Removing Rust From Your Paella Pan: A Step-By-Step Guide

Rust on a paella pan is not ideal, but it's not the end of the world. The good news is that it's usually easy to remove, and there are several methods you can try. The key to rust prevention is making sure your pan is completely dry before you put it away. If you do discover rust, you can use a metal scouring pad with hot water, or a mixture of coarse salt and oil, to remove it. Then, re-season your pan. Polished steel pans require special care to keep them in top condition and to prevent rusting. Before the first use, wash the pan with hot soapy water or a dash of cider vinegar to remove the manufacturer's anti-rust coating. Then, dry the pan and lightly coat the inside with vegetable oil to seal the surface and prevent rust.

How to get rust off a paella pan

Soak in vinegar

If your paella pan is made of carbon steel, it will likely develop rust over time. While this is unsightly, it is not dangerous and can be easily removed. One of the best ways to get rid of rust is by soaking the pan in vinegar. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Vinegar Solution

Mix equal parts water and distilled white vinegar in a container large enough to fully submerge your paella pan. The amount of vinegar and water you use will depend on the size of your pan. As a general rule, use one cup of salt per gallon of vinegar.

Step 2: Soak the Pan

Submerge the entire paella pan, including the handle, in the vinegar solution. Check the pan every 15 minutes to see if the rust is coming off. The longer you leave the pan in the solution, the more effective it will be. Typically, it takes between one hour and eight hours for the rust to fall away. However, it is important not to leave the pan in the solution for too long, as the vinegar can start to eat away at the original cast surface of the pan, causing irreversible damage.

Step 3: Remove the Pan and Scrub

Once the rust has been removed, take the pan out of the vinegar solution and wash it with mild dish soap and warm water. Use a mildly abrasive sponge or scouring pad to scrub away any lingering rust. Always use warm water to clean your pan after soaking, as this will prevent the pan from warping or cracking due to a shock of cold. Dry the pan immediately and thoroughly with a kitchen or paper towel.

Step 4: Re-season the Pan

Place the pan on the stovetop over low heat for a few minutes to ensure it is completely dry. Then, rub the inside of the pan with a layer of vegetable oil or another neutral cooking oil with a high smoke point. Preheat the oven to 350°F (or 500°F for cast iron pans), place the oiled pan face down on the top shelf, and bake for one hour. When heated, the oil will react with the pan to create a protective, non-stick layer that will prevent future rust.

Maintenance Tips:

• Always ensure your paella pan is completely dry before putting it away.
• Store the pan in a low-humidity spot.
• If stacking multiple pans, line each one with paper towels or invest in breathable pan separators to prevent moisture buildup.
• Clean your pan with hot soapy water and dry it thoroughly after each use.
• Re-season the pan regularly to maintain the protective layer.

Use a scouring pad

To remove rust from your paella pan, you can use a scouring pad in conjunction with other household items. Here are some methods that detail how to use a scouring pad to remove rust:

Using Vinegar

First, spray or wet your pan with water and wipe it clean with a cloth. Then, use a 1:1 ratio of water and vinegar, and spray this mixture onto the pan. Let the vinegar mixture sit for a few minutes to soak into the metal. Take your scouring pad and lightly scrub along the grain of the stainless steel to remove the rust. This will also prevent other scratches from forming. Finally, wash the pan with soap and water, and completely dry it with a towel.

Using Baking Soda

Rinse your pan with water and shake it dry. Dust the pan with baking soda, making sure to cover all rusty areas. Leave the pan for an hour or so, then use your scouring pad to scour and remove the rust. Finally, rinse the pan and dry it with a towel.

Using Citric Acid

Add a few inches of hot water to a bowl and sprinkle in 2-3 tablespoons of citric acid. Submerge your pan and let it sit overnight. In the morning, remove the pan and scrub off any lingering rust flecks with your scouring pad. Rinse and pat the pan dry.

Using Soapy Water

Soak your paella pan with soapy water for around 30 minutes. Then, use a scouring pad and a dash of soap to clean the surface. Rinse the pan with clean water and dry it thoroughly using a kitchen paper towel.

Wash with soapy water

If your paella pan is made of carbon steel, it will require special care to keep it in top condition and prevent rusting. To remove rust, you can use hot soapy water. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Wash the pan with hot water and a dash of cider vinegar. You can simmer this mixture for about 10 minutes, which will help to loosen any stubborn rust particles.
• Use a scouring pad to scrub away any remaining rust. Apply a small amount of dish soap to the scouring pad to help remove grime and rust.
• Rinse the pan with clean water to remove any soap residue.
• Dry the pan thoroughly. Carbon steel is prone to rusting, so it is important to ensure that the pan is completely dry before moving on to the next step.
• Lightly coat the inside of the pan with vegetable oil. This will help to seal the surface and prevent future rusting.

If your pan is made of enameled or stainless steel, it will be easier to maintain and less prone to rusting. However, you can still use soapy water to remove any rust that may develop. Simply fill the pan with warm water and a mild dish soap, and scrub with a soft sponge. Be sure to dry the pan thoroughly and store it in a cool, dry place.

Dry with a paper towel

Drying your paella pan with a paper towel is an important step in the pan's maintenance. Leaving your pan to air-dry can lead to rust build-up over time. Therefore, it is recommended to wipe it dry with a soft cloth or paper towels. This ensures that water does not have enough time to penetrate the metal and cause rust.

After drying, you can also pour a bit of vegetable or olive oil on a wadded-up paper towel and rub the oil on the surface of the pan. Before using the pan again, wipe the surface with a clean paper towel. You may notice an orange-brown residue on the towel, but this is normal.

If you are storing your paella pan for a longer period, drying and storing it in a plastic bag or with a cloth over the pan is advisable. This will help keep the moisture away and reduce the chances of rusting.

Additionally, you can season your pan by wiping it with a thin layer of oil using a paper towel. This will help protect the pan, prevent food from sticking, and keep your paella pan in good condition.

Seal with oil

Sealing your paella pan with oil is an important step in the care of your pan, helping to prevent rust and ensure it performs well over time. To start, you'll want to ensure your pan is clean and thoroughly dry. If this is the first time you're using the pan, you'll need to remove the manufacturer's protective layer. You can do this with hot soapy water. Even better, fill your pan with water and a dash of cider vinegar, simmer for 10 minutes, then rinse and dry.

Now, you're ready to apply the oil. Pour a little cooking oil, such as vegetable oil, into the pan. Use a paper towel or brush to evenly spread the oil over the entire surface of the pan. You want the pan to be greasy, but with no excess oil left in the pan.

Some sources suggest baking the oiled pan in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for an hour to seal the pan. Place the pan upside down on the middle rack with a sheet of aluminium foil on the bottom rack to catch any drips. After an hour, turn off the oven and let the pan cool inside. Once cool, wipe away any excess oil with a paper towel or clean cloth. Your pan is now seasoned and ready to use.

You may need to repeat this process periodically, depending on how often you use the pan. With proper care, a well-seasoned paella pan will provide many years of delicious paella.

Frequently asked questions