Restoring Rusted Carbon Steel Pan: Quick Tips

Don't panic! Your carbon steel pan is not ruined. Rust is usually caused by air drying or incomplete hand drying, but it can be easily treated. There are three methods for removing rust: the salt scrub, the scour, and the vinegar method. The salt scrub method is the least invasive and is best for small to medium-sized rust spots. Simply pour a little coarse salt and oil on the rust spot and scrub in a circular motion until the rust has been removed. The scour method is best for larger areas of surface rust. Choose an abrasive scrubber, such as a scouring pad or steel wool, and scrub in a circular motion until the rust is removed. The vinegar method is best for heavy interior rust. Bring equal parts water and vinegar to a boil, pour out the mixture, and scrub the pan with soap and hot water. After using any of these methods, be sure to fully dry your pan before storing it.

The Salt Scrub Method

Don't worry if you see rust on your carbon steel pan, it can be easily removed with a little elbow grease. The Salt Scrub Method is the least invasive way to remove rust from your pan. This method is most commonly used for small to medium-sized rust spots but can also be effective against larger areas.

To start, pour some coarse salt and cooking oil (like vegetable oil) onto the rust spot. Next, scrub the salt and oil into the rust with a paper towel or soft cloth using a small circular motion until the rust has been removed.

If the rust spot was minor, you can clean, dry, and store the pan. However, if the rust was more severe, you will need to reseason the pan. To do this, first, wipe the pan down with a paper towel. Then, add a tablespoon of flaxseed oil, ensuring the whole pan is coated, including the walls, sides, handle, and bottom. Use a fresh paper towel to rub off any excess oil. Finally, place the pan upside down in the oven and heat at 500 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour. Allow the pan to cool inside the oven, which should take about an hour.

The Scouring Method

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

You will need a coarse scrubber (scouring pad, steel wool, abrasive sponge, or fine-grit sandpaper), hot water, and some soap.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

If there is any excess water on the pan, start by wiping it off with a paper towel or a lint-free towel. Then, place the pan on a stovetop burner or in the oven at low heat to evaporate any residual moisture.

Step 3: Scour the Pan

Once the pan is dry, use your chosen coarse scrubber to scrub at the rust with a small circular motion until it is fully removed. You can use this method to remove rust from anywhere on the pan, including the bottom surface.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry the Pan

After removing the rust, rinse the pan with hot, soapy water. Then, fully dry your carbon steel pan with a soft, dry cloth.

Step 5: Re-season the Pan (if necessary)

If you have removed some of the pan's seasoning during the scouring process, you may need to re-season your cookware. To do this, follow the steps outlined in the section below.

Re-seasoning the Pan:

• First, wipe the pan down with a paper towel.
• Then, add a tablespoon of flaxseed oil, coating the entire pan, including the walls, sides, handle, and bottom.
• Use a fresh paper towel to rub off any excess oil.
• Place the pan upside down in the oven and turn the temperature to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Let the pan stay in the oven for an hour, then turn off the heat and allow it to cool down completely.
• Repeat the process for a good seasoning, or up to three more times for a perfect seasoning.

A good seasoning will keep your skillet in top-notch shape for years to come and will give it non-stick qualities, making cooking easier.

The Vinegar Method

• Fill your sink with equal parts water and distilled vinegar. Rice vinegar works best for this method.
• Soak your carbon steel pan in the solution for one hour. If the rust is particularly stubborn, you can soak the pan for up to five hours.
• After soaking, sprinkle baking soda onto the pan. This will neutralise the acid.
• Aggressively scrub the pan with a metal scouring pad.
• Rinse the pan with warm water until the rust is gone.
• If rust remains, repeat the process by soaking the pan in the vinegar and water solution for another hour, and then scrub it again with the scouring pad.
• Dry the pan with a paper towel.
• Place the pan on a high flame for five minutes to ensure it is completely dry. Alternatively, place the pan in the oven for five to ten minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Note that the vinegar will strip away the pan's built-up seasoning, so you will need to re-season it after removing the rust.

How to Prevent Rust from Forming

To prevent rust from forming on your carbon steel pan, it's important to thoroughly dry the pan after each use. Here are some detailed steps to ensure your pan remains rust-free:

• After washing your pan, use a paper towel or a lint-free towel to wipe away any excess water.
• Place the pan on a stovetop burner over low heat or in a preheated oven at a low temperature to evaporate any remaining moisture.
• Continue heating the pan until it is completely dry.
• Lightly coat the inside of the hot pan with a thin layer of cooking oil, preferably one with a high smoke point, such as grapeseed, canola, or sunflower oil. This protective coating will help prevent rust.
• Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool.
• Wipe away any excess oil with a clean paper towel before storing the pan.

By following these steps after each use, you can effectively prevent rust from forming on your carbon steel pan and maintain its condition for years to come.

How to Season a Carbon Steel Pan

Seasoning a carbon steel pan is a great way to restore its non-stick qualities and protect it from rust. Here's a step-by-step guide to seasoning your pan:

Step 1: Clean the Pan

Start by scrubbing the pan with a mild abrasive, such as a scouring pad or the abrasive side of a sponge. Avoid using something too harsh, like steel wool, especially if you plan to use a chemical cleaner as well. You can use a mixture of water and vinegar, or a mild dish soap, to help remove any stuck-on food or residue. If your pan has rust spots, you may want to try a salt scrub (coarse salt and oil) or the vinegar method (explained below) to remove them. Make sure to rinse the pan thoroughly with hot water after scrubbing.

Step 2: Dry the Pan

Completely drying your carbon steel pan is crucial to preventing rust. First, use a paper towel or lint-free cloth to wipe away any excess water. Then, place the pan on a stovetop burner or in the oven at a low temperature to ensure all remaining water evaporates.

Step 3: Apply Oil

Once the pan is dry, it's time to add a thin layer of oil. Oils with a high smoke point and neutral flavour, such as grapeseed, canola, or sunflower oil, work best. Use a paper towel to coat the entire pan, including the walls, sides, handle, and bottom. You want a very thin layer, so wipe off any excess oil.

Step 4: Heat the Pan

Place the pan upside down in an oven preheated to 500 degrees Fahrenheit for about an hour. Alternatively, you can place the pan on a stovetop burner over medium heat until it starts to smoke. This process allows the oil to polymerize and form a protective layer.

Step 5: Cool and Repeat

Turn off the heat and let the pan cool down completely. The pan will likely change colour and darken as it cools. For a good seasoning, you may want to repeat this process up to three more times.

By following these steps, you can keep your carbon steel pan in top-notch shape and ensure it has non-stick qualities, making cooking a breeze.

Frequently asked questions