Reviving Rusty Relics: The Ultimate Guide To Degreasing Old Cast Iron Pans

Cast iron skillets are a popular choice for cooks and chefs due to their durability and ability to retain heat. However, they can be a challenge to keep clean. Over time, they can start to collect grease and food residue, and will need to be degreased and reseasoned. This process involves using a degreaser to remove grease and food particles, and then coating the pan with oil to protect it from rust and make it non-stick.

Use a paste of baking soda and water

If you have a burnt cast iron pan, you can use a paste of baking soda and water to clean it. First, remove as much food and debris from the pan as possible. Then, make a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water. You'll want to make enough to cover the burnt portion of the pan. For a full pan bottom, try one cup of baking soda and 1/3 cup of water.

Liberally apply the paste to the burnt pan. It should be thick enough to fully coat the area. Alternatively, you can cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of warm water and then add enough baking soda to create a paste.

Let the mixture sit for several hours or overnight. Then, scrub the pan with a nylon brush or scouring sponge. If you don't want to wait, add another 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water to thin the paste, then place the pan on the stove and let it come to a boil. Remove it from the heat quickly—you don't want it to burn again! Let the pan cool, and then wipe or scrub to remove the burnt bits.

You can also use this method to wash cast iron pans regularly and prevent scorched stains or burnt-on residue.

Try a paste of vinegar and salt

If you're dealing with a particularly greasy old cast iron pan, you might want to try a paste made from vinegar and salt. This method is especially useful if you're dealing with more serious cases of grease and grime.

First, mix equal parts water and distilled white vinegar and pour it into a container that will fit your rusty cast-iron skillet, such as a bucket or a deep foil pan. Make sure the container is big enough that the entire pan can be submerged, including the handle.

Next, add salt to the mixture. You'll want to use a ratio of about 1:3, with one part salt to three parts liquid. Stir the mixture until the salt is dissolved and you have a homogeneous paste.

Now, submerge your cast iron pan in the mixture and let it soak. You'll want to check on it frequently, as the amount of time it needs to soak will depend on how much grease and grime is built up. It could take as little as 15 minutes or up to eight hours. The vinegar in the mixture will help to dissolve the grease, while the salt acts as a mild abrasive to help scrub it away.

Once the grease and grime easily flake away, remove the pan from the mixture. Wash the pan with mild dish soap and warm water, using a mildly abrasive sponge or scrub pad to remove any lingering grease. Rinse the pan thoroughly to ensure all of the vinegar, salt, and soap are removed.

Finally, dry the pan immediately and thoroughly with a kitchen or paper towel. You can also place it on the stovetop over low heat for a few minutes to ensure it is completely dry.

If your pan is looking a little dull or has lost its non-stick surface, you may want to consider re-seasoning it after cleaning. This will help to restore the protective layer that prevents rust and gives the pan its non-stick properties.

Degrease with lemon juice

Lemon juice is a natural degreaser and can help remove any built-up residue on your cast iron pan. It is important to note that lemon juice is highly acidic, so while it is an effective degreaser, it can also strip away the seasoning of your cast iron pan.

If you want to use lemon juice to degrease your cast iron pan, here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Firstly, you will need to prepare your cast iron pan by removing any remaining food particles or residue. You can do this by rinsing the pan with hot or boiling water. If there are any stubborn bits of food stuck to the pan, use a soft sponge or brush to scrub them away. You can also use kosher salt to help loosen and remove any residue.

Step 2: Degrease with Lemon Juice

Once your pan is clean and dry, it's time to apply the lemon juice. Simply pour lemon juice into the pan, making sure to cover the entire surface, including the sides and bottom. You can also add some baking soda or vinegar to the lemon juice for extra degreasing power. Let the lemon juice sit in the pan for a few minutes to allow the acid to break down any remaining grease or residue.

Step 3: Scrub and Rinse

After letting the lemon juice sit, use a sponge or brush to scrub away any remaining grease or residue. You can also add some salt to the sponge to create a natural abrasive that will help lift away grease. Once you have scrubbed the entire pan, rinse it thoroughly with hot water to remove any lemon juice residue.

