How To Clean Rusted Cast Iron Skillets

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

"My cast-atomic number 26 skillet is ruined. Peradventure I should just throw it away."

When I heard a friend say this the other day, my jaw nearly roughshod to the floor. What could have gone then terribly wrong for her to want to throw away a cast-iron skillet? Did it break in one-half? Was it cracked? Did she drop information technology in some sort of radioactive acrid? Cast-iron skillets are practically indestructible, and they'll last you lot a lifetime-especially when yous're taking proper intendance. Learn how, here!

"It'due south rusted," she said.

With a quick sigh of relief, I consoled her. Bandage-iron skillets are naturally prone to rust. Simply even if information technology has turned brilliant orange, the pot absolutely can exist stock-still. (Even if you snag an erstwhile, rusty skillet at the flea market, that orangish will come off!) It just takes a few simple steps to have your rusted cast iron looking make-new. We'll testify you how it'south washed.

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

How to Remove Rust from a Bandage-Atomic number 26 Skillet

ⓘ

You'll need:

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

Step ane: Scour

Gustation of Habitation

Ignore all those times you've been told to be gentle with your bandage-iron skillet. The reason to exist gentle while cleaning is to preserve the seasoning. The iron itself is well-nigh indestructible. Here, you're going to strip away all the rust (and the seasoning). Don't worry-we'll add more than seasoning subsequently.

It's going to take a niggling fleck of elbow grease and a difficult abrasive tool to remove the rust. Become the pan wet, add a piffling soap, then go to boondocks with your scrubber (depending on the level of rust, a tough sponge will do). Scrub in small-scale circles, focusing on the rustiest parts first. Continue scrubbing until you run into the original black iron emerge.

Test Kitchen tip: Take a newer pan that's developing small amounts of rust? There'south an easier mode to restore it to new. Simply dampen a newspaper towel with oil and use it to wipe away the rust. Keep wiping the entire skillet, so skip to stride 3.

Step 2: Rinse

Taste of Dwelling

At this signal you've likely worked upwardly a copper-brown mush. Rinse that gunk off in the sink. Brand sure 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 iii: Dry

With the rust completely removed, your cast-iron skillet should be looking well-nigh back to normal. Just without any seasoning, it'll have a dark gray, matte finish. Dry information technology off with a clean dish rag. (Psst. Don't use a rag yous're addicted of. The skillet can go out dark stains!) To dry it completely, place the skillet on the stove and plough on the rut for a few minutes. Any lingering wet will evaporate right off.

Step 4: Re-season

Now that yous've returned your skillet to its base of operations layer, you'll need to flavour it for use. Drop a tablespoon of vegetable oil on the pan and spread it around with your fingers or a paper towel. (Take care not to fire yourself on a warm skillet!). Oil the outside and the handle, too. Side by side, have a folded napkin and wipe off the excess oil. You'll want the skillet to be lightly greased. Set your oven to 350 degrees and put some aluminum foil on the lesser rack. So pop the skillet in, upside down, on the upper rack for about i hr. Turn the oven off and leave the pan inside until information technology's cool. The oil volition bake into the pores of the pan, providing a non-stick finish.

Echo this pace a 2d time and y'all'll accept an well-nigh glassy surface of seasoning.

Ta-da! Your rusted cast-atomic number 26 skillet is adept as new. That means it's time to offset cooking. Start hither, with our favorite bandage-fe skillet recipes. You'll learn how to sizzle up some fajitas, pan-fry pork chops and fifty-fifty bake an upside-downwardly block.

Tips for Preventing Rust

Desire to avoid a having a rusted cast-atomic number 26 skillet in the get-go place? Keep the following tips in mind:

• Never soak the pan. Since bandage fe is and then vulnerable to rust, it'south all-time to limit your pan's exposure to water as much equally possible.
• Don't permit the pan air dry. Wipe off whatsoever excess water with a towel immediately after rinsing. To go your skillet os dry, pop it on the burner to remove extra moisture.
• Lightly oil later employ. Once dried, rub your skillet with a sparse layer of vegetable oil before storing.
• Avert certain foods: Acidic ingredients like tomatoes or vinegar can eat into seasoning and pb to rust. If you have a well-seasoned pan, this shouldn't be a problem-simply avoid that cooking that tomato sauce in your brand-new skillet.
• Use often: Cast-atomic number 26 skillets beloved to be loved. They'll showtime to rust if they've been cooped up for a long period of time without much air-circulation or utilise. This is often the example in littoral climates, where the salty air tin take a big impact.

