How To Repair Rusted Cast Iron

Give your rusty skillet a face-lift with this step-by-footstep guide.

"My cast-iron skillet is ruined. Mayhap I should just throw it away."

When I heard a friend say this the other day, my jaw nearly savage to the floor. What could take gone so terribly wrong for her to want to throw away a cast-iron skillet? Did it break in half? Was it cracked? Did she drop information technology in some sort of radioactive acid? Bandage-iron skillets are practically indestructible, and they'll last you a lifetime-especially when you're taking proper care. Learn how, here!

"It's rusted," she said.

With a quick sigh of relief, I consoled her. Cast-fe skillets are naturally prone to rust. Only even if it has turned brilliant orangish, the pot absolutely can exist fixed. (Fifty-fifty if you snag an old, rusty skillet at the flea market, that orange will come off!) It only takes a few simple steps to have your rusted cast iron looking brand-new. Nosotros'll show you how it's done.

(Psst:Master cast iron cooking with our guide.)

How to Remove Rust from a Cast-Iron Skillet

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You lot'll need:

• Steel wool
• Sponge (with a scrubber side)
• Mild dish lather
• Vegetable oil

Stride i: Scour

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Ignore all those times you've been told to be gentle with your bandage-iron skillet. The reason to be gentle while cleaning is to preserve the seasoning. The iron itself is nigh indestructible. Here, you're going to strip away all the rust (and the seasoning). Don't worry-we'll add together more seasoning later.

It'southward going to take a footling bit of elbow grease and a hard annoying tool to remove the rust. Become the pan wet, add a piffling soap, then go to town with your scrubber (depending on the level of rust, a tough sponge will do). Scrub in small circles, focusing on the rustiest parts start. Proceed scrubbing until you meet the original black iron emerge.

Exam Kitchen tip: Take a newer pan that'southward developing small amounts of rust? There's an easier way to restore it to new. But dampen a newspaper towel with oil and use it to wipe away the rust. Proceed wiping the entire skillet, then skip to step three.

Pace 2: Rinse

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At this point you've likely worked up a copper-dark-brown mush. Rinse that gunk off in the sink. Make sure your skillet is totally clean by doing another scrub-this fourth dimension with a soft soapy sponge. Buff off any balance or rusty bits that remain.

Pace iii: Dry

With the rust completely removed, your bandage-iron skillet should be looking well-nigh dorsum to normal. Merely without any seasoning, it'll have a dark gray, matte end. Dry it off with a clean dish rag. (Psst. Don't use a rag you're fond of. The skillet can exit dark stains!) To dry out it completely, place the skillet on the stove and turn on the estrus for a few minutes. Any lingering moisture will evaporate correct off.

Pace 4: Re-season

Now that y'all've returned your skillet to its base layer, you'll need to season information technology for use. Drop a tablespoon of vegetable oil on the pan and spread it around with your fingers or a paper towel. (Have care not to fire yourself on a warm skillet!). Oil the exterior and the handle, besides. Adjacent, take a folded napkin and wipe off the backlog oil. You'll want the skillet to be lightly greased. Prepare your oven to 350 degrees and put some aluminum foil on the bottom rack. Then pop the skillet in, upside downwardly, on the upper rack for about 1 hour. Plow the oven off and leave the pan inside until it's cool. The oil will bake into the pores of the pan, providing a not-stick finish.

Repeat this step a second time and you'll have an almost glassy surface of seasoning.

Ta-da! Your rusted bandage-iron skillet is good equally new. That ways information technology's time to offset cooking. Showtime here, with our favorite bandage-atomic number 26 skillet recipes. You'll learn how to sizzle upwardly some fajitas, pan-fry pork chops and fifty-fifty bake an upside-downward cake.

