How To Repair A Rusty Cast Iron Skillet

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

"My cast-fe skillet is ruined. Peradventure I should but throw it away."

When I heard a friend say this the other day, my jaw nearly brutal to the floor. What could have gone so terribly incorrect for her to want to throw away a bandage-iron skillet? Did information technology interruption in half? Was it cracked? Did she drop it in some sort of radioactive acid? Cast-iron skillets are practically indestructible, and they'll last you lot a lifetime-peculiarly when you're taking proper intendance. Learn how, here!

"It's rusted," she said.

With a quick sigh of relief, I consoled her. Cast-iron skillets are naturally decumbent to rust. But even if it has turned bright orangish, the pot absolutely can be stock-still. (Even if you snag an old, rusty skillet at the flea market, that orange volition come off!) It only takes a few simple steps to have your rusted cast iron looking brand-new. Nosotros'll show yous how it'south done.

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

How to Remove Rust from a Bandage-Atomic number 26 Skillet

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You'll need:

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

Footstep one: Scour

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

It's going to take a lilliputian bit of elbow grease and a hard abrasive tool to remove the rust. Become the pan moisture, add a petty soap, then go to town with your scrubber (depending on the level of rust, a tough sponge volition do). Scrub in small-scale circles, focusing on the rustiest parts showtime. Go on scrubbing until you lot see the original black fe emerge.

Exam Kitchen tip: Have a newer pan that's developing small amounts of rust? There'southward an easier way to restore it to new. Just dampen a newspaper towel with oil and utilise it to wipe away the rust. Keep wiping the entire skillet, then skip to step 3.

Step 2: Rinse

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At this betoken you've likely worked upward a copper-brownish mush. Rinse that gunk off in the sink. Brand certain your skillet is totally make clean by doing another scrub-this fourth dimension with a soft soapy sponge. Buff off any residuum or rusty bits that remain.

Stride 3: Dry

With the rust completely removed, your cast-fe skillet should exist looking almost back to normal. Merely without any seasoning, it'll have a dark gray, matte finish. Dry it off with a clean dish rag. (Psst. Don't employ a rag you're fond of. The skillet can exit nighttime stains!) To dry out it completely, place the skillet on the stove and plough on the heat for a few minutes. Any lingering moisture will evaporate right off.

Step 4: Re-season

Now that yous've returned your skillet to its base of operations layer, you'll need to flavor it for use. Drop a tablespoon of vegetable oil on the pan and spread information technology around with your fingers or a paper towel. (Accept care non to burn yourself on a warm skillet!). Oil the outside and the handle, too. Side by side, have a folded napkin and wipe off the excess oil. Y'all'll desire the skillet to be lightly greased. Set your oven to 350 degrees and put some aluminum foil on the bottom rack. Then pop the skillet in, upside downward, on the upper rack for almost i hr. Turn the oven off and leave the pan inside until information technology'due south cool. The oil will bake into the pores of the pan, providing a not-stick cease.

Repeat this step a second fourth dimension and you lot'll take an virtually glassy surface of seasoning.

Ta-da! Your rusted cast-iron skillet is good equally new. That ways it's time to start cooking. Kickoff here, with our favorite cast-iron skillet recipes. Yous'll learn how to sizzle up some fajitas, pan-fry pork chops and even broil an upside-downwardly cake.

Tips for Preventing Rust

Desire to avoid a having a rusted cast-iron skillet in the first place? Keep the following tips in mind:

• Never soak the pan. Since cast iron is and then vulnerable to rust, it's best to limit your pan's exposure to water as much every bit possible.
• Don't let the pan air dry. Wipe off whatsoever excess h2o with a towel immediately subsequently rinsing. To go your skillet bone dry, pop it on the burner to remove extra wet.
• Lightly oil after apply. One time stale, rub your skillet with a sparse layer of vegetable oil earlier storing.
• Avoid certain foods: Acidic ingredients similar tomatoes or vinegar can consume into seasoning and lead to rust. If you have a well-seasoned pan, this shouldn't exist a problem-just avoid that cooking that tomato sauce in your brand-new skillet.
• Use often: Cast-iron skillets honey to exist loved. They'll start to rust if they've been cooped up for a long period of time without much air-apportionment or utilise. This is often the case in coastal climates, where the salty air tin accept a big impact.

