How to Clean Rust Off Cast Iron

Co-authored by James Sears

Last Updated: August 28, 2024

Cast iron pans and pots are prone to rust. Luckily, if you notice rust on cast iron, there are plenty of ways to remove it. It can be removed using salt if it's a small amount of rust. A larger amount of rust may require a vinegar soak. In the future, make an effort to care for your cast iron to minimize rust.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Salt

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1
Sprinkle salt on the cast iron. The precise amount of salt you need varies depending on the size of your pan. Sprinkle salt to the point the surface of the cast iron is covered in a somewhat thick layer.^{[1]
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- For example, about half a cup of salt would be used for a 12 inch cast iron pan.
2
Scrub the pan with a potato. Cut a potato in half. The potato will be coarse enough to rub away rust as you rub the salt into the cast iron. Place it on the cast iron cut side down and scrub the salt in to remove rust.^{[2]
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- Use a great deal of pressure as this will help scrape off the rust.
- Rub the potato in a circular motion.
- If you're scrubbing something like a pot or pan, do not forget the sides and bottom.
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3
Rinse and dry your pan. Once you've scraped away the rust, rinse your pan under the faucet. Get out any remaining traces of salt and potato. Immediately pat dry your pan with paper towel. Then, place your pan on the stove over low heat. This will help get rid of any lingering moisture.^{[3]
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- It's very important to dry your pan off immediately. Water causes rust with cast iron pans, and if you leave your pan wet it will just get rusty again.
4
Re-season your pan. Unfortunately, removing rust removes the seasoning of a cast iron pan. After treating it with salt, apply a small amount of vegetable or olive to the pan using a paper towel. Then, take a clean paper towel and remove any excess oil. Place your pan over low heat for about 30 minutes. This should re-season the pan.^{[4]
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- Blot off any excess oil after removing your pan from the heat and storing it.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Vinegar

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1
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Vinegar can help remove rust from a pan that's very damaged. Make a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water. The precise amounts you need depend on how big the piece of cast iron is. Use enough white vinegar and water so you can fully submerge the pan.^{[5]
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- Mix the white vinegar and water where you want to soak the pan, such as the sink or the bucket.
Make sure the entire piece of cast iron is submerged in the mixture. Place the cast iron pan into your sink or bucket. You can let it soak until the rust is removed.^{[6]
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How long a pan needs to soak varies. Cast iron should not be soaked for more than eight hours, but depending on the level of rust you may want to remove it sooner. Check the pan every half hour or so. Remove it as soon as the rust has dissolved. If you leave the pan in the vinegar after the rust dissolves, the vinegar will eat away at the cast iron itself.^{[7]
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After removing the cast iron from the vinegar, wash it right away. Scrub your pan with mild detergent and soapy water to remove any lingering vinegar residue. Use a gentle scrub brush or sponge. Rough sponges can damage cast iron.^{[8]
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Pat the cast iron dry right away with a cloth or paper towel. Then, place it in a warm oven for about half an hour. This should remove any excess water.^{[9]
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As soaking the cast iron removes the seasoning, re-season the pan after removing the rust. Rub the cast iron down with an oil like vegetable oil. Then, place the cast iron in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it bake for about 45 minutes to an hour.^{[10]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Maintaining a Rust-free Pan

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Poor cleaning techniques can cause a cast iron pan to rust. You should never soak it in water. Clean it immediately after using it with coarse salt to remove set in food. Unless the pan is very dirty, avoid washing it with soap and water. Dry the pan completely after washing.^{[11]
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Make sure not to let your pan get wet. Never soak cast iron in the sink or put it in the dish washer. Cast iron will rust if you allow it to get wet.^{[12]
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Store your pan away from water to prevent rust. Place a paper towel in the pan when you store. This will keep the pan free of dust, minimizing how often it needs cleaning.^{[13]
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Join the Discussion...

Best way to clean cast iron skillet w/o ruining seasoning?

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WikiGiraffeTamer977

I got a cast-iron pan for my birthday and I've been getting really into cooking with it, but I'm scared of ruining it! I've heard water can ruin... Read More

WikiGladeWhisperer977

Use hot water and a non-abrasive brush or a sponge and just gently scrub away food residue. Honestly I sometimes go weeks without washing my pan... Read More

WikiAxolotlWatcher104

You really don't want to wash cast iron with soap. It removes the seasoning and then you have reseason it by applying a thin layer of oil and hea... Read More

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Question

How do you clean a rusty cast iron skillet without vinegar?

James Sears
House Cleaning Professional
James Sears leads the customer happiness team at Neatly, a group of cleaning gurus based in Los Angeles and Orange County, California. James and the team have nine years of experience and offer green cleaning, interior and exterior window washing, and general apartment cleaning services. He provides transformative cleaning experiences by reducing clutter and renewing your home environment. James is a Trustee Scholar at the University of Southern California.

James Sears

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

If you don't have vinegar, fill the pan with hot water and baking soda. Let it soak for about 5 minutes, then scrub the rust away with a sponge.

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