Tips for Preventing Rust

Desire to avoid a having a rusted cast-atomic number 26 skillet in the first place? Keep the post-obit tips in listen:

• Never soak the pan. Since bandage iron is so vulnerable to rust, information technology's best to limit your pan's exposure to water as much as possible.
• Don't permit the pan air dry. Wipe off any excess water with a towel immediately later on rinsing. To get your skillet bone dry, pop it on the burner to remove extra wet.
• Lightly oil after use. Once stale, rub your skillet with a thin layer of vegetable oil before storing.
• Avoid certain foods: Acidic ingredients similar tomatoes or vinegar can eat into seasoning and pb to rust. If you take a well-seasoned pan, this shouldn't be a problem-but avoid that cooking that tomato sauce in your brand-new skillet.
• Utilise often: Bandage-atomic number 26 skillets love to exist loved. They'll start to rust if they've been cooped up for a long period of time without much air-circulation or use. This is often the case in coastal climates, where the salty air tin have a big impact.

Now Cook Something in That Cast-Iron Skillet!

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Skillet Hasselback Sweet Potatoes

Treat your sweet-salty molar! Sweetness potatoes dressed with buttery, herby, garlicky goodness make for a stunning, delicious side dish. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Get Recipe

Rolled Buttermilk Biscuits

I scribbled downwards this recipe when our family visited The Farmers' Museum in Cooperstown, New York, many years ago. I must have gotten it right, because these biscuits turn out wonderful every fourth dimension. —Patricia Kile, Elizabeth, Pennsylvania

Ane-Skillet Pasta

This recipe was given to me 25 years ago and remains a family favorite. It'southward a tasty twist on traditional spaghetti, and making a one-skillet pasta saves time on prep and cleanup, as well. —Susan Spence, Lawrenceville, Virginia

Deluxe Cornbread Stuffing

When my husband and I were newlyweds and far from family, nosotros invited friends over for a traditional Thanksgiving feast. I searched for stuffing recipes and combined the best aspects of several to create this one. Everyone liked it, and I still make it for holidays. —Pamela Rickman, Valdosta, Georgia

Muenster Bread

Many years ago my sis and I won blue ribbons in 4-H with this bread. The recipe makes a beautiful gilt loaf with cheese peeking out of every slice. —Melanie Mero, Ida, Michigan

Rhubarb Crisp

I found this strawberry rhubarb crisp recipe on a box of Quaker Oats virtually 20 years ago. Information technology's quick and easier to make than pie. Information technology's versatile, too, because you tin can add strawberries in spring or apples in fall. I usually popular it into the oven shortly before we sit down to eat so it's however warm for dessert! —C.Due east. Adams, Charlestown, New Hampshire

Gnocchi Craven Skillet

Stovetop chicken and gnocchi recipes similar this one brand for a homey dinner in a hurry. Personalize it with your own favorite sauce and seasonings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Salsa Corn Cakes

This recipe is super with fresh or canned corn. I whip upwards these patties to serve alongside nachos or tacos on hot summer evenings. The salsa is subtle only adds season. —Lisa Boettcher, Rosebush, Michigan

Hash Chocolate-brown Pork Skillet

For this pork hash recipe, nosotros added potatoes and veggies to leftover tenderloin. It'due south an piece of cake, creamy weeknight supper in minutes! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Chocolate Pecan Skillet Cookie

Broil upward the ultimate shareable cookie. For variety, replace the chocolate chips with an equal quantity of M&M's or chocolate chunks. Or get super fancy past mixing the chocolate chips and pecans into the dough, so gently folding in one-1/2 cups fresh raspberries. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

Beef Skillet Supper

Sometimes I'll make extra of this comforting, noodle-y supper to guarantee leftovers. It's a groovy take-along dish for piece of work or school. Trim calories from the entree past substituting ground turkey for the beef and low-fat cheese for the full-fat cheddar. —Tabitha Allen, Cypress, Texas

One-Skillet Pork Chop Supper

My husband, Clark, and I reserve this recipe for Sundays subsequently the grandkids take gone dwelling and nosotros're too tired to prepare a big meal. Information technology's comforting and quick. —Kathy Thompson, Port Orangish, Florida

Murphy Pan Rolls

My family unit loves these rolls and requests them often. They don't have long to make because you use quick-ascension yeast. —Connie Storckman, Evanston, Wyoming

German Apple tree Pancake

If you're looking for a pretty dish to make when having guests for brunch, try this. Anybody I've served information technology to has enjoyed it—except for one fourth dimension, that is, when my husband tried to brand it following my recipe, which I'd written down incorrectly! If you don't leave out the flour as I did, it'll turn out terrific! —Judi Van Beek, Lynden, Washington

