Removing Rust From Pans: Acrylic-Safe Techniques

Removing rust from pans is a common problem, and it's important to do so, as rust is not safe to eat. There are several methods to remove rust from pans, including using baking soda, vinegar, salt, and steel wool. It's important to note that some methods are better suited for certain types of pans, such as cast iron, carbon steel, or non-stick pans. To prevent rust from forming in the first place, it's recommended to dry pans with a towel or on a stove after washing and to season pans with cooking oil.

Removing Rust from Pans with Acrylic

Baking soda and vinegar

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Rinse the pan with water and shake off any excess moisture.

Step 2: Apply Baking Soda

Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda onto the inside, sides, and bottom of the pan, ensuring that all rusty spots are covered. The baking soda will stick to the damp areas and form a paste.

Step 3: Let it Sit

Let the baking soda sit on the pan for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This gives the baking soda time to cut through the rust.

Step 4: Add Vinegar (Optional)

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 bubbles that help dissolve the rust.

Step 5: Scrub the Pan

Use a scouring pad, scrubbing sponge, or steel wool to scrub the pan in circular motions. If the rust is severe, apply firm pressure and use some elbow grease to remove it. Be careful not to use steel wool on non-stick pans, as it can scratch and damage the coating.

Step 6: Wash and Dry the Pan

Rinse the pan with water and dish soap to remove the baking soda and rust debris. Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 7: Repeat if Necessary

If there are still some rust spots remaining, repeat the above steps until all the rust is removed.

Tips:

• For cast-iron pans, it is recommended to dry the pan on the stove over medium-low heat after washing.
• To prevent rust from forming in the first place, ensure that you dry your pans thoroughly after washing and store them in a dry area.

Coarse salt and oil

If you have a rusted carbon steel pan, don't worry, as it's totally normal for this to happen. The good news is that removing a rust stain from a carbon steel pan is easy, and your pan will perform just as well (if not better) once you've removed the rust.

Step 1: Pour coarse salt and cooking oil onto the rust spot

Use a cooking oil such as vegetable oil and pour it onto the rust spot on your pan. Then, add some coarse salt on top.

Step 2: Scrub the rust spot

Using a paper towel or soft cloth, scrub the salt and oil into the rust spot. Use a small circular motion until the rust has been removed. If the rust spot is particularly large, you may need to use a coarse scrubber such as a scouring pad, steel wool, an abrasive sponge, or fine-grit sandpaper to forcibly remove the rust.

Step 3: Rinse and dry the pan

Once the rust has been removed, rinse the pan with hot soapy water. Fully dry your pan with a dry cloth before storing it for your next meal.

Step 4: Reseason the pan

Because removing heavy rust from carbon steel also results in the removal of some or all of your 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.

Lemon juice and cream of tartar

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Juice and Cream of Tartar Paste

Start by making a paste with equal parts lemon juice and cream of tartar. The acidic properties of lemon juice and cream of tartar will help dissolve the rust. Squeeze the juice from a fresh lemon and mix it with the cream of tartar until you have a paste-like consistency. You can adjust the consistency by adding a little water if needed.

Step 2: Apply the Paste to the Rusty Areas

Once you have your paste ready, use a sponge or cloth to apply it generously to the rusty areas of your pan. Make sure the paste is coating the rust spots completely.

Step 3: Let the Paste Sit

Allow the paste to sit on the rusty areas for at least 30 minutes. During this time, the acid in the lemon juice and cream of tartar will work to break down the rust, making it easier to remove.

Step 4: Scrub the Area

After the paste has had time to work, use a soft-bristled brush or a scouring pad to gently scrub the rusty areas. If the rust is mild, a soft-bristled brush should be sufficient. For more severe rust, you may need to use a scouring pad or even steel wool, but be careful not to scratch the pan's surface.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry the Pan

Once you have removed the rust, rinse the pan thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining residue. Dry the pan completely with a clean kitchen towel.

Additional Tips:

• If you're dealing with heavy rust, you can add some baking soda to your lemon juice and cream of tartar paste for extra cleaning power.
• For cast-iron pans, it's important to season the pan after removing rust. Coat the pan with cooking oil and bake it in the oven at 350° F (177° C) for about an hour.
• To prevent rust from forming in the first place, always dry your pans completely after washing and consider seasoning them with cooking oil to create a protective layer.

Soaking in vinegar

Step 1: Prepare the Vinegar Solution

Mix equal parts water and distilled white vinegar. You will need enough of this solution to fully submerge your pan. For a more intensive treatment, you can use neat vinegar.

Step 2: Soak the Pan

Place your pan in a container, ensuring it is completely covered by the vinegar solution. Leave the pan to soak for at least an hour. More severe rust may require a longer soaking time, up to 5 or even 8 hours. Check the pan periodically, and remove it from the solution once the rust can be easily flaked away.

Step 3: Scrub the Pan

After removing the pan from the solution, use a scouring pad, sponge, or steel wool to scrub away any remaining rust. For lighter rust, a scrubbing sponge should be sufficient. For more severe rust, you may need to use steel wool.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the pan with warm water to remove any remaining vinegar solution and rust debris. Dry the pan thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel. To ensure the pan is completely dry, you can place it on the stove over medium-low heat for a few minutes.

Step 5: Season the Pan

To prevent future rust, it is important to season your pan after removing rust. Coat the inside, sides, and bottom of the pan with a thin layer of cooking oil, such as vegetable oil. Then, place the pan in the oven at 350° F (177° C) for about an hour. This will create a protective layer that helps keep moisture away.

Tips and Precautions:

• Always use distilled white vinegar for rust removal.
• While vinegar is effective at removing rust, it can also damage the surface of your pan if left for too long. Do not leave your pan in the vinegar solution for longer than necessary.
• If you are removing rust from a cast-iron pan, avoid using soap when rinsing the pan after soaking. Simply rinse with water, dry, and season the pan.
• If your pan has aluminium parts, do not leave them in the vinegar solution for more than a few hours, as vinegar can eat away at aluminium.
• Always wear gloves when handling vinegar and other cleaning solutions.
• After removing rust, make sure to dry and season your pan properly to prevent future rust from forming.

Steel wool

To use steel wool to remove rust, follow these steps:

• Sprinkle the pan with coarse salt.
• Add some cooking oil or vegetable oil to the pan.
• Using a small circular motion, scrub the salt and oil into the rust with the steel wool.
• Rinse the pan with hot soapy water.
• Dry the pan thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.

It is important to note that steel wool is very abrasive and can scratch stainless steel or non-stick coatings on pans. Therefore, it should only be used on cast-iron or carbon steel pans. If you are dealing with severe rust on a cast-iron pan, steel wool can be used with warm water to quickly remove the rust.

Frequently asked questions