How Do I Clean A Rusty Cast Iron Skillet

Requite your rusty skillet a face-lift with this footstep-by-step guide.

"My cast-iron skillet is ruined. Maybe I should merely throw it away."

When I heard a friend say this the other solar day, my jaw nearly vicious to the flooring. What could have gone so terribly wrong for her to want to throw away a cast-iron skillet? Did it intermission in one-half? Was it croaky? Did she drib information technology in some sort of radioactive acid? Cast-iron skillets are practically indestructible, and they'll last you lot a lifetime-especially when you're taking proper care. Learn how, here!

"Information technology'southward rusted," she said.

With a quick sigh of relief, I consoled her. Bandage-iron skillets are naturally prone to rust. But even if it has turned vivid orange, the pot absolutely can exist fixed. (Even if you snag an former, rusty skillet at the flea market place, that orange will come off!) It but takes a few simple steps to take your rusted cast iron looking make-new. We'll show you how it's done.

(Psst:Chief bandage iron cooking with our guide.)

How to Remove Rust from a Cast-Iron Skillet

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Yous'll need:

• Steel wool
• Sponge (with a scrubber side)
• Balmy dish soap
• Vegetable oil

Step 1: Scour

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Ignore all those times you lot've been told to be gentle with your cast-atomic number 26 skillet. The reason to be gentle while cleaning is to preserve the seasoning. The iron itself is most indestructible. Here, yous're going to strip away all the rust (and the seasoning). Don't worry-we'll add more seasoning subsequently.

It's going to take a niggling bit of elbow grease and a difficult abrasive tool to remove the rust. Go the pan wet, add a little soap, so go to town with your scrubber (depending on the level of rust, a tough sponge volition do). Scrub in small circles, focusing on the rustiest parts outset. Keep scrubbing until you lot see the original black iron emerge.

Test Kitchen tip: Take a newer pan that's developing small amounts of rust? There'due south an easier manner to restore it to new. But dampen a paper towel with oil and use it to wipe away the rust. Keep wiping the unabridged skillet, then skip to stride 3.

Footstep 2: Rinse

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At this point you've likely worked up a copper-chocolate-brown mush. Rinse that gunk off in the sink. Brand certain your skillet is totally clean by doing another scrub-this time with a soft soapy sponge. Buff off any residue or rusty $.25 that remain.

Step three: Dry

With the rust completely removed, your cast-iron skillet should be looking almost dorsum to normal. Merely without any seasoning, information technology'll have a night gray, matte finish. Dry out it off with a make clean dish rag. (Psst. Don't use a rag you're fond of. The skillet tin can go out night stains!) To dry out it completely, identify the skillet on the stove and turn on the heat for a few minutes. Any lingering moisture volition evaporate correct off.

Step 4: Re-season

Now that you've returned your skillet to its base layer, you'll need to flavour it for employ. Driblet a tablespoon of vegetable oil on the pan and spread it around with your fingers or a paper towel. (Take care not to burn yourself on a warm skillet!). Oil the outside and the handle, as well. Next, take a folded napkin and wipe off the backlog oil. Yous'll desire the skillet to be lightly greased. Ready your oven to 350 degrees and put some aluminum foil on the lesser rack. Then pop the skillet in, upside downwards, on the upper rack for nearly i hour. Turn the oven off and leave the pan inside until it'southward cool. The oil will bake into the pores of the pan, providing a non-stick stop.

Repeat this step a second fourth dimension and y'all'll take an most glassy surface of seasoning.

Ta-da! Your rusted cast-iron skillet is good as new. That ways information technology's fourth dimension to commencement cooking. Start here, with our favorite cast-iron skillet recipes. You'll learn how to sizzle upwardly some fajitas, pan-fry pork chops and even bake an upside-downwardly cake.