Homey Mac & Cheese

I also call this "my grandson's mac and cheese." Zachary has been to Iraq and Afghanistan with both the Marines and Navy, and I've been privileged to make his favorite casserole for him for over xx years. —Alice Beardsell, Osprey, Florida

Macaroon-Topped Rhubarb Cobbler

Crumbled macaroons are a surprising improver to this cobbler's topping. We love that you can brand the sweet treat in a baking dish or a cast-iron skillet. —Sense of taste of Domicile Examination Kitchen

Dearest Walleye

Our state is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, so fishing is a favorite hobby here. This recipe is my quick way to ready all the fresh walleye hooked by the anglers in my family. —Kitty McCue, St. Louis Park, Minnesota

Chicken Burrito Skillet

We love Mexican night at our house, and I love to re-create dishes from our favorite restaurants. This burrito-inspired dish is set for the tabular array in most no fourth dimension! —Krista Marshall, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Cheesy Pizza Rolls

The cast-atomic number 26 skillet browns these delicious rolls to perfection. My family unit can't get enough. Use whatever pizza toppings your family unit likes best. —Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas

Skillet Herb Bread

Nosotros had a lot of family become-togethers while I was growing upward. My grandmother, aunts and mom were all good cooks, and each had her own specialty when information technology came to staff of life. Mom's was my favorite—she created this recipe more than xl years agone. The flavors call to mind the gustation of cornbread stuffing! —Shirley Smith, Yorba Linda, California

Baked Cheddar Eggs & Potatoes

I love making breakfast recipes with eggs for dinner, especially this combo with potatoes and cheese that'south started in a skillet on the stovetop and and so popped into the oven to broil. —Nadine Merheb, Tucson, Arizona

Italian Sausage Veggie Skillet

We love Italian sausage sandwiches, only because the bread isn't diet-friendly for me, I created this recipe to satisfy my craving. If y'all like some heat, use hot peppers in place of the sweet peppers. —Tina Howells, Salem, Ohio

Sugariness Potato and Egg Skillet

I endeavor to incorporate nutritious sweet potatoes in my meals as often every bit possible, particularly with breakfast. This recipe originated with the purpose of feeding my family a healthy, hearty breakfast...and it worked! —Jeanne Larson, Mission Viejo, California

Spicy Veggie Pasta Broil

My dad cooked with cast-iron skillets, and so when I do, I remember his amazing culinary skills. I go along the tradition going with my veggie pasta. —Sonya Goergen, Moorhead, Minnesota

Flavorful Chicken Fajitas

This craven fajitas recipe is definitely on my weeknight dinner rotation. The marinated craven in these popular wraps is mouthwatering. The fajitas go together in a snap and always go raves! —Julie Sterchi, Campbellsville, Kentucky

Cinnamon-Sugar Apple Pie

Apple pie broiled in a cast iron skillet is a real stunner. This beauty, with its flaky, tender crust, also works in a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. —Renee Schettler Rossi, New York, New York

Sweet Potato and Ham Hash

Tender sweet potatoes match up with ham, eggs and zippy seasonings for an impressive breakfast. Or serve it with salad and accept an easy breakfast-for-dinner meal. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana

Turkey Biscuit Stew

This mesomorphic stew makes a hearty supper, especially in the autumn and wintertime. Information technology'salso a great mode to utilise extra turkey during the holidays. —Lori Schlecht, Wimbledon, North Dakota

Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake

My mom often fabricated pineapple upside downwards cake, but I prefer something creamier. This recipe looks simply like her block, but gets even tastier every bit pineapple upside down cheesecake. —Marilyn McGinnis, Citrus Heights, California

Kaiserschmarren

The story goes that when Austrian Kaiser Franz Josef'due south chef noticed that he e'er broke his pancake into small-scale pieces before eating information technology, he began serving information technology that way. —Erika and Peter Durlacher, Whistler, British Columbia

Skillet-Grilled Catfish

The Cajun flavor is great in this skillet-grilled catfish recipe. Yous can use this recipe with any thick fish fillet, simply I suggest catfish or haddock. —Traci Wynne, Denver, Pennsylvania

