Removing Rust From Carbon Steel Pans: Quick And Easy Guide

Rust on a carbon steel pan can be unsightly and off-putting, but it's a common issue with an easy fix. In this article, we'll discuss the best methods for removing rust from your carbon steel pan, as well as tips for preventing it from forming in the first place. So, if you're wondering how to get your pan looking brand new again, read on!

How to get rust off a carbon steel pan

The Salt Scrub Method

Don't worry if you see rust on your carbon steel pan—it's a common problem with an easy fix. The Salt Scrub Method is a straightforward and gentle way to remove rust from your pan and have it looking as good as new.

To begin, pour some coarse salt onto the rusted area of your pan. Next, add some cooking oil, such as vegetable oil. Using a soft cloth or paper towel, scrub the salt and oil into the rust using a small, circular motion. Continue scrubbing until all traces of rust have been removed.

Once you have finished scrubbing, rinse the pan with hot water and soap to remove any remaining salt and oil. After rinsing, dry the pan thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.

If the rust spot was minor, you can now clean, dry, and store your pan. However, if the rust was more extensive, it is recommended to re-season the pan.

The Scouring Method

Don't panic! Your carbon steel pan is not ruined. Minor rusting on the exterior or interior surface of your pan can happen, and it can be treated. Here is a quick and easy guide to dealing with rust, no matter the severity.

This method is for minor to significant rust. Choose an abrasive scrubber that suits the amount and severity of the rust. This could be a scouring pad, steel wool, or even sandpaper. Using a circular motion, scrub at the rust with your coarse scrubber or steel wool until it is removed. Then, wash, dry, and re-season the pan.

Make sure to rinse the pan with hot, soapy water. Once you have scrubbed and reseasoned your pan, be sure to fully dry your pan with a soft, dry cloth before storing it for your next meal.

If you have removed some of the seasoning, you might have to re-season the pan. Because removing heavy rust from carbon steel also results in the removal of some or all of the pan's built-up seasoning, it's important to season the pan again afterward. This ensures the surface of your pan builds up a non-stick coating or patina over time.

The Vinegar Method

Here's a step-by-step guide to using the vinegar method:

Step 1: Prepare the Vinegar Solution

Fill your sink with equal parts water and vinegar. You can use distilled white vinegar or rice vinegar, which is known to work well for this task.

Step 2: Soak the Pan

Soak your carbon steel pan in the vinegar solution. You can leave it for as little as one hour or as long as five hours, depending on the severity of the rust.

Step 3: Neutralize the Acid

After soaking, sprinkle baking soda over the pan. This step is important to neutralize the acid in the vinegar and prevent flash rusting.

Step 4: Scrub the Pan

Using a metal scouring pad, scrub the pan aggressively to remove the rust. You can also use other abrasive tools like steel wool or an abrasive sponge.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the pan with warm water until all the rust is gone. If necessary, repeat the soaking and scrubbing process until the rust is completely removed. Dry the pan thoroughly with a paper towel or a soft cloth.

Step 6: Re-season the Pan

Because the vinegar will strip away the pan's seasoning, you'll need to re-season it. There are various methods to re-season a carbon steel pan, but a common one involves coating the pan with a thin layer of flaxseed oil and placing it in an oven at 500 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour.

Preventing Rust

Carbon steel pans are a great addition to your kitchen, but they do require a little maintenance to keep them in top condition. Rust can develop on carbon steel pans if they are left in a moist environment or exposed to water for an extended period. The good news is that there are several ways to prevent rust from forming and to remove it if it does.

Tips to Prevent Rust:

• After washing your pan, ensure it is completely dry. Use a paper towel or lint-free cloth to remove excess water, then place the pan on a stovetop burner or in a warm oven to evaporate any remaining moisture.
• Lightly coat the inside of the pan with a thin layer of cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as flaxseed oil, to create a protective barrier.
• If you live in a humid area or plan to use your pan outdoors, consider seasoning the exterior of the pan to reduce the amount of surface iron that can be affected by moisture.

Removing Rust:

If rust does develop on your carbon steel pan, don't panic! It can be easily removed with a bit of elbow grease. Here are some methods to remove rust:

• The Salt Scrub Method: Sprinkle coarse salt and a few drops of cooking oil, such as vegetable oil, onto the rusted area. Use a paper towel or soft cloth to scrub the mixture into the rust in a small circular motion until it is removed.
• The Scouring Method: For more stubborn rust, use a scouring pad, steel wool, an abrasive sponge, or fine-grit sandpaper to forcibly remove the rust. Scrub in a circular motion until the rust is gone, then rinse with hot soapy water.
• The Vinegar Method: Fill your sink with equal parts water and vinegar and soak your pan for one to five hours. Sprinkle with baking soda to neutralize the acid, then scrub with a metal scouring pad. Rinse with warm water and dry.

Remember, always re-season your pan after removing rust and applying these preventative measures to ensure it stays in top condition.

Re-seasoning the Pan

Re-seasoning your carbon steel pan is a simple process, but it does require some elbow grease. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Remove Rust and Clean the Pan

Use coarse salt and cooking oil (such as vegetable oil) on the rust spots and scrub in a circular motion until the rust is removed. You can also use a scouring pad, steel wool, an abrasive sponge, or fine-grit sandpaper for more stubborn rust. Rinse the pan with hot soapy water to remove any remaining rust and oil.

Step 2: Dry the Pan

After rinsing, dry the pan thoroughly with a towel. Take the time to ensure that the pan is completely dry, as any leftover water can cause splattering when you heat oil in the next step.

Step 3: Heat the Pan

Place the pan on the stove over low heat to evaporate any remaining water droplets. This step is crucial, as water trapped below the seasoning layer will cause more rust.

Step 4: Apply Oil Sparingly

Add a small amount of oil to the pan, such as canola oil, vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, or avocado oil. Buff the oil into a thin layer all over the interior and exterior of the pan with a paper towel, removing any excess with a clean paper towel. You want the pan to look dry—using too much oil will result in a splotchy, sticky coating.

Step 5: Heat the Pan Again

Place the oiled pan over the burner at its highest setting. The pan will smoke heavily during this step, so ensure that your kitchen is well-ventilated. Heat the pan until the oil has formed a polymer and turned a faint shade of brown. This may take several minutes, depending on your burner's heat output and the size of your pan.

Step 6: Allow the Pan to Cool

Once the smoking stops and the pan has turned brown, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool completely. The pan should change colour and darken as it cools.

Tips for Maintaining Your Carbon Steel Pan:

• Always dry your pan thoroughly after washing and before storing.
• Rub the pan down with oil after rinsing to prevent rust.
• Avoid cooking acidic foods like tomatoes, citrus, and vinegar sauces, as the acid can remove the seasoning.
• Store the pan in a dry place to prevent rust from forming due to moisture in the air.

Frequently asked questions