Tips for Preventing Rust

Want to avoid a having a rusted cast-iron skillet in the first place? Keep the following tips in heed:

• Never soak the pan. Since cast iron is so vulnerable to rust, it's best to limit your pan's exposure to water as much as possible.
• Don't let the pan air dry. Wipe off any excess water with a towel immediately later rinsing. To get your skillet bone dry, pop information technology on the burner to remove actress moisture.
• Lightly oil later on use. Once dried, rub your skillet with a sparse layer of vegetable oil before storing.
• Avoid certain foods: Acidic ingredients similar tomatoes or vinegar tin can eat into seasoning and lead to rust. If y'all take a well-seasoned pan, this shouldn't be a problem-but avoid that cooking that tomato sauce in your brand-new skillet.
• Use often: Bandage-iron skillets love to be loved. They'll showtime to rust if they've been cooped up for a long menses of time without much air-circulation or use. This is often the instance in coastal climates, where the salty air can have a big affect.

Now Cook Something in That Cast-Iron Skillet!

Taste of Home

Skillet Hasselback Sugariness Potatoes

Treat your sugariness-salty molar! Sugariness potatoes dressed with buttery, herby, garlicky goodness make for a stunning, delicious side dish. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Become Recipe

Rolled Buttermilk Biscuits

I scribbled down this recipe when our family visited The Farmers' Museum in Cooperstown, New York, many years ago. I must have gotten information technology right, because these biscuits turn out wonderful every time. —Patricia Kile, Elizabeth, Pennsylvania

One-Skillet Pasta

This recipe was given to me 25 years agone and remains a family favorite. Information technology's a tasty twist on traditional spaghetti, and making a ane-skillet pasta saves time on prep and cleanup, too. —Susan Spence, Lawrenceville, Virginia

Deluxe Cornbread Stuffing

When my husband and I were newlyweds and far from family, we invited friends over for a traditional Thanksgiving feast. I searched for stuffing recipes and combined the best aspects of several to create this one. Everyone liked it, and I still make it for holidays. —Pamela Rickman, Valdosta, Georgia

Muenster Bread

Many years ago my sister and I won blue ribbons in 4-H with this bread. The recipe makes a cute gold loaf with cheese peeking out of every slice. —Melanie Mero, Ida, Michigan

Rhubarb Crisp

I found this strawberry rhubarb well-baked recipe on a box of Quaker Oats about 20 years ago. It'southward quick and easier to make than pie. Information technology's versatile, too, because you can add strawberries in spring or apples in autumn. I usually pop information technology into the oven shortly before we sit downwardly to eat so information technology's withal warm for dessert! —C.East. Adams, Charlestown, New Hampshire

Gnocchi Chicken Skillet

Stovetop craven and gnocchi recipes like this one make for a homey dinner in a bustle. Personalize it with your own favorite sauce and seasonings. —Gustation of Home Exam Kitchen

Salsa Corn Cakes

This recipe is super with fresh or canned corn. I whip up these patties to serve alongside nachos or tacos on hot summertime evenings. The salsa is subtle but adds flavor. —Lisa Boettcher, Rosebush, Michigan

Hash Brown Pork Skillet

For this pork hash recipe, we added potatoes and veggies to leftover tenderloin. It's an easy, creamy weeknight supper in minutes! —Gustation of Home Examination Kitchen

Chocolate Pecan Skillet Cookie

Bake up the ultimate shareable cookie. For variety, replace the chocolate chips with an equal quantity of M&M'southward or chocolate chunks. Or go super fancy past mixing the chocolate fries and pecans into the dough, then gently folding in 1-one/2 cups fresh raspberries. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

Beef Skillet Supper

Sometimes I'll make actress of this comforting, noodle-y supper to guarantee leftovers. It's a great take-along dish for piece of work or school. Trim calories from the entree by substituting ground turkey for the beef and low-fat cheese for the total-fatty cheddar. —Tabitha Allen, Cypress, Texas

1-Skillet Pork Chop Supper

My married man, Clark, and I reserve this recipe for Sundays after the grandkids have gone home and we're as well tired to prepare a large meal. It's comforting and quick. —Kathy Thompson, Port Orangish, Florida

Potato Pan Rolls

My family loves these rolls and requests them often. They don't take long to brand because you utilize quick-rising yeast. —Connie Storckman, Evanston, Wyoming

High german Apple Pancake

If you're looking for a pretty dish to make when having guests for brunch, attempt this. Everyone I've served it to has enjoyed it—except for ane time, that is, when my husband tried to brand it post-obit my recipe, which I'd written down incorrectly! If y'all don't leave out the flour as I did, it'll turn out terrific! —Judi Van Beek, Lynden, Washington

