If you ever tour my Nana’s kitchen, you’ll be amazed by her impressive collection of Lodge cast iron skillet. She’s been caring for them for I don’t know how long. She’s even passed down the secret to seasoning them correctly. If you’re not aware, Lodge Cast Iron is United States’ oldest manufacturer of cast iron cookware. Their skillets are prized by chefs and home cooks alike for their enduring quality and superior performance.
Lodge cast iron skillets are some of the most durable and long lasting cookware you can buy. But even they have a lifespan that depends on how you clean and care for them properly. If you want your skillet to last for generations, it’s important to follow a few simple rules when cleaning it.
My Nana handed me some of her lodge cast irons but they do need a little bit of cleaning because some of them are starting to rust. Luckily, Nana taught me how to restore them with simple hacks, so that I can use them again like brand new!
How to Remove Rust on Lodge Cast Iron
Nana taught me a few solutions to clean my rusty cast iron skillet. Most of these only use things that are easily accessible, such as salt, water and even vinegar.
Using Soapy Water
You probably wonder too if you can use soap to clean your cast iron since it’s one of the cleaning myth for cast iron. In this case, for rusty pans or skillets, you can use soap to remove the rust. Nana said to start the restoration of your cast iron, you need to sink your skillet with warm, soapy water for about half an hour.
After you’ve allowed the cast iron to cool, you can scour any rust off of it with steel wool. There’s no need to worry about using steel wool to clean your cast iron because you’ll just re-season it after cleaning. Then, you can wash the cast iron to remove the rust and dry it thoroughly.
Once the cast iron has dried out, it is time to start re-seasoning it by applying oil to its surface. By doing this, you will create a non-stick surface on the cast iron and help prevent it from rusting again in the future.
Using White Vinegar
If soap and water doesn’t work and the rust are still there, Nana suggested to use white vinegar to break down the rust. For this method, you will need to fill your sink with vinegar and water. The vinegar will work to break down the rust so that you can scrub it off more easily. Soak your Lodge cast iron skillet in the mixture for as long as needed. It will depend on the roughness of the rust, sometimes it will even take for ten hours. But most of the time, the rust will go off after an hour or two.
Once the rust softens, you can try to scrub them off using a scrubby sponge or steel wool to get rid of the rust totally. Then, rinse the cast iron skillet with water and let it dry using paper towel or dish towel.
Using Salt and Water
Salt is a natural rust remover and can be used to clean a Lodge cast iron skillet, said Nana. To remove rust from your cast iron skillet using salt, simply pour a layer of salt into the bottom of the pan. Then, scrub the rust away with a stiff brush. Depending on the roughness of the rust, you can use as much salt as needed.
After getting rid of all the rust and giving it a good water cleaning, make sure to dry the item completely with paper towel. This will help ensure that no rust returns and that the item is ready for re-seasoning.
Using Baking Soda
Aside from salt, you can also use baking soda to clean the rust in your cast iron skillet. Baking soda has great cleaning properties and can remove rust easily. To clean your skillet with baking soda, simply make a paste of baking soda, water and dishwashing liquid. Then, rub the mixture onto the rusty areas. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it off with a cloth or brush. Afterward, wash the Lodge cast iron skillet with soap and water. Dry it completely and start re-seasoning by rubbing vegetable oil all over the skillet.
How to Keep your Cast Iron Skillet from Rusting
If you have cast iron cookware, it’s better to keep it from rusting than spend a lot of time restoring it. Here are some tips from my grandma to maintain the cast iron and prevent future rusting:
1) Store your cast iron pan in a cool, dry place away from any heat source and moisture. If possible, store it in a cupboard or pantry where it won’t be subjected to any temperature fluctuations. This will help to ensure that the pan remains in good condition and lasts for many years and prevent rusting.
2) If your pan does get wet, you should dry it immediately with a paper towel or clean dishcloth. This will help to prevent any rusting or corrosion that could occur if the pan is left wet.
3) Use kosher salt or baking soda and damp cloth to scrub the stuck food in the cast iron. The salt or baking soda will act as an abrasive to help break up the stuck-on food, making it easier to remove.
4) You should never put your cast iron in the dishwasher or soak it in water. This can cause the cast iron to rust and wear down over time, which means it won’t last as long as it could otherwise. Additionally, the cast iron can start to develop a bad smell if it’s not properly cared for.
5)To ensure your pan has a natural nonstick surface and to prevent rusting, season it regularly. Seasoning involves rubbing a fat or oil into the surface of the pan. This creates a barrier between the metal and whatever you’re cooking.
Cooking with cast iron pans offers many advantages, such as even heat distribution and retention, but owning one also comes with the responsibility of properly seasoning and caring for it. Without proper seasoning and care, a cast iron pan can become rusty and un usable.
