How To Clean Rust Cast Iron (Helpful Tips Incl.)

Cast iron products are usually seasoned to prevent them from rusting.

Seasoning means coating them with carbonized oil to create a barrier against moisture.

This preventive measure, however, does not guarantee that your cast iron pots, pans, and grates will no longer rust.

If corrosion has built up in your cast iron skillet, you don’t have to worry.

You can quickly and easily remove rust from your metal cookware with our fool-proof methods.

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to clean rust cast iron below.

Why Does Cast Iron Rust?

Any metal item, when exposed to moisture for a long period of time, can rust easily.

Rusting is a process of oxidation, wherein iron reacts to the oxygen in water and air.

And since cast iron items are made of iron, they are highly prone to corrosion.

If you soak your cast iron grates, pots, and skillets in water for too long, they will rust quickly.

Similarly, if you store them in a humid place, you’ll notice rust the next time you need them.

Also, your cast iron cookware may rust if you place them in the dishwasher.

Dish soap can strip off the protective non-stick coating of your pots and pans.

When that happens, they will be more vulnerable to rust.

Another way that can speed up corrosion is if you allow your wet cast iron belongings to air dry.

This process will only expose your metal items to oxygen.

Thus, it’s better to wipe your metal products to dry them.

How Fast Does Cast Iron Rust?

Cast iron cookware and grates can rust in a span of minutes.

If you place your favorite skillet while it’s still wet, it will only be a matter of time before it corrodes.

Don’t worry though if your skillet becomes covered in rust.

We have just the right solutions to remove them in just a few minutes.

How To Remove Rust From Cast Iron With Salt

Using salt works well in removing minor rust stains from cast iron cookware.

1. Remove loose dirt and rust with a brush.
2. Pour hot water over your rusty cast iron skillet, pot, or stove grate.
3. Wipe the object with a clean towel and place it on your stove to dry quicker.
4. Cut a potato in half and sprinkle rock salt or sea salt onto the cut. Alternatively, you can use baking soda instead of salt.
5. Rub the potato with the salt or baking soda onto the rusty surface of your cast iron.
6. Rinse with water and dry the object with a dry cloth.
7. If there are stubborn rust stains, repeat the process until you get rid of rust.

How To Remove Rust Off Cast Iron Skillet Using Vinegar

White vinegar has an active ingredient that can dissolve and eliminate rust stains on cast iron.

1. Brush your skillet to remove loose debris and then pour hot water on it.
2. Dry your skillet by wiping it with a dry cloth and placing it on your stove.
3. Mix baking soda and vinegar and pour the mixture into your skillet. Let the mixture soak the rust for at least 30 minutes. Soak longer if the rust won’t go away.
4. After the allotted time, use a sponge or brush to scrub the rust away.
5. Apply heat to remove stubborn rust and stuck-on food on your skillet. Heat your skillet but don’t let the vinegar mixture boil.
6. If you’re satisfied with the results, rinse your cast iron pan.
7. Wipe your skillet with a dry towel afterward.

How To Remove Rust From Cast Iron Furniture

To use vinegar to clean rusty cast iron furniture, follow this method.

1. Put white vinegar in a spray bottle for easy application. You can also place it in a basin and use a cloth to apply the vinegar.
2. Spray the vinegar on your cast iron furniture. Let it sit for approximately 10-30 minutes.
3. Apply baking soda if there are tough rust stains.
4. Scrub the rusty areas with a brush or sponge.
5. Wipe your cast iron furniture with a clean, damp towel.
6. Finally, dry the surface with another dry towel.

How To Clean Rust Off Antique Cast Iron

No matter how long your cast iron products have been rusty, you can still remove the rust.

Here’s what you need to do to remove decades-old rust from your antique cast iron.

1. Brush the cast iron grates or cookware to remove dust and gunk.
2. Completely soak the item in white vinegar for at least an hour. You can keep your cast iron submerged for up to 8 hours.
3. Scrub the rust away with a sponge or a medium-bristled brush. You can use mild dish soap to remove stubborn rust and gunk.
4. Rinse and then dry the cast iron with a dry towel.

With homemade products, you can easily get rid of rust in cast iron items.

So, don’t put off the task and start cleaning them now.

You’ll be amazed at how your rusty cast iron becomes shiny after cleaning.

Find more useful guides and how to’s on MaidFeed.com, your everyday cleaning guide.