Here’s how to restore a rusty cast iron skillet.

What Is Seasoning?

You’ll often hear home cooks refer to their cast iron as having seasoning on it.

How to restore a cast iron skillet

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Whether you’re cooking meat or cornbread, the method for cleaning is simple and consistent.

you might even use a small amount of gentledish soapif there is stubborn food remaining on its surface.

As long as you avoid harsh scrubbing or chemicals, the seasoning on the pan will stay intact.

Tools to restore a cast iron skillet

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After you’ve cleaned the skillet, dry it thoroughly and immediately to avoid rusting.

That’s why thrift stores and estate sales are great places to find cast iron skillets inexpensively.

You should reveal the cast iron as you flake away the layers of rust.

Using steel wool on the rusted areas of the cast iron skillet

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Dry the Skillet

This is the most important step to avoid undoing your hard work.

Dry the skillet completely with a dish towel.

No moisture should be left behind.

Rinsing the skillet under warm water

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This will season the skillet with the oil.

Your pan is now rust-free and restored to its proper seasoning.

Is it Safe to Use Rusty Utensils?

Drying the skillet with a towel

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U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Oiling the skillet

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Baking the skillet in the oven

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Cooling the skillet in the oven

The Spruce / Ana Cadena