Now Cook Something in That Cast-Atomic number 26 Skillet!

Gustation of Dwelling

Skillet Hasselback Sweet Potatoes

Care for your sweet-salty tooth! Sweet potatoes dressed with buttery, herby, garlicky goodness make for a stunning, delicious side dish. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Get Recipe

Rolled Buttermilk Biscuits

I scribbled downward this recipe when our family visited The Farmers' Museum in Cooperstown, New York, many years agone. I must have gotten it right, because these biscuits turn out wonderful every fourth dimension. —Patricia Kile, Elizabeth, Pennsylvania

1-Skillet Pasta

This recipe was given to me 25 years agone and remains a family favorite. It's a tasty twist on traditional spaghetti, and making a one-skillet pasta saves fourth dimension on prep and cleanup, besides. —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 all-time aspects of several to create this ane. Everyone liked it, and I still go far for holidays. —Pamela Rickman, Valdosta, Georgia

Muenster Breadstuff

Many years agone my sister and I won blue ribbons in iv-H with this staff of life. The recipe makes a cute gilt loaf with cheese peeking out of every piece. —Melanie Mero, Ida, Michigan

Rhubarb Crisp

I establish this strawberry rhubarb crisp recipe on a box of Quaker Oats most 20 years ago. It's quick and easier to make than pie. It'south versatile, besides, because you can add together strawberries in bound or apples in autumn. I commonly popular it into the oven soon before we sit down to eat so it'south still warm for dessert! —C.East. Adams, Charlestown, New Hampshire

Gnocchi Craven Skillet

Stovetop chicken and gnocchi recipes like this one make for a homey dinner in a hurry. Personalize information technology with your ain favorite sauce and seasonings. —Taste 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 summer evenings. The salsa is subtle simply adds season. —Lisa Boettcher, Rosebush, Michigan

Hash Brown Pork Skillet

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

Chocolate Pecan Skillet Cookie

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

Beef Skillet Supper

Sometimes I'll brand extra of this comforting, noodle-y supper to guarantee leftovers. It'south a great take-forth dish for piece of work or school. Trim calories from the entree by substituting ground turkey for the beef and depression-fatty cheese for the full-fat cheddar. —Tabitha Allen, Cypress, Texas

One-Skillet Pork Chop Supper

My married man, Clark, and I reserve this recipe for Sundays afterward the grandkids have gone home and we're too tired to set a big meal. It's comforting and quick. —Kathy Thompson, Port Orangish, Florida

Spud Pan Rolls

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

German Apple Pancake

If you're looking for a pretty dish to make when having guests for brunch, try this. Everyone I've served it to has enjoyed information technology—except for one time, that is, when my husband tried to brand it following my recipe, which I'd written downwardly incorrectly! If you don't get out out the flour as I did, information technology'll turn out terrific! —Judi Van Beek, Lynden, Washington

Homey Mac & Cheese

I also phone 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 improver to this cobbler's topping. We love that you tin can make the sweetness treat in a baking dish or a cast-atomic number 26 skillet. —Gustation of Home Examination Kitchen

Honey Walleye

Our state is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, so fishing is a favorite hobby here. This recipe is my quick way to set up all the fresh walleye hooked by the anglers in my family. —Kitty McCue, St. Louis Park, Minnesota

Chicken Burrito Skillet

We dear Mexican night at our house, and I dear to re-create dishes from our favorite restaurants. This burrito-inspired dish is prepare for the tabular array in most no fourth dimension! —Krista Marshall, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Cheesy Pizza Rolls