Homey Mac & Cheese

I also telephone call this "my grandson's mac and cheese." Zachary has been to Iraq and Afghanistan with both the Marines and Navy, and I've been privileged to brand his favorite casserole for him for over 20 years. —Alice Beardsell, Osprey, Florida

Macaroon-Topped Rhubarb Cobbler

Crumbled macaroons are a surprising addition to this cobbler's topping. We love that you tin can make the sweet treat in a baking dish or a cast-fe skillet. —Taste of Domicile Test Kitchen

Honey Walleye

Our country is known as the Country of ten,000 Lakes, and then fishing is a favorite hobby here. This recipe is my quick fashion to prepare all the fresh walleye hooked by the anglers in my family. —Kitty McCue, St. Louis Park, Minnesota

Craven Burrito Skillet

We dearest Mexican dark at our firm, and I love to re-create dishes from our favorite restaurants. This burrito-inspired dish is set for the tabular array in about no time! —Krista Marshall, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Cheesy Pizza Rolls

The cast-iron skillet browns these delicious rolls to perfection. My family unit can't become enough. Use whatever pizza toppings your family unit likes best. —Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas

Skillet Herb Breadstuff

We had a lot of family get-togethers while I was growing upwardly. My grandmother, aunts and mom were all expert cooks, and each had her own specialty when information technology came to bread. Mom's was my favorite—she created this recipe more than twoscore years agone. The flavors call to heed the taste of cornbread stuffing! —Shirley Smith, Yorba Linda, California

Baked Cheddar Eggs & Potatoes

I dear making breakfast recipes with eggs for dinner, especially this philharmonic with potatoes and cheese that'southward started in a skillet on the stovetop and so popped into the oven to bake. —Nadine Merheb, Tucson, Arizona

Italian Sausage Veggie Skillet

We love Italian sausage sandwiches, but because the bread isn't diet-friendly for me, I created this recipe to satisfy my craving. If yous similar some oestrus, use hot peppers in place of the sweetness peppers. —Tina Howells, Salem, Ohio

Sugariness Potato and Egg Skillet

I try to incorporate nutritious sweetness potatoes in my meals as ofttimes as possible, especially with breakfast. This recipe originated with the purpose of feeding my family a healthy, hearty breakfast...and information technology worked! —Jeanne Larson, Mission Viejo, California

Spicy Veggie Pasta Bake

My dad cooked with cast-iron skillets, and so when I do, I think his astonishing culinary skills. I keep the tradition going with my veggie pasta. —Sonya Goergen, Moorhead, Minnesota

Flavorful Chicken Fajitas

This chicken fajitas recipe is definitely on my weeknight dinner rotation. The marinated chicken in these popular wraps is mouthwatering. The fajitas go together in a snap and always get raves! —Julie Sterchi, Campbellsville, Kentucky

Cinnamon-Sugar Apple tree Pie

Apple pie baked in a cast iron skillet is a real stunner. This dazzler, with its flaky, tender crust, also works in a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. —Renee Schettler Rossi, New York, New York

Sugariness Potato and Ham Hash

Tender sweet potatoes match up with ham, eggs and zippy seasonings for an impressive breakfast. Or serve it with salad and have an easy breakfast-for-dinner meal. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana

Turkey Biscuit Stew

This chunky stew makes a hearty supper, specially in the fall and winter. It'salso a great fashion to use extra turkey during the holidays. —Lori Schlecht, Wimbledon, North Dakota

Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake

My mom often fabricated pineapple upside downwardly cake, but I prefer something creamier. This recipe looks merely like her cake, but gets even tastier as pineapple upside downwards cheesecake. —Marilyn McGinnis, Citrus Heights, California

Kaiserschmarren

The story goes that when Austrian Kaiser Franz Josef'southward chef noticed that he always bankrupt his pancake into small pieces before eating information technology, he began serving information technology that way. —Erika and Peter Durlacher, Whistler, British Columbia

