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Removing Rust and Re-Seasoning Cast Iron

Your cast iron is covered in rust, don't throw it out! Clean it and apply new seasoning!
Prep Time20 minutes
Active Time1 hour
Cool Down12 hours
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cast Iron
Yield: 1 Skillet

Equipment

  • Cast Iron Skillet
  • Steal Wool with Soap

Materials

  • Vegetable Oil
  • Steal Wool

Instructions

  • Wash your skillet with HOT and soapy water, using steel wool if needed to remove stubborn rust. Sometimes you can just use a sponge with the scrubber side, but if rust is stubborn, steel wool is the way to go.
  • Dry the skillet completely. Put the skillet on the stove and turn the heat on high. You will see the water burn off.
  • Pour 1-2 tablespoons oil in the skillet and coat all sides of the pan using a paper towel to move the oil around. Make sure to coat the handle and backside of the skillet.
  • Turn your oven to self-clean (or as hot as it can go)
  • Place skillet upside down in the oven. You can put a pan to catch any dripping oil.
  • Bake skillet for 1 hour before turning off the oven and leaving it in there to return to room temperature.

Notes

I use this steel wool when I need to remove rust from cast iron. I prefer it over dish soap and a scrubbing sponge.