Removing Rust: Reviving Your Pots And Pans

Rusty pots and pans are not only unsightly but can also be dangerous to your health and affect the taste of your food. Luckily, there are several simple, affordable, and DIY methods to remove rust from your cookware and restore them to their former glory.

How to get rid of rust on pots and pans

Baking soda

Step 1: Wet the cookware

Firstly, run your cookware under water and shake off any excess moisture. This step helps the baking soda stick to the pot or pan and form a paste. Make sure to only use cold water, as hot water can corrode steel.

Step 2: Apply baking soda

Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the rusty spots, coating the inside, sides, and bottom of your cookware. You can also mix the baking soda with water to form a thick paste and apply it to the rusted area.

Step 3: Let it sit

Let the baking soda sit for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This gives it time to cut through the rust. For extra cleaning power, you can pour a little bit of white vinegar onto the baking soda. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, creating bubbles and helping to dissolve the rust.

Step 4: Scrub the cookware

Use a scrubbing sponge, scouring pad, or steel wool to scrub the baking soda and rust off your cookware. Use circular motions and firm pressure to remove the rust. Be careful not to use steel wool on non-stick or stainless steel pots and pans, as it can scratch and damage the surface.

Step 5: Rinse and dry

Rinse off the baking soda and rust by running your cookware under water and cleaning it with dish soap. Then, dry your pots and pans with a clean towel. If you still see rust, repeat the process. For cast iron cookware, rinse without soap and dry on the stove over medium-low heat.

Tips:

• Baking soda can be used to remove rust from most metal surfaces, including cast iron, stainless steel, and carbon steel. However, it is not recommended for non-stick cookware as it can damage the protective coating.
• To prevent rust from forming, make sure to clean and dry your pots and pans after each use. You can also season your cookware by coating it with cooking oil, which adds a protective layer that keeps moisture out.

Vinegar

To remove rust with vinegar, start by filling your sink or a container with equal parts vinegar and water. Ensure that the container is large enough to fit your cookware. Submerge the rusty pot or pan in the mixture, fully covering the rusty spots, and leave it to soak for at least 12 hours. For cast-iron pans, you can soak them for up to eight hours, but check on them every 15 minutes to ensure they do not soak for too long.

After soaking, scrub the pan with a scouring pad, sponge, or steel wool to remove any remaining rust. If there is still some rust remaining, soak the pan in the vinegar solution for a few more hours. Finally, wash the pan with water and dish soap, and dry it with a towel.

For non-stick pans, you can use a mix of baking soda and vinegar. First, wash the pan and leave it damp. Then, sprinkle baking soda over the pan, focusing on the rusty areas. Spray vinegar over the pan until the baking soda is soaked, and let the solution sit for 30 minutes to two hours. After this, scrub away the rust gently with a soft sponge, rinse the pan, and dry it.

Lemon

To use this method, start by sprinkling coarse salt onto the rusty areas of your pot or pan. Then, squeeze the juice of a lemon over the salt. Leave this mixture to sit for 2-3 hours. Finally, scrub everything off with the rind of the lemon. Be sure to rinse and dry your cookware after removing the rust.

If you are dealing with more severe rust stains, you can combine lemon juice with vinegar for a stronger solution. Simply sprinkle coarse salt onto the rusty areas, add lemon juice, and then pour in some vinegar. However, do not let this mixture sit for too long, as it may cause damage. Wipe off the juice and rinse the cookware with water.

Potato

If you want to remove rust from your pots and pans using a potato, you're in luck! Potatoes contain oxalic acid, which helps to break down and dissolve rust. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Cut a Potato in Half

You can cut the potato in half lengthwise or crosswise, depending on the size of the surface you want to clean.

Step 2: Dip the Potato in Dish Soap or Baking Soda

Before you start scrubbing, dip the cut end of the potato in some dish soap or baking soda. This will help remove any leftover grease from the pan.

Step 3: Scrub the Rusted Area

Firmly rub the cut end of the potato over the rusted area. If the potato starts to get slick, simply slice off that end and dip the newly cut end into the dish soap or baking soda. Continue scrubbing until the rust is removed.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Once you've removed the rust, rinse the pan with water and dry it thoroughly. You can also place the pan on the stove over medium-low heat to ensure it's completely dry.

Tips:

• This method works best for mild rust problems and may not be effective for heavy rust buildup.
• You can also try using a lemon instead of a potato. The citric acid in lemons helps to dissolve rust, just like oxalic acid in potatoes.
• Always make sure to dry your pots and pans completely after washing to prevent rust from forming.

Coarse salt

To use this method, start by sprinkling a layer of coarse salt onto the rusted spots inside your pot, pan, or cooking sheet. You can also add a little oil to the salt to help it stick to the pan and create a paste. Then, cut a potato in half and scrub the cut end into the salt, or use half a lemon to rub the salt into the pan. The citric acid in the lemon will help dissolve the rust. If you are using a potato, you may need to add a little dish soap to the cut end to remove any leftover grease. Keep scrubbing until the rust lifts away.

If your salt starts turning red or orange from the rust, simply discard it and pour a new layer of salt into your cookware. When you are done, rinse away the salt and rust with water, and wash your pan with dish soap and warm water. Finally, dry your pan with a clean kitchen towel.

This method is suitable for cast iron, stainless steel, and other metal cookware. However, it may be too abrasive for non-stick pans, so it is recommended to use baking soda instead.

Frequently asked questions