How to Remove Rust from Cast Iron Pans

Table of Contents:

You Will Need
Steps to Remove the Rust
Additional Tips and Advice
Sources

Lisa asked, “I was given an old cast iron corn bread muffin pan (muffins are shaped like ears of corn) and need to know how to clean it properly. It has some rust on it.”

Over time, cast iron pans can get rusty. Drying them thoroughly after each cleaning does wonders for preventing rust from forming. However, if your pans already have rust, removing it is easy with the method below.

You Will Need:

Cooking spray
A soft cloth
Dish soap
A raw potato

Steps to Remove the Rust:

Spray the rusty area with cooking spray and rub away the rust with a soft cloth. Clean off the excess oil when the rust is removed.^¹
Moisten the rust with dish soap.²
Cut off one side of a potato and scrub the soapy area with the raw potato.²
Rinse away the rust and allow the pan to dry completely before reseasoning the pan.¹