Butternut Squash Rolls

With their cheery yellow color and delicious aroma, these highly-seasoned buns will brighten your buffet table. Plus, I've establish this recipe is a wonderful way to use up squash from the garden. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri

Creamy Salmon Linguine

Extra Pesto Grilled Salmon gives this flossy pasta toss a luxurious taste and texture. We love it as is, simply you could easily sub in whatever veggies yous accept on paw for the broccoli. —Jacob Kitzman, Seattle, Washington

Deep-Dish Sausage Pizza

My grandma fabricated the tastiest snacks for the states when nosotros stayed the night at her subcontract. Her wonderful pizza, hot from the oven, was covered with cheese and had fragrant herbs in the crust. Now this pizza is frequently a repast for my married man and me and our family unit. —Michele Madden, Washington Court House, Ohio

Deconstructed Pear Pork Chops

You'll be tempted to swallow this main dish right out of the pan merely endeavour to resist. These chops are certain to wow guests at the dinner tabular array. —Gustatory modality of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Homemade Sage Sausage Patties

Oregano, garlic and sage add savory flavor to these basis pork patties. I've had this Pennsylvania Dutch recipe for years, and it e'er brings compliments.

Pinwheel Steak Potpie

On cool nights, nix hits the spot similar a steaming homemade potpie—especially one yous can get on the table fast. The pinwheel crust on superlative has go my signature. —Kristin Shaw, Castleton, New York

Chicken Cacciatore

This easy chicken cacciatore recipe makes a good Sunday dinner, since information technology's so simple to prepare. This recipe is the best because it's loaded with lots of vegetables and is a family favorite. —Barbara Roberts, Courtenay, British Columbia

Caramel-Apple Skillet Buckle

My grandma used to broil a version of this for me when I was a footling girl. She would make it using fresh apples from her tree in the lawn. I've adapted her recipe because I love the combination of apples, pecans and caramel. —Emily Hobbs, Springfield, Missouri

Chicken Bulgur Skillet

This recipe was passed on to me by a friend. I've altered it slightly to adjust our tastes. Nosotros like information technology with a fresh green salad. —Leann Hilmer, Sylvan Grove, Kansas

Rustic Honey Block

When my boys were immature, they couldn't drinkable milk simply they could have yogurt. This was a block they could eat. And information technology's ane dessert that doesn't taste overly sweet, which is always a squeamish modify of footstep. —Linda Leuer, Hamel, Minnesota

Maple-Glazed Pork Chops

Anybody cleaned their plates when my female parent fabricated these delicious, tangy-sweet pork chops when I was growing up. Now I become the same results when I serve them to my family alongside absurdity and au gratin potatoes. —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado

Parmesan-Salary Chimera Bread

When I needed to put some leftover staff of life dough to adept use, I started with a recipe I oft use for bubble staff of life and substituted savory ingredients for the sweet. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas

Southwestern Spaghetti

Chili pulverization and cumin requite a balmy Mexican flavour to this colorful one-skillet supper. With chunks of fresh zucchini, it's a nice modify of pace from typical spaghetti dishes. —Beth Coffee, Hartford City, Indiana

Beef & Pepper Skillet

I dear Mexican-inspired food. I also enjoy experimenting with recipes like this one and making them healthier—and downright skilful! —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia

Traditional Funnel Cakes

When I was in high school, I made these funnel cakes every Sunday after church building for my family. They are crisp and tender, just like the kind we always ate at the state off-white. —Susan Tingley, Portland, Oregon

Castilian Rice Dinner

Spanish Rice Dinner has been a family favorite since I discovered it in our church cookbook. I always have the ingredients on mitt, and information technology reheats very well in the microwave. —Jeri Dobrowski, Beach, Northward Dakota.

