How Do You Remove Rust From A Cast-Iron Pan?
Whether you’d like to restore your family’s favorite skillet or fix up a garage sale find, removing surface rust from a durable, dependable cast-iron pan is a breeze. As long as the rust isn’t too serious–no deeper than 1/8 inch (3 mm)–you should be able to return the pan to cooking shape. After removing all the rust, be sure to season the pan before using or storing it. Depending on the pan’s size, pour 2 to 4 tbsp. salt into the middle of the pan. Add an equal amount of vegetable oil. Scrub the pan vigorously with a folded paper towel, concentrating on the rusted spots but covering all surfaces with the oil and salt mixture. Add more salt or oil as needed. For more serious rust spots, scrub with fine steel wool. Wash the pan with dishwashing liquid and rinse well with hot water. Dry completely. A well-seasoned cast-iron pan will resist rust and create a virtually nonstick surface for cooking. To season it, brush vegetable oil lightly over all its surfaces. Heat the pan in an oven a