Now Cook Something in That Cast-Fe Skillet!

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Skillet Hasselback Sweet Potatoes

Treat your sugariness-salty tooth! Sweet 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 downwardly this recipe when our family unit visited The Farmers' Museum in Cooperstown, New York, many years ago. I must have gotten it right, considering these biscuits plough out wonderful every time. —Patricia Kile, Elizabeth, Pennsylvania

One-Skillet Pasta

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

Deluxe Cornbread Stuffing

When my hubby and I were newlyweds and far from family, we 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 nevertheless make it for holidays. —Pamela Rickman, Valdosta, Georgia

Muenster Bread

Many years ago my sister and I won blue ribbons in four-H with this bread. The recipe makes a beautiful golden 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 well-nigh 20 years ago. It's quick and easier to make than pie. It'due south versatile, as well, because you can add strawberries in jump or apples in fall. I usually pop it into the oven soon earlier we sit downward to eat so it's still warm for dessert! —C.E. Adams, Charlestown, New Hampshire

Gnocchi Chicken Skillet

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

Salsa Corn Cakes

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

Hash Brown Pork Skillet

For this pork hash recipe, nosotros added potatoes and veggies to leftover tenderloin. It's an like shooting fish in a barrel, flossy weeknight supper in minutes! —Sense of taste of Dwelling house Test Kitchen

Chocolate Pecan Skillet Cookie

Broil upward the ultimate shareable cookie. For variety, replace the chocolate chips with an equal quantity of M&Thousand's or chocolate chunks. Or get super fancy past mixing the chocolate chips and pecans into the dough, then gently folding in 1-1/two 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 great take-forth dish for work or school. Trim calories from the entree past substituting footing turkey for the beefiness and low-fat cheese for the full-fat cheddar. —Tabitha Allen, Cypress, Texas

One-Skillet Pork Chop Supper

My married man, Clark, and I reserve this recipe for Sundays subsequently the grandkids accept gone home and nosotros're too tired to set a big meal. It's comforting and quick. —Kathy Thompson, Port Orange, Florida

White potato Pan Rolls

My family loves these rolls and requests them oft. They don't take long to brand because yous utilise quick-rise 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. Everyone I've served it to has enjoyed information technology—except for one time, that is, when my husband tried to brand it following my recipe, which I'd written down incorrectly! If yous don't leave out the flour as I did, it'll plough out terrific! —Judi Van Beek, Lynden, Washington

Homey Mac & Cheese

I also call this "my grandson'due south 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 goulash for him for over 20 years. —Alice Beardsell, Osprey, Florida

Macaroon-Topped Rhubarb Cobbler

Crumbled macaroons are a surprising addition to this cobbler's topping. We dear that you can make the sweet treat in a baking dish or a cast-atomic number 26 skillet. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Honey Walleye

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

Chicken Burrito Skillet

Nosotros honey Mexican dark at our house, and I love to copy dishes from our favorite restaurants. This burrito-inspired dish is fix for the table in almost no fourth dimension! —Krista Marshall, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Cheesy Pizza Rolls

The bandage-iron skillet browns these delicious rolls to perfection. My family can't go enough. Utilise whatsoever pizza toppings your family likes best. —Dorothy Smith, El Dorado, Arkansas

Skillet Herb Bread

We had a lot of family get-togethers while I was growing upwardly. My grandmother, aunts and mom were all good cooks, and each had her own specialty when it came to breadstuff. Mom's was my favorite—she created this recipe more than than 40 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's started in a skillet on the stovetop and and so popped into the oven to bake. —Nadine Merheb, Tucson, Arizona

