Best Way to Remove Rust from Cast Iron Cookware

If your cast iron cookware begins to show signs of rusting, there is no need to panic. Rust is a common problem for cast irons and can be easily remedied if you know how to handle it and prevent it from happening in the first place.

With some guidance from Chef Sheri Raleigh-Yearby, our resident cast iron expert, we will explore the reason cast iron rusts, learn how to prevent it and discover the best way to remove rust from cast iron cookware.

Why Cast Iron Rusts?

Cast iron can rust in several different ways, all of which include water. If you accidentally send your pan through the dishwasher, let it soak too long in the sink, or dry it improperly, you might find yourself with a rusting pan.

Rust occurs when cast iron reacts with water and oxygen in a process called oxidation. This reaction causes the pan’s surface to deteriorate, ultimately leading to the formation of rust. Before it reaches the rust stage, however, there are measures you can take to prevent it.

How to Prevent Rusting

To prevent rust, it is crucial to address the main culprit—water. Protecting your pan from rust starts with the cleaning process, so it is best to clean your cast iron cookware by hand. Water-heavy cleaning methods like soaking and the dishwasher should be avoided to minimize prolonged exposure to moisture.

After a good scrub, it is also essential to make sure your pan is thoroughly dried before storing. Heating your pan on the stove or in the oven is the best way to guarantee it is dry enough to put away without the risk of rust forming.

In addition to proper cleaning and drying, seasoning your pan provides an added layer of defense against rust by creating a protective coating on its surface. However, it should be noted that even a well-seasoned pan is still susceptible to rust if not handled correctly.

While these tips are valuable for preventing rust, if you are reading this article, you may be past the point of prevention and are looking for solutions. Thankfully, Chef Yearby has a few tricks you can employ to help you rid your cast iron cookware of rust.

RELATED: How to Care for Cast Iron Cookware to Make it Last

Best Way to Remove Rust From Cast Iron Cookware

Because rust is primarily a surface-level problem, it can be easily managed if addressed early on. Chef Yearby shares her two best tools for removing minor rust spots from cast iron cookware that you probably already have in your kitchen—vinegar and a steel wool scrub.

Vinegar is perfect for dissolving rust spots without harming the pan itself. “Vinegar is a lighter acid—it’s acidic—but it’s not going to penetrate that cast iron in a negative way,” she explains.

She suggests soaking the rust spots on your pan with vinegar and letting it sit for a few minutes to break them down enough to be scrubbed away.

“Steel wool will get the smaller rust spots off,” assures the Texas-based chef. The material is abrasive enough to remove any leftover rust without scratching up your pan.

This method is only effective for minor surface rust spots, so it might not be the best way to remove rust from cast iron cookware that is fully rusted pan and sitting in your garage.

“For something that’s really bad and hasn’t been taken care of, you probably need to go to a professional,” says Yearby. This is especially helpful if the cookware is an heirloom.  If not, it may be time to start with new cookware.

To learn more about maintenance for your cast iron cookware, you can read the second part of our cast iron series where we delve into cleaning and caring for your pan.

For more information on our resident cast iron connoisseur, Chef Sheri Raleigh-Yearby, and her culinary school, Cast Iron Skillet Culinaire, you can visit her website and keep up with her on Instagram.