Q&A for How to Remove Rust from a Cast Iron Skillet

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Question

How do you get rid of rust on a cast iron pan?

Kadi Dulude
House Cleaning Professional
Kadi Dulude is a House Cleaning Professional and the Owner of Wizard of Homes, a New York City-based cleaning company. Kadi has over 10 years of experience and manages a team of over 90 registered cleaning professionals. Her cleaning advice has been featured in Architectural Digest and New York Magazine.

Kadi Dulude

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

Use a metal scouring pad, water and soap to scrub off the rust. Wash it off. Dry the pan and rub flaxseed or olive oil on it, then place it in the oven at around 450-500 for at least an hour. Let it cool off, repeat the oil+oven process if needed.

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Question

I bought a very rusty and pitted cast iron dutch oven. How do I know if it is beyond help? How do I restore it?

Community Answer

Cast iron is really never beyond help. I found one buried from a flood for many years, and took it to a company that did sand blasting. Poof, no more rust or pits! Took it home and seasoned it, and I've been using it for years since.

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Question

I bought a used Lodge cast iron skillet but some of the finish inside is dull and it seems to have a thin layer of the surface missing or chipped off where dull areas show through. What can I do to fix it?

Community Answer

The thin layer is probably just previous seasoning. The easiest way to remove it is to put it in a self-cleaning oven and run the cycle. Be sure to season it again after it's been cleaned.

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Question

Where can I find an iron skillet without a handle, like the one in this article?

Community Answer

Lodge makes some skillets with helping handles rather than full handles.

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Question

Can I use sunflower oil to season it?

Community Answer

You might check the burn temperatures for different oils. I think sunflower oil can hit 450 degrees before it starts smoking.

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Question

How do I get rid of a bad smell and an awful taste in a cast iron pot?

Community Answer

Scrub the skillet well in hot soapy water. Dry thoroughly. Spread a thin layer of melted shortening or vegetable oil over the skillet. Place it upside down on a middle oven rack at 375°. (Place foil on a lower rack to catch drips.) Bake 1 hour; let cool in the oven.

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Question

There is some rust on the outside of my cast iron pan. Is it necessary to clean it? Or will it burn away?

Community Answer

If you don't put food on the rust, it should be OK. The rust will probably only get worse over time though, especially when it gets wet. Most people would just clean it.

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