Removing Rust From Aluminum Baking Pans: Effective Techniques

Rust on baking pans can be a real headache for bakers, especially if you live in a country with high moisture levels. Rust can pose a potential health risk and change the flavour of your food. Luckily, there are several ways to remove rust from your baking pans. Here are some of the most common methods:

- Vinegar and lemon juice

- Potato and dish soap scrub

- Baking soda

- Commercial rust removers

Vinegar and lemon juice

For this method, you can use either vinegar or lemon juice, or a mixture of the two in equal parts, to soak the rusted areas of your baking pan. Leave it on for a few minutes and you will see the rust dissolve. For more stubborn rust, try using white vinegar.

Rinse your baking pan thoroughly after the rust has fully dissolved, as you don't want the acid to continue dissolving the metal. If your pan is made of a more delicate material or has a non-stick coating, dilute your acidic solution with an equal part of water so that the acid doesn't damage your pan. You can also oil your pan after removing the rust to condition it for future use.

Another method is to cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of salt and squeeze lemon juice over it. Let it sit for up to an hour, then use a scouring pad or clean cloth to buff away the rusted areas. Wash and dry normally. The table salt assists in fighting the areas that need more scrubbing.

Lemon juice can also be used to make a paste with laundry borax or baking soda. Mix two parts of laundry borax or baking soda with one part lemon juice in a small bowl to form a paste. Apply the paste to the rusty area and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. If the paste starts to dry out, spritz it with water. Use a brush to scrub away the rust from the metal. If any rust remains, repeat the process. Rinse the item and dry it completely.

Potato and dish soap scrub

To remove rust from your aluminum baking pans using a potato and dish soap scrub, start by cutting a potato in half. The direction you cut the potato in doesn't matter—you can cut it either horizontally or vertically. Next, dip the cut end of the potato into some dish soap. Then, scrub the rusty areas of your baking pan with the potato. If the potato stops working, cut off the end you've been scrubbing with and try the other half. If the rust is being stubborn, add some salt to your potato-and-soap mixture for some extra friction. Once you've removed the rust, rinse and dry your pan.

Baking soda

Step 1: Rinse your baking pan with water and shake it dry. The pan should be slightly damp, which will help the baking soda stick to its surface.

Step 2: Sprinkle baking soda generously onto the rusty areas of the pan. Make sure all the rusty spots are covered.

Step 3: Let the baking soda sit on the pan for at least 30 minutes. This will give it time to cut through the rust. For more stubborn rust, you can let it sit for an hour or more.

Step 4: 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 a bubbling effect that helps dissolve the rust.

Step 5: Use a scrubbing sponge, scouring pad, or steel wool to scrub the baking soda and rust off the pan. For aluminium pans, avoid using steel wool as it may scratch the surface. Instead, opt for a non-abrasive sponge or scrubber.

Step 6: Rinse the pan with water to remove the baking soda and rust residue. Wash the pan with soap and water to ensure it is thoroughly cleaned.

Step 7: Dry the pan with a clean towel. Make sure to dry the pan completely to prevent rust from forming again.

In addition to the steps above, you can also apply a light layer of cooking oil to the pan after drying. This will help prevent rust from forming in the future.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove rust from your aluminium baking pans using baking soda.

Commercial rust removers

Evapo-Rust Super Safe Rust Remover is a pH-neutral, water-based formula that effectively removes rust without the use of harsh chemicals. It is safe to use on various metals, including aluminium, and is ideal for auto parts, tools, and cookware. The product comes in a large 1-gallon container, and a little goes a long way. Simply submerge your items in the solution, and it will do the rest.

WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak is a heavy-duty rust remover that can tackle even the toughest rust and corrosion on metal surfaces. This product penetrates deep into the rust, breaking it down and making it easy to remove. It is biodegradable and non-toxic, and can be safely disposed of after use. While smaller items can be fully submerged, larger items may need to be broken down for optimal results.

Rust-Oleum Rust Dissolver is a spray-on gel formula that is safe to use on steel, iron, chrome, aluminium, and galvanized metal. It effectively removes rust in under 30 minutes without the need for scrubbing. The formula also contains an agent that inhibits future rust growth for up to a year. However, it is important to note that protective gloves should be worn when using this product.

CLR PRO is a versatile spray formula that can be used on a variety of surfaces, including aluminium, stainless steel, plastic, and concrete. It effectively breaks down stains caused by calcium, lime, and rust buildup. It is powerful enough for industrial use yet biodegradable and free of harsh chemicals. CLR PRO has earned the EPA Safer Choice certification, ensuring its safety for humans and the environment.

Metal Rescue Rust Remover Bath is a water-based solution that safely removes rust from all metals, including iron, steel, and copper. This product offers a user-friendly, hands-free approach to rust removal, requiring only that you submerge your items in the solution.

When using commercial rust removers, always read the instructions and warnings carefully, wear protective gear if necessary, and ensure proper ventilation during use.

Steel wool

To use steel wool to remove rust, start by wetting the pan with warm water. Then, take a piece of steel wool and begin to scrub the rusty areas in a circular motion. You may need to apply firm pressure and put in some elbow grease to remove the rust completely. Once the rust is removed, rinse the pan with water to remove any rust debris. Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel.

To ensure that the rust does not return, it is important to season the pan with cooking oil. Pour a small amount of cooking oil into the pan and use a paper towel to coat the inside, bottom, and sides of the pan. Place the pan in the oven and bake it at 350° F (177° C) for about an hour. This will create a protective layer that helps keep moisture away and prevents rust from forming.

In addition to steel wool, there are other methods for removing rust from aluminium baking pans. These include using baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, and citric acid. It is always recommended to dry aluminium pans thoroughly before storing them to prevent rust from forming.

Frequently asked questions