Step 4: Dry and Season

After rinsing the pan, dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel. It is important to ensure that the pan is completely dry to prevent rusting. Once dry, you will need to reseason the pan. Apply a thin layer of vegetable oil, canola oil, or flax seed oil to the entire surface of the pan, including the inside, outside, and handle.

Step 5: Bake the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the pan upside down on the middle rack of the oven, with a sheet of aluminum foil on the lower shelf to catch any drips. Bake the pan for about an hour. You may need to repeat this baking step a few times to achieve the desired level of seasoning.

Step 6: Cool and Wipe

After baking, turn off the oven and leave the pan inside to cool completely. Once cool, wipe away any excess oil with a paper towel.

Your cast iron pan is now degreased and ready to be used again! Remember to wash and dry the pan thoroughly after each use and apply a thin layer of oil to maintain the seasoning.

Use hot water and a stiff brush

If you want to degrease an old cast iron pan, one of the best ways is to use hot water and a stiff brush. This method is effective and simple, and it doesn't require any harsh chemicals that could damage the pan.

First, rinse the pan under hot water to help loosen any stuck-on food particles. If there are any stubborn areas, you can sprinkle a small amount of kosher salt into the pan before scrubbing. The salt will act as an abrasive and help to break down the grease, making it easier to remove.

Next, scrub the pan with a stiff brush and hot water until all the food particles and grease are gone. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the pan to ensure it is thoroughly cleaned. If your pan is particularly dirty, you may need to repeat this process a few times.

Once you've finished scrubbing, rinse the pan again with hot water to remove any remaining grease or food residue. It's important to ensure that the pan is completely clean before moving on to the next step.

After rinsing, dry the pan thoroughly with a clean towel or paper towel. This step is crucial because any remaining moisture can lead to rust. Make sure the pan is completely dry before putting it away or moving on to the next step.

Finally, apply a thin layer of vegetable oil or melted shortening to the entire surface of the pan. This will help to re-season the pan and protect it from rust. Rub the oil or shortening into the pan with a paper towel, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.

By following these steps, you can effectively degrease your old cast iron pan using hot water and a stiff brush. This method will help you remove built-up grease and food residue without damaging the pan's surface. With proper care and maintenance, your cast iron pan can last for many years.

Season with oil

Seasoning a cast-iron pan is a simple process that involves scrubbing, oiling, and baking. Seasoning is a protective layer of oil baked into the cookware's surface to make the equipment durable, produce heat, and prevent rust.

Step 1: Wash and Dry Your Pan

Give the pan a good scrub with warm, soapy water, then dry it thoroughly. It is important to ensure that the pan is completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Apply a Thin Layer of Oil

Using a paper towel, coat the pan with a thin layer of neutral oil such as canola, vegetable, grapeseed, or sunflower oil. You can also use melted shortening or vegetable oil. Make sure to wipe away any excess oil so that the pan feels dry to the touch. Avoid using too much oil, as it can cause the pan to become sticky.

Step 3: Place the Pan Upside Down in the Oven

Place the oiled pan upside down in a preheated oven. The oven temperature should be between 350-500 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a baking sheet or aluminum foil on the rack below to catch any oil drips.

Step 4: Bake the Pan

Bake the pan for about an hour. The oil will polymerize and form a hard, plastic-like coating. This process creates a non-stick surface and protects the pan from rust.

Step 5: Cool the Pan

Turn off the oven and allow the pan to cool completely before removing it. It is important to let the pan cool in the oven to prevent any damage to the seasoning.

Step 6: Repeat the Process (Optional)

If your pan did not come pre-seasoned or if it is particularly rusty, you may need to repeat the oiling and heating process one to two more times. Additionally, each time you cook with the pan, you can treat it to a mini-seasoning session by giving it a quick rinse and dry, followed by a light coat of oil.

By following these steps, you can effectively season a cast-iron pan with oil, creating a durable and non-stick surface that will last for years.

Frequently asked questions