How to quickly remove rust from a cast iron pan, what to do to clean it
Cast iron cookware is popular for its durability and non-stick performance. The disadvantage is the appearance of rust by prolonged contact with water. To keep utensils in good condition, you need to know how to properly clean a cast iron skillet from rust.
Reasons for the appearance
Proper use can help reduce the incidence of rust marks on your stove. The most common reason for the appearance of plaque is negligence and inaccuracy.
Improper washing
Abrasive substances should not be used to wash the surface of cast iron, as they lead to a violation of the protective layer. This cleaning method can only be used on a pan that is already damaged and corroded.
Poor preparation for the operation
Before using the pan directly, grease it with vegetable oil and heat it with salt for 40-60 minutes. The procedure can be carried out on the stove or in an oven at a temperature of about 180 degrees. Annealing will improve the protective properties of the enamel and create a layer that prevents the formation of rust.
Poor quality product
The use of low-quality materials for the production of kitchen utensils leads to rapid destruction of the protective layer and corrosion. To avoid such a situation, you need to carefully select the product and purchase it from trusted stores.
Violation of storage rules
Long-term storage of a cast iron skillet without using it for cooking is a common reason for the coating to rust over time. If you do not need to constantly use the dishes, then you need to oil them periodically. In this case, you can lubricate only a clean, dry pan.
High air humidity
Exposure to high atmospheric humidity negatively affects the safety of the protective layer. If the pan is used frequently and correctly but is still rusty, more suitable storage conditions should be provided.
Improper care
Care should be taken when using a cast iron skillet. External mechanical stress can lead to cracks, chips and other damage. The destruction of the surface considerably increases the risk of corrosion of the materials.
Home cleaning methods
In everyday life, there are many ways to clean a cast iron frying pan from rust that has appeared.To choose the most suitable option, you need to familiarize yourself with the features of the implementation of each of them.
Cleaning with an abrasive washcloth
The abrasive scrubber is made of steel or copper wire. It is possible to remove rust from the surface of cookware by applying force to the stained areas. A scrubber made of metal elements effectively removes plaque and restores the condition of the coating.
When using an abrasive washcloth, it is important to be careful not to accidentally damage the base coat.
Baking soda
If the corrosion appeared recently, has a light shade and did not have time to penetrate deeply into the structure of the material, then you can use ordinary soda to remove it. You can clean the pan as follows:
- pour a small amount of baking soda at the bottom and dilute with water to form a thick consistency;
- take a sponge and rub the substance on the traces of rust;
- repeat the procedure if it was not possible to remove all the rust on the first try.
Salt
Cleaning kitchen utensils with table salt is similar to using baking soda. The substance is mixed with lukewarm water and vigorously rubbed into the contaminated areas.
Powerful cleaning agents
In situations where abrasive substances do not bring the desired effect, you will have to use stronger means. A suitable option is a bathroom cleaner. It contains hydrochloric acid, which turns rust into a wet powder, which is much easier to remove from the surface.
Attempts to clean dishes with strong compounds based on hydrochloric acid should be made with caution.It is recommended to use protective gloves during washing and, when finished, wash and dry the pan thoroughly.
metal brush
In advanced cases, a metal abrasive brush can simplify the rust cleaning procedure. Moisten the bottom of the pan, pour dishwashing powder and rub the dirt with a brush. Then the product is washed under water pressure and calcined in a preheated oven for 40 minutes. After the first calcining step, the bottom is treated with oil and heated for another hour.
vinegar solution
Table vinegar essence absorbs rust and facilitates its removal. A spoonful of vinegar is diluted with a liter of water, the mixture is poured into a pan and left for a few hours, after which it is thoroughly washed and dried.
Digestion
The method of digestion is one of the oldest, but it still does not lose its relevance. To get rid of corrosion, 6 liters of water are poured into an enamel bucket and half a pack of soda is poured. The container is left on low heat, a frying pan is placed inside and boiled for a couple of hours.
Coca Cola
The substances contained in Coca-Cola effectively remove rust from cast iron surfaces. Pour soda into a deep container, put a frying pan and boil. Then the dishes are cooled without removing from the solution. For further use of dishes, it remains to wash off the remnants of rust, wipe and bake.
fish fat
You can treat the pan with fish oil from the outside and inside. The surface is carefully wiped, left for 3-4 hours, then washed in warm water with detergent, gently cleaning the rust. To restore the protective layer, follow the standard baking procedure.
What to do with a new frying pan to prevent rust
To maintain the good condition of utensils, a number of rules must be observed. Proper use of tableware will save energy and money.
Usage tips
Correct use directly affects the safety of the frying pan. To reduce the risk of corrosion, just follow some simple tips.
Regular use
In case of prolonged storage, rust naturally forms on the coating. It is recommended to periodically use the utensils for cooking.
Washing after cooking
Rinse the pan thoroughly immediately after use. Residual oil and products will destroy the protective layer.
Do not use abrasive compounds and metal scouring pads
This advice only applies to new stoves. If there is already rust on the surface, it is allowed to clean it with abrasive substances and hard sponges.
How to dry well
The washed product is carefully wiped off and left to dry completely. For greater reliability, you can wipe the coating with paper towels.
Oil lubrication
From time to time you can treat the dishes with oil. After processing, the pan is stored in a dry place.