Skillet-Grilled Catfish

The Cajun flavor is great in this skillet-grilled catfish recipe. Y'all can use this recipe with whatever thick fish fillet, merely I advise catfish or haddock. —Traci Wynne, Denver, Pennsylvania

Butternut Squash Rolls

With their cheery yellow color and delicious aroma, these appealing buns will brighten your cafe table. Plus, I've plant this recipe is a wonderful way to use up squash from the garden. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri

Creamy Salmon Linguine

Extra Pesto Grilled Salmon gives this creamy pasta toss a luxurious taste and texture. We love it as is, but you could hands sub in whatever veggies you lot have on paw for the broccoli. —Jacob Kitzman, Seattle, Washington

Deep-Dish Sausage Pizza

My grandma made the tastiest snacks for us when nosotros stayed the night at her subcontract. Her wonderful pizza, hot from the oven, was covered with cheese and had fragrant herbs in the chaff. Now this pizza is oft a meal for my married man and me and our family. —Michele Madden, Washington Court Firm, Ohio

Deconstructed Pear Pork Chops

You'll be tempted to consume this master dish right out of the pan but effort to resist. These chops are sure to wow guests at the dinner table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Homemade Sage Sausage Patties

Oregano, garlic and sage add together savory flavor to these ground pork patties. I've had this Pennsylvania Dutch recipe for years, and information technology always brings compliments.

Pinwheel Steak Potpie

On cool nights, zip hits the spot similar a steaming homemade potpie—especially i y'all tin get on the table fast. The pinwheel crust on tiptop has become my signature. —Kristin Shaw, Castleton, New York

Chicken Cacciatore

This piece of cake chicken cacciatore recipe makes a good Dominicus dinner, since it's so simple to prepare. This recipe is the all-time because it's loaded with lots of vegetables and is a family favorite. —Barbara Roberts, Courtenay, British Columbia

Caramel-Apple Skillet Buckle

My grandma used to bake a version of this for me when I was a little girl. She would make it using fresh apples from her tree in the backyard. I've adapted her recipe because I beloved the combination of apples, pecans and caramel. —Emily Hobbs, Springfield, Missouri

Chicken Bulgur Skillet

This recipe was passed on to me by a friend. I've contradistinct it slightly to adjust our tastes. We like it with a fresh dark-green salad. —Leann Hilmer, Sylvan Grove, Kansas

Rustic Honey Block

When my boys were young, they couldn't drink milk but they could have yogurt. This was a cake they could swallow. And it'southward one dessert that doesn't taste overly sweet, which is always a overnice change of pace. —Linda Leuer, Hamel, Minnesota

Maple-Glazed Pork Chops

Everyone cleaned their plates when my mother fabricated these succulent, tangy-sweet pork chops when I was growing up. At present I go the same results when I serve them to my family alongside applesauce and au gratin potatoes. —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado

Parmesan-Salary Bubble Bread

When I needed to put some leftover bread dough to good use, I started with a recipe I often use for bubble breadstuff and substituted savory ingredients for the sweet. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas

Southwestern Spaghetti

Chili powder and cumin requite a balmy Mexican season to this colorful one-skillet supper. With chunks of fresh zucchini, information technology's a nice change of stride from typical spaghetti dishes. —Beth Coffee, Hartford City, Indiana

Beef & Pepper Skillet

I love Mexican-inspired food. I likewise enjoy experimenting with recipes similar this 1 and making them healthier—and downright good! —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia

Traditional Funnel Cakes

When I was in high school, I fabricated these funnel cakes every Sunday subsequently church for my family. They are crisp and tender, just like the kind we ever ate at the land fair. —Susan Tingley, Portland, Oregon

Castilian Rice Dinner

Spanish Rice Dinner has been a family favorite since I discovered it in our church building cookbook. I always accept the ingredients on hand, and it reheats very well in the microwave. —Jeri Dobrowski, Beach, Northward Dakota.

