posted on June 25, 2006 05:40:30 PM
I know this was asked before, but don't remember the answer. What is the easiest way to remove rust from cast iron?
posted on June 25, 2006 07:00:56 PM
Specifics? What are you cleaning?
If it's a skillet, use salt. No need for the lemon. Just a paper towel and salt. Rub. Then coat with vegetable oil, heat in oven, wipe off excess oil. And never put detergent in the pan!
If something else, lye. I forget what it's called, but your hardware sells it. Red Devil maybe? Needs a bath for a long time but will remove soot, rust, build up. And if it's just soot on the outside of a skillet, oven cleaner (same stuff as lye really).
posted on June 25, 2006 07:28:30 PM
Skillets -- I just wet, and then use the salt and then continue with seasoning process.
Max: Are you selling the pan, or using it? And do you simply want it to look good in a photo, or what? How rusty ... flaking as in years of standing water? You may want to try fine steel wool and Naval Jelly. In the case of collectible cast iron, less is probably better.
posted on June 25, 2006 07:47:07 PM
Throw it on the BBQ and let it cook,,,,,,few hours, once it's DONE,,,,like NEW......No scrubbing or ANY of that,,,,,NO Chems either,,,,,then Oil it up and WALLA!!!! ready to Sell.....I did it with a griswold and it came out PERFECT.....
posted on June 25, 2006 07:58:28 PM
Jack...I have a friend who used that technique. On very cold days at the swap meet he would build a warming fire in a metal trash can (it used to be legal) and throw 3 or 4 Griswolds at a time in it. By the time he was ready to pack up and leave, they were done.
If Murphy's law is correct, everything East of the San Andreas Fault will slide into the Atlantic
posted on June 25, 2006 08:46:27 PM
Max...If you ever do decide to use Red Devil lye, be sure you use goggle type eye protection and wear rubber gloves. Also, have a bottle of vinegar close by to wash off any that may splatter on your skin. That stuff can be really nasty, but sometimes it's the easiest way. And don't get it close to aluminum.
If Murphy's law is correct, everything East of the San Andreas Fault will slide into the Atlantic
