Induction Pan Rust: Quick And Easy Removal Tricks

Induction cooktops are made of ceramic glass and use electromagnetic energy to heat compatible cookware. This means that the pan itself gets heated, not the stove, so the surface around the pan remains cool. This makes induction cooktops easy to clean as there are no crevices for crumbs or stains to hide. However, it is important to clean induction cooktops properly to avoid scratching or staining the surface.

To remove rust from an induction pan, you can use a number of household products. One method is to fill your sink or a container with equal parts white vinegar and water, and soak your pan in the solution for at least one hour. You can then scrub the pan with a sponge or steel wool, rinse it with water, and dry it with a towel. Another method is to sprinkle coarse sea salt onto the rusty spots, and scrub the salt and rust with a cut potato or lemon. You can then rinse the pan with water and dry it with a towel.

Soak the pan in a vinegar solution

If you're dealing with a rusty induction pan, you can soak it in a vinegar solution to help lift the rust. Here's a detailed guide on how to do this:

Firstly, mix equal parts water and distilled white vinegar. Make sure you have enough of this solution to fully submerge your pan, including the handle. You can use a bucket or a deep foil pan to hold the solution. Completely submerging your pan will ensure that all the rusty spots are covered by the vinegar solution.

Next, fully submerge your pan in the vinegar solution. Check the pan every 15 minutes or so. The vinegar will start to dissolve the rust, and you can remove the pan from the solution once the rust easily flakes away. This can take as little as an hour or as long as eight hours, so it's important to check frequently to ensure your pan doesn't soak for longer than necessary.

Once the rust has been removed, the vinegar solution can start to eat away at the original cast surface of your pan, so it's important not to leave your pan in the solution for too long.

After removing your pan from the vinegar solution, you'll need to scrub and wash it thoroughly. Wash your pan with a mild dish soap and warm water, and clean away any lingering rust with a mildly abrasive sponge. Always use warm water to clean your pan after soaking, to prevent warping or cracking from a shock of cold water. Dry the pan immediately and thoroughly with a kitchen or paper towel, and then place it on the stovetop over low heat for a few minutes to ensure it's completely dry.

Finally, you'll need to reseason your pan. Preheat your oven to 500°F. Wipe a thin layer of neutral cooking oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil, all over the entire pan, inside and out. Then, buff any excess oil and set the pan upside down in the oven, with aluminum foil or a baking sheet on the rack below to catch any drips. Turn off the heat after an hour and let the pan cool in the oven overnight, or remove the pan and set it aside for at least 45 minutes before using.

Use a salt scrub

Using a salt scrub is an effective way to remove rust from induction pans. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Salt Scrub

Sprinkle a generous amount of coarse salt onto the rusty surface of the pan. The amount of salt will depend on the size of your pan and the extent of the rust. For a 12-inch pan, start with about half a cup of salt. The salt will act as a mild abrasive to help lift the rust off the pan.

Step 2: Scrub the Pan

Cut a potato in half and use one of the cut sides to scrub the salt into the pan. The potato provides a coarse, rough surface that will help rub away the rust. Apply firm pressure and use a circular motion to scrub the pan, making sure to cover the sides and bottom if it's a pot or a pan. The oxalic acid in the potato also helps dissolve the rust.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry the Pan

Once you've removed the rust, rinse the pan under running water to remove any remaining salt and potato residue. Immediately dry the pan thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel. It's crucial to dry the pan completely, as water is the main cause of rust on induction pans. You can place the pan on the stove over low heat to ensure all moisture is gone.

Step 4: Re-season the Pan (Optional)

Removing rust from an induction pan may also remove its seasoning. To re-season the pan, rub a small amount of vegetable or olive oil onto the pan using a paper towel. Remove any excess oil with a clean paper towel, then place the pan over low heat for about 30 minutes. This will help restore the pan's non-stick properties and protect it from future rusting.

Using a salt scrub is a simple and effective method for removing rust from induction pans. Remember to dry the pan thoroughly and re-season it if necessary to keep it in optimal condition.

