Rust is a common occurrence in the kitchen. It can form in almost all kitchenware, likewise in your cast-iron skillet. Removing rust off a cast iron skillet can be very challenging. So if you know how to clean rust off cast iron skillet, you would understand the need to properly wash and the best way to store it.
However, there may be chances that despite how careful you are with its storage, rust occurs. You need to remove the rust from the iron skillet to make it long-lasting. Your health also depends on the cleanliness of your kitchen tools, as rust and other debris may mix with the food you cook.
The Advantages of Using Cast Iron Skillet
Using a cast-iron skillet can provide you with a few advantages. So, before digging into the details on how to clean rust off cast iron skillet, you need to be familiar with the benefits of using it.
Cast iron skillet may look the same as the other pans in your kitchen. But you might not realize that the skillet in your kitchen cabinet comes with incredible advantages:
A cast-iron skillet has a nonstick ability.
Nonstick means that the food will not stick in it whenever you are cooking. It may not sound much if you are not into cooking, but those who are always in the kitchen will appreciate this piece of heavenly kitchen equipment.
After all, no one wants their food served like a messed-up abomination. With the nonstick feature of a cast-iron skillet, you can prevent your food from sticking into the pan while cooking over high heat. Plus, you don’t need to wash a frying pan with stubborn residues, as that can take time, patience, and energy. On the other hand, when you use a cast-iron skillet, you will easily be able to clean it without a fuss. You can also spend more time with your family than in the kitchen, so that’s another bonus.
A cast-iron skillet does not contain hazardous chemicals.
Chemicals ingested in the body can be harmful and hazardous to your health. So, using a cast-iron skillet is a significant advantage because it is free of dangerous chemicals, unlike other nonstick pans that contain perfluorocarbons. This toxic chemical is linked with cancer and other health-related problems. It would be a good idea to start using the cast iron skillet for your cooking to avoid health risks.
A cast-iron skillet can be long-lasting.
Cast iron skillets are durable and superior among all the other types of skillets. Moreover, it can endure high heat for a long span of time. So you can expect it to be in your kitchen longer than any of your pans. Therefore, the humble cast-iron skillet saves you from spending money on cookware and kitchenware.
A cast iron skillet helps you save money on kitchenware.
Admittedly, with cast-iron skillet’s durability, you don’t have to keep replacing the pan, making it more practical and help you save money in the long run. If you love cooking, getting a cast iron skillet is an investment you surely won’t regret.
Methods of Removing Rust off the Cast Iron Skillet
Knowing the benefits of a cast-iron skillet is good, but knowing how to clean rust off cast iron skillet is another set of skills you will be glad to know. It can be tricky removing the rust out of a cast-iron skillet, but with our guide on how to get rust off a cast iron, you will realize that it’s a straightforward task that’s easy to do.
The Way of the Vinegar
When cooking, having good food also means getting kitchen dirt and grease. That is why you need to learn how to clean rust off cast iron skillet. Vinegar is a known kitchen that could also be used as a cleaning agent because of its antiseptic properties. It can loosen dirt and rust.
To start, place the rusted cast iron skillet into a tub or a larger container. Then put an equal amount of vinegar and water into the container and submerge the rusted cast-iron skillet entirely into the mixture for 8-hours or until you see the rust loosen and peeled from the skillet.
Warm Water and Mild Dish Soap
If the vinegar and water mixture did not work, you could apply warm water and mild detergent. This method is one way of getting rid of rust from the skillet, but you can also use it as a backup procedure.
Same with the vinegar method, you need to mix the mild detergent with warm water. Pour it into the cast iron skillet and let it soak for a few minutes . Then scrub the rust with a scrubber until the rust disappears.
The Power of Baking Soda
Baking soda has been a part of every kitchen, not just for cooking and baking but also for cleaning and removing undesirable dirt within the kitchen and its equipment.
For the first step, pour water into the cast iron skillet. Then place it over the top stove in high heat until the water boils. Once boiled, pour two spoonfuls of baking soda. Stir well until it is mixed. Let it be for a few minutes until the rust loosens. You can then remove the pan from the gas stove and pour the water out. Finally, scrub the rust out with a sponge.
Conclusion
Cast iron skillet is a super pan and a fantastic addition to your cookware. However, it can be susceptible to rust when you don’t take care of it properly. So, knowing how to clean the rust off a cast iron skillet would be a great help. If you have cast iron skillets that have gathered rust in the storage, then it’s time to save them by applying the method recommended above. Get more tips on kitchenware here.