The cast-atomic number 26 skillet browns these delicious rolls to perfection. My family can't get enough. Utilize any pizza toppings your family likes best. —Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas

Skillet Herb Bread

We had a lot of family become-togethers while I was growing up. My grandmother, aunts and mom were all good cooks, and each had her ain specialty when it came to breadstuff. Mom'southward was my favorite—she created this recipe more than twoscore years ago. The flavors phone call to mind 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 combo with potatoes and cheese that's started in a skillet on the stovetop and and so popped into the oven to bake. —Nadine Merheb, Tucson, Arizona

Italian Sausage Veggie Skillet

We dear Italian sausage sandwiches, but because the bread isn't nutrition-friendly for me, I created this recipe to satisfy my craving. If yous similar some estrus, utilise hot peppers in place of the sweet peppers. —Tina Howells, Salem, Ohio

Sugariness Spud and Egg Skillet

I attempt to contain nutritious sugariness potatoes in my meals equally often every bit possible, peculiarly with breakfast. This recipe originated with the purpose of feeding my family unit a healthy, hearty breakfast...and it worked! —Jeanne Larson, Mission Viejo, California

Spicy Veggie Pasta Bake

My dad cooked with cast-iron skillets, so when I exercise, I recall his amazing culinary skills. I proceed the tradition going with my veggie pasta. —Sonya Goergen, Moorhead, Minnesota

Flavorful Chicken Fajitas

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

Cinnamon-Sugar Apple tree Pie

Apple pie baked in a cast atomic number 26 skillet is a real stunner. This dazzler, with its flaky, tender crust, as well works in a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. —Renee Schettler Rossi, New York, New York

Sweet Spud and Ham Hash

Tender sweet potatoes match upwards with ham, eggs and zippy seasonings for an impressive breakfast. Or serve information technology with salad and have an like shooting fish in a barrel breakfast-for-dinner meal. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana

Turkey Biscuit Stew

This mesomorphic stew makes a hearty supper, specially in the fall and winter. Information technology'salso a slap-up mode to apply extra turkey during the holidays. —Lori Schlecht, Wimbledon, North Dakota

Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake

My mom oft fabricated pineapple upside down cake, just I prefer something creamier. This recipe looks just like her cake, simply gets even tastier as pineapple upside down cheesecake. —Marilyn McGinnis, Citrus Heights, California

Kaiserschmarren

The story goes that when Austrian Kaiser Franz Josef'south chef noticed that he always broke his pancake into pocket-size pieces before eating it, he began serving it that way. —Erika and Peter Durlacher, Whistler, British Columbia

Skillet-Grilled Catfish

The Cajun flavor is neat in this skillet-grilled catfish recipe. You can use this recipe with any thick fish fillet, but I suggest catfish or haddock. —Traci Wynne, Denver, Pennsylvania

Butternut Squash Rolls

With their cheery yellow colour and delicious aroma, these appealing buns will burnish your cafe table. Plus, I've found 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 dear information technology every bit is, but y'all could hands sub in any veggies you have on manus for the broccoli. —Jacob Kitzman, Seattle, Washington

Deep-Dish Sausage Pizza

My grandma fabricated the tastiest snacks for the states when we stayed the night at her farm. Her wonderful pizza, hot from the oven, was covered with cheese and had fragrant herbs in the chaff. Now this pizza is frequently a meal for my husband and me and our family unit. —Michele Madden, Washington Court House, Ohio

Deconstructed Pear Pork Chops

You'll be tempted to eat this master dish correct out of the pan but endeavor to resist. These chops are certain to wow guests at the dinner table. —Gustation of Home Examination Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Bootleg Sage Sausage Patties

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

Pinwheel Steak Potpie

On cool nights, nothing hits the spot like a steaming homemade potpie—especially i you tin get on the table fast. The pinwheel crust on elevation has get my signature. —Kristin Shaw, Castleton, New York

Chicken Cacciatore

This easy chicken cacciatore recipe makes a proficient Sun dinner, since it'southward so unproblematic to gear up. This recipe is the best because it'due south 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 go far using fresh apples from her tree in the backyard. I've adapted her recipe because I love the combination of apples, pecans and caramel. —Emily Hobbs, Springfield, Missouri

