How To Remove Rust From Cast Iron Skillet

<- Return to the ultimate cast iron skillet guide

As someone who regularly uses cast iron cookware, I know how heartbreaking it can be to discover rust on your beloved skillet. Fortunately, rust doesn’t mean the end of your pan! With the right products and techniques, you can restore your cast iron and bring it back to its former glory. In this article, I’ll walk you through how to remove rust from cast iron skillet and pans with some tried-and-true methods that I’ve used myself.

If you’ve ever wondered how to remove rust from cast iron skillet and keep it in excellent condition, this guide will give you the tools and knowledge you need.

Why Rust Forms on Cast Iron

Before diving into how to remove rust from a cast iron skillet, it’s helpful to understand why rust forms in the first place. Cast iron is highly prone to rust because it’s made of iron, which reacts with water and oxygen to create rust. When the skillet is exposed to moisture—whether from soaking in water, improper drying, or humidity—rust can develop on the surface.

The key to preventing rust is maintaining a proper seasoning layer on the skillet and ensuring it stays dry between uses. However, even with the best care, rust can sometimes happen, so let’s talk about how to deal with it.

How to Remove Rust from a Cast Iron Skillet: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a step-by-step approach to removing rust from cast iron cookware. I’ve broken it down into easy-to-follow methods, so whether the rust is light or heavy, you’ll know exactly what to do.

Step 1: Assess the Level of Rust

Not all rust is created equal. Light surface rust can be dealt with quickly, while deep, heavy rust may require more intensive methods. Start by inspecting your skillet to determine how much rust you’re dealing with.

• Light Rust: This is surface-level rust that can usually be removed with minimal scrubbing.
• Heavy Rust: This happens when the rust has penetrated deeper into the cast iron, often due to prolonged exposure to moisture.

The method for how to remove rust from cast iron skillet will depend on how extensive the rust damage is, so once you know, you can choose the right approach.

Step 2: Scrub the Rust Off

For both light and heavy rust, the first step is to scrub the rust away. Here are some common tools and products that work well for scrubbing rust off cast iron:

A Chain Mail Cast Iron Scrubber (Best Overall): Chain mail cast iron scrubbers are an excellent tool for cleaning cast iron cookware without damaging the seasoning. Made from interlinked stainless steel rings, these scrubbers are durable and gentle, effectively removing stuck-on food and debris without the need for harsh chemicals or soap.

They offer an eco-friendly and long-lasting solution for maintaining your cast iron skillets, as they don’t wear down like sponges or steel wool. Plus, they’re easy to clean—just rinse or toss them in the dishwasher. For anyone serious about cast iron care, a chain mail scrubber is a must-have.

Coarse Salt: For everyday cleaning, as well as to clean light rust, I use coarse salt (like kosher salt) as a natural abrasive. I sprinkle the salt over the rusted areas and use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub away the rust. This method works particularly well when the rust is minimal.

Product Recommendation: Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt is my go-to because it has the right texture for scrubbing, without being too harsh.

A Cast Iron Scrub: Similar to salt, a plant based cast iron scrub is available on Amazon that is excellent at removing rust and burnt on food. It is a solvent free and 100% food safe product made from refined cocnut oil. All of the long-chain fatty acids are removed, which ensures that the product will not go rancied.

Unlike the chainmail scrubbers on the market, this cast iron scrub will NOT scratch the surface of your cast iron cookware, keeping it in good condition for many years to come.

Enhanced using pure essential oils that naturally help to eliminate unwanted food odours. This cast iron scrub will leave your cast iron cookware smelling clean & neutral.

Tip: Both the kosher salt and cast iron scrub work exceptionally well when used in conjunction with a chainmail scrubber!

Steel Wool or Scouring Pads: Steel wool a decent choice to use when you want to remove rust from cast iron. It’s abrasive enough to scrub off the rust without damaging the surface of the skillet. Scouring pads, like the ones from brands such as SOS Pads or Brillo, also work well.

Tip: When using steel wool or scouring pads, always scrub in circular motions, applying even pressure.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry

Once you’ve scrubbed the rust away, it’s important to rinse the skillet thoroughly with warm water. After rinsing, dry it completely using a clean towel.

• Important: Never leave the skillet to air dry. Water is the enemy of cast iron, and even a small amount of moisture can cause rust to reappear. I always place the skillet on a low heat burner after drying to ensure every drop of water evaporates.

Step 4: Re-Season the Skillet

After you’ve removed the rust, your skillet will need to be re-seasoned. This is crucial because scrubbing the rust likely removed some of the seasoning along with it. Seasoning restores the protective layer and prevents future rust.

Step 5: Maintenance Tips

Now that your skillet is rust-free, here are a few tips to prevent rust from coming back:

• Always Dry Immediately: After washing, dry your skillet immediately and thoroughly, and store it in a dry place.
• Apply a Light Layer of Oil After Use: After cleaning and drying, I apply a very light coat of oil to the skillet before storing it. This creates a barrier that protects against moisture.
• Avoid Soaking: Never soak your cast iron in water for an extended period. If you need to soak it to loosen food, do so only for a few minutes.

How To Remove Rust From Cast Iron Skillet When Nothing Is Working

If you’re dealing with heavy rust and the standard scrubbing methods aren’t cutting it, here are a few alternative ways to remove rust from a cast iron skillet:

Vinegar Soak

A vinegar soak can be highly effective for more stubborn rust. I’ve used this method once when dealing with particularly a rusty skillet, and it worked wonders.

1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a large container or sink.
2. Submerge the cast iron skillet in the solution and let it soak for up to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as leaving it for too long can damage the cast iron.
3. After soaking, scrub the rust with steel wool or a scouring pad.
4. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before re-seasoning.

Tip: Don’t use the vinegar soak method frequently, as it can strip away too much seasoning.

Final Thoughts on How to Remove Rust from Cast Iron Skillet

The key is to stay on top of maintenance, dry the skillet thoroughly after each use, and never forget to season it regularly. By following these steps, you’ll not only remove rust but also ensure your cast iron skillet remains a reliable kitchen companion for years to come.

Below are the products mentioned in our how to remove rust from cast iron skillet article:

<- Return to the ultimate cast iron skillet guide