Apples 'due north' Cream Pancake

This cozy recipe is delicious for breakfast or brunch. I usually make a double batch considering everyone wants more! With our own orchard, we have plenty of Succulent and Winesap apples—they make this a true midwestern repast. —Ruth Schafer, Disobedience, Ohio

Chili Beefiness Noodle Skillet

A friend gave me this recipe. My husband likes the hearty blend of beef, onion and tomatoes. I like it considering I can get it to the table so rapidly. —Deborah Elliott, Ridge Spring, South Carolina

Enchilada Chicken

We relish southwestern flavors and this six-ingredient recipe never gets boring. The craven sizzles in the skillet before getting baked and comes out tender and juicy every time. —Nancy Sousley, Lafayette, Indiana

Saucy Beef with Broccoli

When I'g looking for a fast entree, I plough to this beefiness and broccoli stir-fry. It features a tantalizing sauce fabricated with garlic and ginger. —Rosa Evans, Odessa, Missouri

Confetti Kielbasa Skillet

Here'due south 1 of my husband'southward favorite dishes. When information technology's in season, substitute fresh corn for frozen. Add a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a little rut. —Sheila Gomez, Shawnee, Kansas

Skillet-Roasted Lemon Chicken with Potatoes

This is a meal I take my students make in our diet unit of measurement. Information technology has a delicious lemon-herb flavor and is simple to make. —Mindy Rottmund, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Peach Praline Upside-Downwardly Cake

This block is filled with fresh peaches, roasted Saigon cinnamon, roasted ground ginger and toasted pecans – and that makes it different. — Jeanette Nelson, Sophia, Due west Virginia

Easy Beef Taco Skillet

Decorated day? Save fourth dimension and money with this stovetop supper the whole family will dearest. It calls for handy convenience products, then information technology can exist on the table in minutes. —Kelly Roder, Fairfax, Virginia

Basil-Butter Steaks with Roasted Potatoes

A few ingredients and 30 minutes are all you lot'll demand for this incredibly satisfying meal. A simple basil butter gives these steaks a very special taste. —Gustatory modality of Home Test Kitchen

Cheese & Mushroom Skillet Pizza

This Italian skillet toss is an awesome way to use upwardly extra spaghetti sauce at the terminate of the week. It fits correct in on Friday pizza nighttime. —Clare Butler, Little Elm, Texas

Fudge Brownie Pie

Here'southward a fun and festive style to serve brownies. Family unit and friends will dear topping their pieces with whipped cream and strawberries. —Johnnie McLeod, Bastrop, Louisiana

Blackened Halibut

Effort serving this spicy halibut recipe with garlic mashed potatoes, hot, crusty bread and a well-baked salad to lure in your crew. Afterward trying a few halibut recipes, this one is my family'south favorite. —Brenda Williams, Santa Maria, California

Milk Cake

This is a uncomplicated recipe—and particularly easy in a well-seasoned bandage-iron skillet. The result is a deliciously light, airy cake. —Suzanne Coelman, Rabun Gap, Georgia

Lemon-Pepper Tilapia with Mushrooms

My husband and I are trying to add together more fish and healthy entrees to our nutrition and this one makes it easy. It comes together in less than 30 minutes, so it'due south perfect for hectic weeknights. —Donna McDonald, Lake Elsinore, California

Cran-Apple Cobbler

My cranberry-packed cobbler is the crowning glory of many of our tardily autumn and winter meals. My family isn't big on pies, and then this favorite is preferred at our Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. The scent of cinnamon and fruit is irresistible. —Jo Ann Sheehan, Ruther Glen, Virginia

Gram'south Fried Chicken

As a male child, I wolfed downwardly my grandmother's fried chicken. I never knew how she made it, but my recipe using murphy flakes is crispy close. —David Nelson, Lincolnton, North Carolina

Blackened Catfish with Mango Avocado Salsa

A delightful and tasty rub makes this quick recipe fantastic. While the fish is sitting to allow the flavors to alloy, you can easily get together the salsa. My family unit loves this! —Laura Fisher, Westfield, Massachusetts

Banana Skillet Upside-Down Cake

My grandmother gave me my first bandage iron skillet, and I've been cooking and blistering with it ever since. Sometimes I add tuckered maraschino cherries to this banana skillet dessert and serve it with a ice cream. —Terri Merritts, Nashville, Tennessee

Up Next: If You Run into Black Residue on Your Cast-Atomic number 26 Skillet, This Is What It Means

Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/the-easy-way-to-restore-a-rusted-cast-iron-skillet/

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