Stripping Cast Iron: Removing Coatings From Your Pan

Removing the coating from a cast-iron pan is a straightforward process that can be done in a few simple steps. Firstly, it is important to identify what type of coating you are dealing with, as this will determine the best method for removal. For example, if you are dealing with a non-stick Teflon coating, it is not advisable to attempt removal due to the potential health risks associated with the coating. However, if your pan has a rusty coating, this can be easily removed using a variety of methods. One popular method is to use a rust eraser, such as the Lodge Rust Eraser, which is made of rubber and silicon carbide. Simply rub the eraser gently on the rusty spots to remove them. Another option is to use a mixture of distilled white vinegar and water, which will effectively remove the rust without causing damage to the pan. Just be sure to not leave the pan in the solution for more than 24 hours, as this can lead to permanent damage. Once the coating is removed, be sure to wash, dry, and re-season your pan to prevent future rusting.

Use a fire pit or wood-burning stove

If you're looking to remove the coating from your cast-iron pan without stinking up your house, using a fire pit or wood-burning stove is a great option. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Start by building a nice campfire in your outdoor fire pit or using your wood-burning stove to get some hot coals going. Once the coals have burned down and you're left with hot ash, it's time to place your cast-iron pan.

Place your cast-iron pan face down in the hot ash and leave it there overnight. This process will help burn off the coating and any impurities.

The next day, remove the pan from the ash. It will likely look like a mess, but don't worry—this is normal. Bring the pan inside and wash it with hot, soapy water. If needed, use some steel wool to remove any remaining coating, rust, or flakes.

This method is not only effective but also avoids filling your house with unpleasant odours. It's important to note that cast iron pans are durable and can withstand this process. However, be cautious when handling the hot pan and coals to avoid any accidents.

Additionally, if you don't have access to a fire pit or wood-burning stove, a self-cleaning oven can also be used to remove the coating. Simply place the pan upside down on the middle rack, close the door, and run the self-cleaning setting. However, be warned that this method will release a strong odour, so it's best to do it on a day when you can open all the windows.

Try a self-cleaning oven

If you don't have access to a fire pit or wood-burning stove, you can use a self-cleaning oven to strip the coating from your cast iron pan. Here's how to do it:

• Set the cast iron pan upside down on the middle rack of the oven.
• Close the oven door and run the self-cleaning setting.
• Allow the pan to cool down in the oven before removing it.
• Wash the pan with hot soapy water and, if necessary, use steel wool to remove any remaining seasoning, rust, or flakes.

It's important to note that this method will stink up your house, so it's best to do it on a day when you can open all the windows. Additionally, if your oven manual recommends removing the racks during the self-cleaning cycle, you may need to find something else to rest the pan on.

After stripping the coating, you can reseason your cast iron pan by following these steps:

• Scrub the skillet with hot soapy water and a scouring pad or steel wool to remove any rust and former seasoning.
• Dry the skillet thoroughly by placing it in an oven at 200°F for 5-10 minutes.
• Spread a thin layer of extra virgin coconut oil or flaxseed oil on all sides of the skillet, including the handle and the bottom.
• Wipe off any excess oil with a paper towel.
• Put the pan upside down on a rack in an oven set to 375°F.
• Bake for 30 minutes, then turn off the oven and let the pan cool for 10-15 minutes or until it's safe to handle.
• Repeat steps 3 to 6 two to four times, or as needed, to build up a sufficient coating.

Remove rust with vinegar

Removing rust from a cast iron pan is a simple process, but it does require some time and elbow grease. Here is a detailed guide on how to remove rust with vinegar and restore your cast iron pan.

Step 1: Prepare a Vinegar Solution

Combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a large container, such as a bucket or your kitchen sink. Ensure that you have enough of this solution to completely submerge your cast iron pan.

Step 2: Soak the Pan

Submerge your cast iron pan in the vinegar solution. Leave it to soak for up to eight hours. It is important to check on the pan regularly, as the amount of time needed will depend on the amount of rust. Typically, a minimum of one hour is needed, and you should start to see the rust flaking off. If the rust comes away before the eight-hour mark, remove the pan from the solution.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

Once the pan is removed from the vinegar solution, use a soft scrub brush or sponge to gently remove any remaining rust. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as this can damage the surface of the pan. Rinse the pan with water to ensure all the vinegar residue is washed off.

Step 4: Dry the Pan

After rinsing, thoroughly dry the pan with paper towels or a clean cloth. Make sure that the pan is completely dry to prevent the rust cycle from starting again.

Step 5: Re-season the Pan

Cast iron pans need to be seasoned to prevent rust from collecting. To re-season your pan, rub the inside with a layer of oil. Preheat your oven to 350°F, place the oiled pan face down on the top rack, and bake for one hour. This process will create a protective, non-stick layer of seasoning.