Italian Sausage Veggie Skillet

Nosotros love Italian sausage sandwiches, just because the bread isn't diet-friendly for me, I created this recipe to satisfy my craving. If you lot like some rut, employ hot peppers in place of the sugariness peppers. —Tina Howells, Salem, Ohio

Sweetness White potato and Egg Skillet

I try to contain nutritious sugariness potatoes in my meals as ofttimes as possible, peculiarly 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 Bake

My dad cooked with cast-iron skillets, so when I practise, I call up his amazing culinary skills. I keep the tradition going with my veggie pasta. —Sonya Goergen, Moorhead, Minnesota

Flavorful Chicken Fajitas

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

Cinnamon-Sugar Apple Pie

Apple pie baked in a bandage iron skillet is a real stunner. This beauty, with its flaky, tender crust, as well 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 upward with ham, eggs and zippy seasonings for an impressive breakfast. Or serve information technology with salad and have an piece of cake breakfast-for-dinner meal. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana

Turkey Beige Stew

This chunky stew makes a hearty supper, especially in the fall and winter. It'salso a great way to use extra turkey during the holidays. —Lori Schlecht, Wimbledon, Due north Dakota

Pineapple Upside-Downward Cheesecake

My mom ofttimes fabricated pineapple upside down cake, but I prefer something creamier. This recipe looks just like her cake, but gets even tastier as pineapple upside down cheesecake. —Marilyn McGinnis, Citrus Heights, California

Kaiserschmarren

The story goes that when Austrian Kaiser Franz Josef's chef noticed that he ever broke his pancake into small pieces before eating it, he began serving information technology that mode. —Erika and Peter Durlacher, Whistler, British Columbia

Skillet-Grilled Catfish

The Cajun season is groovy in this skillet-grilled catfish recipe. You tin use this recipe with any thick fish fillet, but 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 found this recipe is a wonderful way to employ up squash from the garden. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri

Creamy Salmon Linguine

Extra Pesto Grilled Salmon gives this creamy pasta toss a luxurious taste and texture. We dear it as is, only yous could easily sub in whatsoever veggies you have on paw for the broccoli. —Jacob Kitzman, Seattle, Washington

Deep-Dish Sausage Pizza

My grandma made the tastiest snacks for u.s.a. when we stayed the nighttime at her farm. Her wonderful pizza, hot from the oven, was covered with cheese and had fragrant herbs in the crust. Now this pizza is frequently a meal for my married man and me and our family. —Michele Madden, Washington Court House, Ohio

Deconstructed Pear Pork Chops

You'll be tempted to eat this master dish right out of the pan but attempt to resist. These chops are certain to wow guests at the dinner table. —Gustatory modality of Home Examination Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Homemade Sage Sausage Patties

Oregano, garlic and sage add savory flavour to these ground pork patties. I've had this Pennsylvania Dutch recipe for years, and information technology always brings compliments.

Pinwheel Steak Potpie

On cool nights, nothing hits the spot like a steaming homemade potpie—especially one you lot tin get on the table fast. The pinwheel crust on acme has get my signature. —Kristin Shaw, Castleton, New York

Chicken Cacciatore

This like shooting fish in a barrel chicken cacciatore recipe makes a practiced Sunday dinner, since it'south so simple to gear up. 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 tree Skillet Buckle

My grandma used to bake a version of this for me when I was a little girl. She would make it using fresh apples from her tree in the backyard. I've adapted her recipe considering 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 information technology slightly to suit our tastes. We like it with a fresh green salad. —Leann Hilmer, Sylvan Grove, Kansas

Rustic Honey Cake

When my boys were young, they couldn't potable milk but they could accept yogurt. This was a cake they could eat. And it'due south one dessert that doesn't taste overly sweet, which is always a nice change of pace. —Linda Leuer, Hamel, Minnesota

Maple-Glazed Pork Chops

Everyone cleaned their plates when my mother made these succulent, tangy-sweet pork chops when I was growing up. At present I get the same results when I serve them to my family unit aslope applesauce and au gratin potatoes. —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado

