How to Clean And Restore Your Rusty Cast Iron Skillet

Learn how to clean cast iron skillet and keep it rust-free in 4 easy steps!

If you feel like throwing away your cast iron skillet when rust has started to take over, don’t. There’s a reason people swear by their cast iron cookware—it’s incredibly durable and, with a little care, can last generations. I inherited one of my skillets from my grandmother and another one gifted on my wedding anniversary, which I intend to pass on to my kids (if any of them develop an interest in cooking, that is). So I am keeping my cast iron cookware clean and rust-free. But if, for any reason, you’ve neglected yours, all hope is not lost.

How to Clean Cast Iron Skillet

Cast iron skillets are unique in the way they react to wear and tear. Rust is a common issue, particularly if the skillet hasn’t been properly seasoned or has been exposed to moisture for too long. The good news is that rust doesn’t mean your skillet is ruined. Let me show you how you can restore a rusty cast iron skillet and bring it back to life.

Take a moment to assess how much rust has built up. Is it just a few small patches, or has the rust spread over the entire skillet? This will give you a better idea of how much elbow grease is required.

You’ll need a few basic items to clean the rust and season the skillet:

• Steel wool or a stiff brush
• Dish soap (this is one of the few times you’ll use soap on cast iron)
• White vinegar
• Baking soda (optional for stubborn spots)
• Paper towels or a soft cloth
• Cooking oil (grapeseed or vegetable oil works best for seasoning)

Step 1: Scrub the Rust

Start by thoroughly scrubbing the skillet with steel wool or a stiff brush. You’re aiming to remove as much rust as possible before moving on to deeper cleaning. If the rust is minimal, this may be all you need to do.

Extremely rusted patches might need a but more elbow grease but don’t rush this step. Keep scrubbing with light pressure and in circular motion to remove the rust without damaging the skillet itself. Once you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse the skillet with warm water. Don’t worry if there’s still some rust remaining—we’ll deal with that in the next step.

For stubborn rust that doesn’t come off with scrubbing, a vinegar bath is the best solution. In a 1-to1 ratio, mix white vinegar and water. Submerge your skillet in this mixture. Let it soak for up to an hour, but don’t leave it too long. Acidic cleaning solutions react with the iron and eat away at it.

After soaking, use your steel wool or brush again to scrub away any remaining rust. By this point, most of the rust should come off quite easily. Rinse the skillet thoroughly with warm water, making sure to remove all traces of vinegar.

Step 2: Neutralize the Acidity from the Cleaning Solutions

If you’re worried about leftover acidity from the vinegar, you can neutralize it with a quick baking soda scrub. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda over the surface of the skillet and scrub gently with a damp cloth or brush. This step isn’t always necessary but can help ensure you’ve fully neutralized any lingering acidity that might affect your skillet’s seasoning later on.

Step 3: Dry the Skillet Thoroughly

Cast iron hates water, so you’ll want to make sure the skillet is bone dry before moving on to seasoning. The best way to do this is to place the skillet over low heat on your stove for a few minutes. This will evaporate any moisture that remains after wiping it down with a towel. Keep the skillet on the heat until it’s completely dry and warm to the touch.

Step 4: Season Your Cast Iron Skillet

Now comes the step that brings your skillet back to life—seasoning. Seasoning gives cast iron its natural non-stick surface, and it’s also the protective layer that prevents future rusting.

To season your skillet, apply a thin layer of oil to the whole surface, inside and out. Grapeseed or vegetable oil works well for this, as both have high smoke points. Make sure to wipe away any excess oil so the surface is just lightly coated.

Place the skillet upside down in your oven, with some aluminum foil on the rack below to catch any drips. Set your oven to 375°F and bake the skillet for one hour. After the hour is up, turn off the oven and let the skillet cool inside. This process can be repeated two or three times for an even stronger seasoning layer.

How to Keep Your Skillet Rust-Free

Once you’ve restored your skillet, you need to keep it rust-free and well-seasoned. After each use, heat up some water in an electric water kettle and use it to rinse the skillet (no soap needed), then use a brush to remove any food residue. If food is really stuck, you can boil water in the skillet to help loosen it.

Dry the skillet thoroughly after washing it and apply a very light layer of oil to the surface before storing it. Oil keeps the seasoning intact and protects the skillet from moisture.

With these steps, you’ll not only learn how to clean cast iron skillets but also keep it in top shape for many years to come. Proper care and a little bit of love can make your cast iron cookware a kitchen staple for generations.

FAQs

Why is my cast iron cookware sticky after seasoning?

This usually happens when too much oil is applied during the seasoning process. To fix it, simply place the skillet back in the oven and bake it for another hour at a lower temperature (around 300°F).

How do I get rid of the metallic taste from my cast iron skillet?

Cooking a batch of onions in oil after seasoning can help neutralize any metallic flavors left behind from the restoration process.

What can I do if my cast iron cookware becomes rusty again?

Even well-seasoned skillets can develop rust if they’re exposed to moisture. If you notice rust forming again, simply scrub it off and repeat the seasoning process. The key is to never let the skillet sit with moisture on its surface.