Tips to Prevent Rust Build-up:

• Avoid exposing your cast iron pan to moisture.
• Store your cast iron cookware in a dry area, away from sources of moisture.
• If stacking your cast iron, place paper towels between each item to prevent surface scratches.
• Never put cast iron in the dishwasher.
• Always wash and dry your cast iron by hand.

Use electrolysis

Electrolysis is a process that uses electricity to remove rust from cast iron. It involves immersing the cast iron in an electrolytic solution and passing electricity through it, attracting the rust to a piece of disposable metal. This method is low-maintenance, safe, and requires very little manual work.

To set up an electrolysis tank, you will need the following:

• A sturdy plastic container or bin capable of holding 4-8 gallons of water.
• A car battery charger or DC power supply.
• A piece of metal (iron or steel) that will serve as a "sacrificial anode".
• Washing soda (sodium carbonate) or baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).
• A piece of metal or wire to suspend the cast iron in the solution.

• Fill the plastic container with water, leaving some room for the water to rise when you add the cast iron.
• Add 1-2 tablespoons of washing soda per gallon of water. Stir the solution until the washing soda is completely dissolved.
• Submerge the "sacrificial anode" in the solution and connect it to the positive (+) lead of the battery charger.
• Suspend the cast iron pan in the solution, ensuring it does not touch the anode, and connect it to the negative (-) lead of the battery charger.
• Turn on the power supply and let it run for several hours. You will know it is working when you see bubbles forming on the surface of the cast iron.
• After a few hours, or when the rust has been removed, turn off the power supply and remove the cast iron from the solution.
• Rinse the cast iron pan with clean water and dry it thoroughly.

Note: It is important to maintain proper polarity when connecting the battery charger. The negative (black) wire goes on the cast iron pan, and the positive (red) wire goes on the sacrificial anode. Also, ensure that the sacrificial anode and the cast iron pan do not touch each other during the process.

Tips and Variations:

• For heavily seasoned pans, it is more efficient to strip the crust and thick seasoning with lye before using electrolysis.
• For best results, ensure good electrical contact between the connectors, the piece being cleaned, and the sacrificial metal. Use a wire brush or stainless steel scrubber to remove rust or crud from the connection spots.
• To speed up the process, you can surround the pan with metal on all sides or periodically rotate the pan so that the side facing the anode is cleaned.
• The amount of time required for electrolysis depends on the amount of rust and seasoning, the size and position of the anode, and the amperage rating of the power supply. It can take anywhere from an hour to a day or more.
• After electrolysis, scrub off any remaining residue using a steel wire brush or steel wool.
• Ensure proper ventilation during the process as electrolysis produces potentially flammable hydrogen gas.
• Always wear protective gear, such as gloves and eye protection, when handling chemicals and working with electricity.

Apply lye

Lye is a highly alkaline substance derived from wood ashes. It is often used for cleaning cast iron cookware, as it can break down and dissolve hardened grease build-up without harming the metal. However, it should be handled with caution as it can cause skin burns and blindness if it comes into contact with the eyes. When using lye, it is important to take safety precautions such as wearing heavy-duty rubber gloves and eye protection and keeping the skin covered.

• Purchase a lye product that is 100% sodium hydroxide crystals. Recommended products include Rooto™ Household Drain Opener and Roebic™ Crystal Drain Opener, which can be found at Ace Hardware and Lowe's, respectively.
• Prepare a lye solution by mixing one pound of lye crystals with five gallons of water. It is crucial to always add the lye to the water and not the other way around, as this can cause a violent thermal reaction.
• Find a sturdy container made of UV-resistant plastic that can hold the volume of your lye solution and has a secure cover to keep out children and pets.
• Submerge the cast iron pan completely in the lye solution. Soaking time can vary from a few days to several weeks, depending on the thickness of the build-up.
• Check the pan periodically to see if the grease and gunk have dissolved. If necessary, scrub the pan with a heavy-duty scrubber to remove any remaining seasoning.
• Once the pan is free of build-up, remove it from the lye solution and rinse it thoroughly with fresh water. Be sure to handle the pan with care, as residual lye solution can make it slippery.
• Since lye does not remove rust, the next step is to address any rust on the pan. Create a solution of 50% white vinegar and 50% water and soak the pan for several hours. Keep in mind that vinegar is an acid that can eat away at metal, so do not leave the pan in the vinegar solution for too long.
• Remove the pan from the vinegar solution and scrub it with a stainless steel scouring pad or brush to remove any remaining rust. Repeat the vinegar bath if necessary.
• Dry the pan thoroughly. You can speed up the drying process by placing the pan in an oven set to 200°F.
• After the pan is completely dry, apply a generous coat of mineral oil to prevent rust from forming. Let the pan stand overnight.
• Wipe off any excess oil with a paper towel and buff the pan with a soft cloth.

By following these steps, you can effectively use lye to remove the coating from your cast iron pan and restore it to its original condition. Remember to always prioritize safety when working with lye and to dispose of the lye solution properly by diluting it with plenty of water before pouring it down the drain.

Frequently asked questions