Parmesan-Salary Bubble Staff of life

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

Southwestern Spaghetti

Chili pulverisation and cumin give a mild Mexican flavor to this colorful one-skillet supper. With chunks of fresh zucchini, information technology's a nice change of footstep from typical spaghetti dishes. —Beth Coffee, Hartford City, Indiana

Beef & Pepper Skillet

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

Traditional Funnel Cakes

When I was in loftier school, I fabricated these funnel cakes every Sunday afterwards church for my family. They are crisp and tender, but similar the kind we always ate at the land fair. —Susan Tingley, Portland, Oregon

Spanish Rice Dinner

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

Apples 'n' 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, nosotros have plenty of Delicious and Winesap apples—they make this a true midwestern meal. —Ruth Schafer, Defiance, Ohio

Chili Beef Noodle Skillet

A friend gave me this recipe. My hubby likes the hearty blend of beef, onion and tomatoes. I like information technology considering I tin can get it to the tabular array and then quickly. —Deborah Elliott, Ridge Spring, South Carolina

Enchilada Craven

We enjoy southwestern flavors and this six-ingredient recipe never gets boring. The chicken 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'm looking for a fast entree, I plow to this beef and broccoli stir-fry. It features a tantalizing sauce made with garlic and ginger. —Rosa Evans, Odessa, Missouri

Confetti Kielbasa Skillet

Here'south one of my husband's favorite dishes. When information technology'south in flavor, substitute fresh corn for frozen. Add together a dash of cayenne pepper if y'all like a little rut. —Sheila Gomez, Shawnee, Kansas

Skillet-Roasted Lemon Chicken with Potatoes

This is a meal I have my students brand in our nutrition unit. Information technology has a succulent lemon-herb season and is simple to make. —Mindy Rottmund, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Peach Praline Upside-Down Cake

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

Easy Beefiness Taco Skillet

Decorated mean solar day? Relieve fourth dimension and money with this stovetop supper the whole family unit will dearest. It calls for handy convenience products, so it tin be on the table in minutes. —Kelly Roder, Fairfax, Virginia

Basil-Butter Steaks with Roasted Potatoes

A few ingredients and 30 minutes are all yous'll need 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 utilize up extra spaghetti sauce at the end of the calendar week. It fits right in on Fri pizza night. —Clare Butler, Trivial Elm, Texas

Fudge Credibility Pie

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

Blackened Halibut

Endeavour serving this spicy halibut recipe with garlic mashed potatoes, hot, crusty staff of life and a crisp salad to lure in your crew. Later trying a few halibut recipes, this one is my family's favorite. —Brenda Williams, Santa Maria, California

Milk Cake

This is a simple recipe—and particularly piece of cake in a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet. The upshot is a deliciously low-cal, airy cake. —Suzanne Coelman, Rabun Gap, Georgia

Lemon-Pepper Tilapia with Mushrooms

My husband and I are trying to add more fish and salubrious entrees to our nutrition and this one makes it easy. It comes together in less than 30 minutes, so it'southward 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 fall and winter meals. My family isn't big on pies, and then this favorite is preferred at our Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. The olfactory property of cinnamon and fruit is irresistible. —Jo Ann Sheehan, Ruther Glen, Virginia

Gram's Fried Chicken

As a male child, I wolfed down my grandmother'southward fried craven. I never knew how she fabricated it, just my recipe using potato 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 lot can hands get together the salsa. My family loves this! —Laura Fisher, Westfield, Massachusetts

Assistant Skillet Upside-Down Cake

My grandmother gave me my commencement cast atomic number 26 skillet, and I've been cooking and blistering with it e'er since. Sometimes I add drained maraschino cherries to this banana skillet dessert and serve it with a water ice cream. —Terri Merritts, Nashville, Tennessee

Up Adjacent: If You See Black Balance on Your Cast-Fe 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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