Reseason the pan

Reseasoning your pan will give it a new lease of life, creating a non-stick surface and protecting it from rust. This process involves cleaning the pan, applying a layer of oil or fat, and then heating the pan.

Firstly, clean your pan with a scrub brush or sponge. If your pan has rust, you can use a nylon scrub brush or fine steel wool scrubber to remove it. You can also use a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water to soak your pan and remove the rust. Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it thoroughly.

Next, apply a thin layer of oil to the inside and outside of the pan, including the handle and bottom. Use a dry paper towel to rub in the oil and ensure there is no excess oil on the pan, as this can result in a sticky or gummy surface. Oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or flaxseed oil, are recommended.

Now, it's time to heat the pan. Preheat your oven to at least 350°F-450°F (230°C). 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. Heat the pan for around one hour. This process allows the oil to polymerize and form a protective coating.

After an hour, turn off the oven and leave the pan inside to cool completely. Once cool, wipe away any excess oil with a paper towel. Your pan is now ready to use!

To maintain the seasoning, it is recommended to oil the pan after each use and to avoid using soap or soaking the pan in water for long periods, as this can cause rust.

Use a razor scraper

If you have burnt-on food residue on your induction pan, a razor scraper is a great tool to use. This is a safe and efficient way to remove tough, baked-on food without causing scratches or damage to the pan's surface.

Firstly, ensure your induction pan has cooled down before beginning the cleaning process. It is important to always prioritise safety when handling kitchen equipment. Next, extend the blade of your razor scraper and hold the tool at a 45-degree angle to the pan's surface. This specific angle is important to effectively scrape away the burnt-on food without damaging the pan. Gently but firmly, scrape away the residue.

For best results, use a razor scraper that is specifically designed for glass and ceramic surfaces, such as the Werxrite RetraGuard Razor Blade Scraper. This tool is highly regarded for its ability to transform grimy cooktops into sparkling surfaces. The Werxrite RetraGuard Razor Blade Scraper features a manual blade guard for safe storage, and its ergonomic shape ensures user comfort during the cleaning process.

By using a razor scraper, you can efficiently remove burnt-on food residue from your induction pan without causing scratches or damage. This method is a safe and effective alternative to other cleaning techniques that may be more abrasive.

Use a baking soda paste

Using a Baking Soda Paste to Remove Rust from Induction Pans

Step 1: Prepare the pan and the baking soda paste

Before you begin, ensure that your induction pan is cool to the touch. Then, wet the rusty areas of the pan with water. You can do this by running the pan under a tap for a few seconds. Next, take some baking soda and mix it with water to form a thick paste. You can also simply sprinkle the baking soda onto the wet pan and let it stick to the damp areas.

Step 2: Apply the paste to the pan

Using a brush or your fingers, apply the paste to the rusty areas of the pan. Make sure that the rusty spots are thoroughly covered. If you are using a brush, tap it lightly to remove any excess powder.

Step 3: Let the paste sit

Leave the paste on the pan for about an hour. During this time, the baking soda will react with the rust, dissolving it in the concentrated alkaline solution.

Step 4: Scrub the pan

After an hour, take a metallic scouring pad or sponge and gently scrub the areas covered with the paste. Keep the scouring pad wet to avoid scratching the surface of the pan. If the baking soda has dissolved, check to see if the rust has been removed. If not, apply more paste and continue scrubbing until the rust is gone.

Step 5: Rinse and dry the pan

Once you have removed all the rust, rinse the pan with water to remove any remaining baking soda. Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean towel. You can also place the pan on the stove over low heat to ensure that it is completely dry.

Tips and Tricks

• Always use cold water when mixing the baking soda paste. Hot water solutions can corrode steel.
• If you are dealing with severe rust, you can use steel wool to scrub the pan. However, be careful not to scratch the surface of the pan.
• To prevent rust from forming in the first place, apply a layer of oil to your induction pans after each use. This will create a protective barrier that keeps moisture out.
• Always store your induction pans in a dry place and ensure that they are completely dry before putting them away.

Frequently asked questions