Craven Bulgur Skillet

This recipe was passed on to me by a friend. I've contradistinct it slightly to accommodate our tastes. Nosotros like it with a fresh greenish salad. —Leann Hilmer, Sylvan Grove, Kansas

Rustic Honey Cake

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

Maple-Glazed Pork Chops

Anybody cleaned their plates when my female parent made these succulent, tangy-sweet pork chops when I was growing up. Now I go the same results when I serve them to my family alongside absurdity and au gratin potatoes. —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado

Parmesan-Bacon Bubble Bread

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

Southwestern Spaghetti

Chili powder and cumin requite a mild Mexican flavor to this colorful one-skillet supper. With chunks of fresh zucchini, it's a nice alter of step from typical spaghetti dishes. —Beth Coffee, Hartford City, Indiana

Beef & Pepper Skillet

I dearest Mexican-inspired nutrient. I too enjoy experimenting with recipes like this i and making them healthier—and downright skillful! —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia

Traditional Funnel Cakes

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

Castilian Rice Dinner

Castilian Rice Dinner has been a family favorite since I discovered information technology in our church cookbook. I e'er have the ingredients on hand, and it reheats very well in the microwave. —Jeri Dobrowski, Embankment, North Dakota.

Apples 'n' Cream Pancake

This cozy recipe is delicious for breakfast or brunch. I commonly make a double batch considering everyone wants more! With our own orchard, nosotros have enough of Delicious and Winesap apples—they make this a truthful midwestern meal. —Ruth Schafer, Defiance, Ohio

Chili Beef Noodle Skillet

A friend gave me this recipe. My married man likes the hearty alloy of beef, onion and tomatoes. I similar information technology because I can get it to the table so chop-chop. —Deborah Elliott, Ridge Spring, S Carolina

Enchilada Chicken

We savour southwestern flavors and this six-ingredient recipe never gets wearisome. The chicken 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'thou 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

Hither'south one of my hubby'southward favorite dishes. When information technology'south in season, substitute fresh corn for frozen. Add a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a petty heat. —Sheila Gomez, Shawnee, Kansas

Skillet-Roasted Lemon Chicken with Potatoes

This is a meal I have my students make in our nutrition unit. It has a succulent lemon-herb flavor and is simple to make. —Mindy Rottmund, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Peach Praline Upside-Down Block

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

Easy Beef Taco Skillet

Busy 24-hour interval? Save time and money with this stovetop supper the whole family will love. It calls for handy convenience products, so it can be on the table in minutes. —Kelly Roder, Fairfax, Virginia

Basil-Butter Steaks with Roasted Potatoes

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

Cheese & Mushroom Skillet Pizza

This Italian skillet toss is an crawly manner to use upward extra spaghetti sauce at the stop of the week. Information technology fits right in on Friday pizza nighttime. —Clare Butler, Little Elm, Texas

Fudge Brownie Pie

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

Blackened Halibut

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

Milk Cake

This is a simple recipe—and especially like shooting fish in a barrel in a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet. The issue is a deliciously lite, airy cake. —Suzanne Coelman, Rabun Gap, Georgia

Lemon-Pepper Tilapia with Mushrooms

My husband and I are trying to add more than fish and healthy entrees to our diet and this 1 makes it like shooting fish in a barrel. Information technology comes together in less than 30 minutes, so it's perfect for hectic weeknights. —Donna McDonald, Lake Elsinore, California

Cran-Apple tree Cobbler

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

Gram's Fried Chicken

As a boy, I wolfed downward my grandmother'due south fried chicken. I never knew how she made it, only my recipe using potato flakes is crispy close. —David Nelson, Lincolnton, Due 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, yous tin easily assemble the salsa. My family unit loves this! —Laura Fisher, Westfield, Massachusetts

Banana Skillet Upside-Downward Block

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

Upward Side by side: If You lot See Black Residue on Your Cast-Atomic number 26 Skillet, This Is What Information technology Means

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

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