

One of the simplest and most effective methods of cleaning a cast-iron frying pan from rust is its digestion. Using this method, you can use a variety of auxiliary cleaners. For quality digestion, it is important to observe the proportions and duration of the process.

The step-by-step instruction will help to do this correctly:

1. Take the enameled bucket.
2. Pour 6 liters of water.
3. Add half a batch of soda.
4. Put a frying pan in the water.
5. Dilute over a low heat for 10 hours.

Note: together with the frying pan you can process other cast-iron dishes. After digestion, if necessary, wipe with a metal brush with a cleaning powder.

Method 5

Another method of digestion is designed for the use of orthophosphoric acid. This acid can be found in some beverages. Take advantage of, for example, Coca-Cola or Pepsi. For this:

1. Pour 2L of Coke or Pepsi into a deep container.
2. Dip the dishes into the liquid.
3. Bring to a boil and turn off.
4. Allow to cool the pan.
5. Rinse in warm running water.
6. Put the dry frying pan in the oven.
7. Turn it on for 250 degrees. Glow with oil.

Method 6

To get rid of the old rust on a cast-iron frying pan, digestion in vinegar solution is also suitable. Do this procedure according to the following scheme:

1. Take the deep dishes.
2. Pour 3 liters of water into it.
3. Add 3L of vinegar.
4. Put the frying pan in the solution.
5. Leave for 2 hours.
6. Wash in warm water.
7. Dry over low heat on a stove.
8. Fully cover the bottom of the frying pan with oil.
9. Rub it with paper towels.
10. Put the frying pan in a hot oven for 3 hours.

Note: If, after soaking in the solution, rust is left in some places, wipe it with a stiff brush. Do not leave dishes in the vinegar solution for longer than the specified time - this can damage.

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Useful advices

• Clean the pan immediately after cooking.
• Always wipe the surface of the dishes dry.
• Do not use household soap and a wire brush on a protected sauté pan.
• After cleaning with vinegar, always carry out the calcination process.
• Store cast iron dishes in a dry, dark place.
• Repeat protection sometimes. Bake oil in a frying pan and cool. Repeat the action twice.

Following these simple rules, you can easily cope with rust on your cast-iron frying pan without spending a lot of effort. Remember that proper care of any utensils always helps to prevent a problem, and accordingly in this case you save your personal time.