Thread: Cast Iron Rust Removal Question

I found the "how to" section but never could find the rust removal tip, not even after doing a search in the site.

blairarnold

I found the "how to" section but never could find the rust removal tip, not even after doing a search in the site.

I could not find it either, was curious if it is a chemical agent as You do not want to use any chemical, liguid rust remover etc. on your cooking pan, it could transfer to food in cooking later on, probably won't kill you but food will get a nasty taste. We scorched a cast iron pan once and just cleaned it with coarse salt & water works fine same thing my Grandma always did as all she cooked with was cast iron. Bought a big Lodge fry pan about? 20" dia at garage sale cheap cause of rust, salt cleaned it up in no time.

Originally Posted by blairarnold

I found the "how to" section but never could find the rust removal tip, not even after doing a search in the site.

... the "how to" link icon (wrench) is on the left slide bar window ... but after you click on it, go over to the right slide bar window and scroll down to the "rust removal tip" video. (about 3/4 of the way down)

You'll need :

12V battery charger with constant 2amp current capability
plastic container big enough to hold cast iron pan
water (measured in pints, and enough to cover cast iron item)
steel rod
Sodium Carbonate (1tsp to each pint of water)

What the tip tells/shows you to do :

Add Sodium Carbonate to water in plastic container (measured as described)
Place cast iron item into solution
hook negative lead to cast iron item (below the solution surface)
hook positive lead to steel rod (above the solution surface)
place steel rod into solution (standing upright and not touching cast iron)
turn on battery charger

MAKE SURE you have this setup in a VERY WELL VENTILATED area, as there will be hydrogen gas produced by the dissolving rust !! No flames or sparks anywhere near this setup !!!!! (SERIOUS explosion potential)

But ... don't take my word for it .. watch the video

... cp

I have access to a sandblaster at work, that does a great job. I have done several like that. Just season them soon after so they won't start rusting again.

Here's what we do - burn it off in a campfire. Next time you go camping, or in your backyard, build a good fire, put your cast iron in it and burn it off. Afterward, wash and scrub it up good, put it over heat to get it completely dry and then coat it with a light film of oil.

I really appreciate every one's suggestions. I've kind of bumped my forehead and wonder why I hadn't thought of several of them though I would have never thought about the trick on the website.

I am going to ask another stupid question. I have cleaned cast iron by rubbing it with salt using a paper towell. It worked but the salt ate through the paper towells pretty quickly, and I'm not sure they would get all the rust off. What do you use to rub the salt against the rust?

Well U could use a sponge, a dish rag, or we use a ALL PURPOSE NYLON SCOURING PAD, its a sponge covered with a couple layers fine nylon mesh sold at Trader Joes food stores, but I have also seen similar in auto section of dept stores. $2.59 for a mesh bag of four, Ideal for non-stick cookware,baking pans,Glass doors, stove tops, etc. I also use one on car windshield to remove bugs. Its about 21/2 inches square

Thanks for all the replies. I've gotten some great ideas from all of you.

try this

tie a rope to it and next time your out fishing throw it out in the water and drag it while your fishing, you might even have a fish on it when you bring it in :D

Actually i would try to have it sand blasted, Ive done that before or use a wire brush then wash with warm water and season it

good luck

Originally Posted by blairarnold

I really appreciate every one's suggestions. I've kind of bumped my forehead and wonder why I hadn't thought of several of them though I would have never thought about the trick on the website.

I am going to ask another stupid question. I have cleaned cast iron by rubbing it with salt using a paper towell. It worked but the salt ate through the paper towells pretty quickly, and I'm not sure they would get all the rust off. What do you use to rub the salt against the rust?

Scotchbrite. You can find it at Lowes or Walmart with the paint & wood finishing supplies.