Apples 'due north' Cream Pancake

This cozy recipe is succulent for breakfast or brunch. I normally make a double batch because everyone wants more! With our own orchard, we take plenty of Delicious and Winesap apples—they make this a true midwestern meal. —Ruth Schafer, Disobedience, Ohio

Chili Beefiness Noodle Skillet

A friend gave me this recipe. My married man likes the hearty blend of beefiness, onion and tomatoes. I like it because I can go it to the table so quickly. —Deborah Elliott, Ridge Bound, South Carolina

Enchilada Craven

Nosotros enjoy southwestern flavors and this six-ingredient recipe never gets boring. The craven sizzles in the skillet before getting baked and comes out tender and juicy every time. —Nancy Sousley, Lafayette, Indiana

Saucy Beef with Broccoli

When I'm looking for a fast entree, I turn to this beef and broccoli stir-fry. It features a tantalizing sauce made with garlic and ginger. —Rosa Evans, Odessa, Missouri

Confetti Kielbasa Skillet

Here's one of my married man'due south favorite dishes. When information technology's in season, substitute fresh corn for frozen. Add a nuance of cayenne pepper if you similar a little heat. —Sheila Gomez, Shawnee, Kansas

Skillet-Roasted Lemon Chicken with Potatoes

This is a repast I have my students brand in our diet unit. It has a delicious lemon-herb flavor and is elementary to make. —Mindy Rottmund, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Peach Praline Upside-Down Cake

This cake is filled with fresh peaches, roasted Saigon cinnamon, roasted ground ginger and toasted pecans – and that makes it dissimilar. — Jeanette Nelson, Sophia, Westward Virginia

Easy Beef Taco Skillet

Busy day? Save time and money with this stovetop supper the whole family volition love. It calls for handy convenience products, so it can exist on the table in minutes. —Kelly Roder, Fairfax, Virginia

Basil-Butter Steaks with Roasted Potatoes

A few ingredients and 30 minutes are all y'all'll need for this incredibly satisfying meal. A simple basil butter gives these steaks a very special gustation. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Cheese & Mushroom Skillet Pizza

This Italian skillet toss is an crawly mode to use upward extra spaghetti sauce at the end of the week. It fits right in on Friday pizza night. —Clare Butler, Fiddling Elm, Texas

Fudge Brownie Pie

Here's a fun and festive way to serve brownies. Family and friends will love topping their pieces with whipped foam and strawberries. —Johnnie McLeod, Bastrop, Louisiana

Blackened Halibut

Attempt serving this spicy halibut recipe with garlic mashed potatoes, hot, crusty bread and a crisp salad to lure in your crew. Later on trying a few halibut recipes, this one is my family'south favorite. —Brenda Williams, Santa Maria, California

Milk Cake

This is a simple recipe—and specially piece of cake in a well-seasoned cast-atomic number 26 skillet. The result is a deliciously light, blusterous cake. —Suzanne Coelman, Rabun Gap, Georgia

Lemon-Pepper Tilapia with Mushrooms

My married man and I are trying to add together more fish and salubrious entrees to our diet and this one makes information technology easy. It comes together in less than thirty minutes, so it'south perfect for hectic weeknights. —Donna McDonald, Lake Elsinore, California

Cran-Apple Cobbler

My cranberry-packed cobbler is the crowning glory of many of our late fall and wintertime meals. My family isn't big on pies, so this favorite is preferred at our Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. The olfactory property of cinnamon and fruit is irresistible. —Jo Ann Sheehan, Ruther Glen, Virginia

Gram'due south Fried Chicken

Every bit a boy, I wolfed downward my grandmother'due south fried chicken. I never knew how she made it, just my recipe using potato flakes is crispy close. —David Nelson, Lincolnton, North Carolina

Blackened Catfish with Mango Avocado Salsa

A delightful and tasty rub makes this quick recipe fantastic. While the fish is sitting to allow the flavors to alloy, you tin can easily assemble the salsa. My family loves this! —Laura Fisher, Westfield, Massachusetts

Assistant Skillet Upside-Down Cake

My grandmother gave me my first cast fe skillet, and I've been cooking and baking with it e'er since. Sometimes I add drained maraschino cherries to this banana skillet dessert and serve it with a ice cream. —Terri Merritts, Nashville, Tennessee

Upwards Next: If Yous See Black Residue on Your Cast-Iron Skillet, This Is What It Means

Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/the-easy-way-to-restore-a-rusted-cast-iron-skillet/

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