15/08/2025
I snagged this at a flea market a few days ago. The guy thought it was only good for a flower pot, so I stole it for cheap. 🌷🌺💐 I had to bite my tongue to not laugh because I knew he was so off base! Look at my baby now!!!
Yes…lots of work but so worth it to me! 😊
How I did it.
*I started by soaking it in vingar water for several hours.
AFTERWARDS-
How to Clean Rust Off of Your Cast Iron
Step One: Rinse and Wash
Place pan upside-down in sink and sprinkle with baking soda. Spray with a bit of water and add a few pumps of your preferred dish-washing soap.
Step Two: Scrub
Use a scrub brush to remove rust and debris. (Tip: a scrub brush will allow you to get into the crevices and etchings on the bottom of the pan better than a regular scrub pad.)
Step Three: Add Baking Soda & Afterwards course Salt
Go over your pan again, this time cleaning by adding baking soda to the mix and a scrub pad for added scouring. If needed I then scrub with course salt.
Step Four: Dry
Rinse your pan, ensuring all soap and baking soda is gone, and allow to dry thoroughly.
How to Re-Season Your Cast Iron Pan
The hesitancy home chefs have to clean a cast iron pan is valid. Scrubbing will have removed the pan's natural patina along with the rust, but thankfully, you can re-season it. Here's how.
Step One: Apply Fat
Start by using a paper towel or rag to rub a layer of shortening (like Crisco) over both sides of the pan.
Step Two: Set
Then, place the pan upside-down on a large sheet pan and bake in a pre-heated 350-degree oven for one hour. When an hour is up, turn the oven off; leave pan inside until cooled completely, then remove.
Tips for Maintaining Your Cast Iron's Quality
Now that your pan is cleaned, seasoned, and ready to use, here are a few of Ross's tips for keeping it in tip-top condition: After each use, don't reach for the dish soap; instead, rub the pan with coarse kosher salt to remove cooking debris and apply a thin layer of shortening or oil if desired. And if your cast-iron cookware has a lid, always store it separately—never on top of the pan—to prevent humidity from building up and creating rust.