Cast iron pans are famous for their durability and ability to retain heat. But, unlike frying pans with a Teflon coating, cast iron ones often rust from water. There is nothing wrong with this – there are many effective methods for cleaning a cast iron pan from rust. Let’s consider in more detail all the stages of cleaning from rusty plaque, as well as the process of restoring the protective surface of cast iron.
To effectively clean a cast iron pan from rust, you need to perform the following actions:
Rub the rusty areas with a wire washcloth
You can choose a washcloth made of steel or copper wire. If it is not possible to completely clean, then drip a little dishwashing liquid diluted with water. The techniques we use when cleaning other pans are not acceptable for cast iron, as this leads to damage to the protective barrier of such dishes, which is formed over time. If there is already rust on the cast iron pan, this means damage to this barrier. It is necessary to first clean the rust, and then form a new protective layer.
Soda and salt
If the rusty plaque is not yet thick, has a fairly light color, then it can be cleaned with the help of fairly mild means available at hand.
- You can take a small amount of soda, add water, mix to the consistency of toothpaste and apply the mixture to a cast iron pan. Rub the places of rust with a washcloth. It is better to apply and wait a few minutes, then rub and wash off. If it was not possible to immediately clean the rusty plaque, try again.
- The method with salt is similar to the previous one. You need to mix salt with a small amount of water, apply it to the rusty areas, and rub it with a washcloth. Wash with water. Repeat the procedure if necessary. Such a mixture has stronger properties than soda paste.
A strong remedy for old rust
Often, mild abrasives may not be enough to deal with a rust problem. Harder cleaners will come to the rescue. You can take a cleaning agent for toilets, where the content of hydrochloric acid is approximately 20%. This substance will turn the rust into a wet powder and completely help to clean it from the cast iron pan.
Hydrochloric acid is quite a strong substance, for this reason, be sure to use protection to prevent burns. Before using the product, wear clothes with long sleeves, rubber gloves, and protect your eyes with glasses. Open the apartment, preferably a window. Hydrochloric acid is a lung irritant – it is dangerous for various diseases, such as asthma.
It should be taken into account that shiny materials will fade after this procedure.
Cleaning the pan from other types of contamination is discussed in this article .
A new protective layer of cast iron
When you manage to clean the cast iron pan, rinse it better and remove harmful substances. Dry it well with a cloth to such an extent that not a drop of water remains on the cast-iron dishes. If not dried enough, it will lead to rust problems again. After drying the pan with a cloth, you can put it on a small fire for a short time.
Next, we create a new layer of protection on the cast iron pan so that rust no longer appears:
- Take equal amounts of vinegar and water.
- Fill a large saucepan so that the liquid covers the pan completely when dipping it in the pan.
- Leave the pan in this solution for a couple of hours.
- Then rinse well with water, dry with a paper towel, and then on low heat.
- Apply vegetable oil and leave for two hours in a hot oven. This is explained in more detail in the next paragraph.
Burning
Put the oven to heat up to about 170-180 degrees. While it will heat up, get busy preparing the pan for roasting. Apply oil to the inside of the pan. Almost any vegetable oil is suitable, except for olive oil – this oil smokes a lot. Pork fat or fat from frying bacon is also suitable. Use a napkin to apply fat or oil to the pan, or to the handle.
Leave the pan on the rack in the preheated oven. The frying pan should be upside down. Place a container under the grate – it will drip oil in the process. Leave for about an hour or two.
Some important tips
- Do not use dishwashing detergent on a pan that has been fired – the entire protective layer will come off. Use plain water and a sponge.
- Avoid cooking acidic food in such a pan, such as lemons, this can also remove the protective layer.
- After cooling the pan, clean it with a soft cloth, rinse and dry well.