Rusty Pots: Quick Cleaning Tips

Removing rust from your pots and pans is simple, cheap, and can be done in a few different ways. The most common methods involve using baking soda, vinegar, salt, or potatoes.

Removing Rust with Baking Soda

Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can effectively remove rust from pots and pans without damaging them. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to remove rust from your cookware using baking soda:

Step 1: Prepare the Surface

Before applying baking soda, ensure the rusty areas of your cookware are damp. Sprinkle or spray some water onto the affected areas. This helps the baking soda stick to the surface.

Step 2: Apply Baking Soda

Generously sprinkle baking soda onto the wet areas. You can also make a thick paste by mixing baking soda with a few drops of water, and then apply this paste to the rusty spots using a clean paintbrush or spatula. Ensure that the rusty spots are completely covered by the baking soda or the paste.

Step 3: Let it Sit

Let the baking soda sit on the cookware for at least 30 minutes to an hour. During this time, the baking soda will start to cut through the rust. For extra cleaning power, you can pour a little white vinegar onto the baking soda, creating a bubbling reaction that helps dissolve the rust.

Step 4: Scrub the Rust Away

Using a scouring pad, scrubbing sponge, toothbrush, or steel wool, gently scrub the baking soda-covered areas in circular motions. Keep the scrubbing pad or sponge wet to reduce scratching on the metal surface. If you're dealing with a lot of rust, use firm pressure and some elbow grease to remove it.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry

Once the rust is removed, rinse the cookware with warm water and dish soap to remove any remaining baking soda and rust debris. Dry the cookware thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel. If you still see spots of rust, repeat the above steps.

Tips and Precautions:

• Baking soda is safe to use on most metal surfaces, including cast iron, stainless steel, and carbon steel. However, avoid using it on non-stick cookware as it can damage the protective coating.
• Always dry your cookware completely after rinsing to prevent rust from forming.
• To prevent rust from forming, season your cookware with cooking oil after drying. This adds a protective layer that keeps moisture away.

Soaking Cast-Iron and Carbon Steel in Vinegar

White vinegar is an effective way to remove rust from cast-iron and carbon steel pots and pans. Its acetic acid dissolves and removes tough spots of rust. To start, fill your sink or a container large enough to fit your cookware with equal parts white vinegar and water. Ensure the mixture covers any rusty spots. Leave your cookware to soak for at least one hour. If there is severe rusting, you can leave it for up to five hours.

For a light layer of rust, an alternative method is to fill a spray bottle with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water and spray your cookware. Leave the solution for around 10 minutes before wiping it away.

After soaking, scrub your cookware with a sponge or steel wool to remove any remaining rust. If there are tough rust spots, sprinkle with baking soda and scrub with the hard side of a sponge. Wash the cookware with water and dry it with a towel. Finally, place your cookware on a medium-low heat on the stove to ensure all moisture is gone.

Getting Rid of Rust with Coarse Salt

Removing rust with coarse salt is a great option if you're looking for a gentle abrasive that will scrape up the rust without damaging the metal. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Pour Coarse Sea Salt into the Pan

Start by sprinkling enough coarse sea salt into your rusted pot or pan to lightly cover the rusted spots. Salt is mildly abrasive, which helps remove tough, set-in rust. Just make sure your pan is dry before adding the salt.

Step 2: Scrub with a Potato or Lemon

Cut a potato in half and work the cut end into the salt, scrubbing until the rust lifts away. Alternatively, you can use a lemon. Slice it in half and rub the cut end into the salt with the same motion until the rust disappears. The citric acid in lemons works similarly to vinegar and helps dissolve rust.

If you're using a potato, be sure to remove any leftover grease first by putting some dish soap on the flat side of the cut potato. If your salt starts turning red or orange from the rust, simply discard it and add a new layer of salt.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry

Once the rust is gone, hold your pan under the kitchen sink to rinse away the salt and rust. Then, wash the pan thoroughly with dish soap and warm water. Finally, dry the pan completely with a clean kitchen towel.

For cast-iron cookware: Rinse the pot or pan with only water, then dry it over the stove on medium-low heat. Season it with oil and place it in the oven at 350° F (177° C) for about an hour.

And that's it! You've successfully removed rust from your pots and pans using coarse salt. Remember to always dry your cookware after rinsing and to store it in a dry area to prevent rust from forming in the first place.

Scouring Cast-Iron with Steel Wool

If your cast-iron pan has developed rust, don't panic! It can be saved. Here's a step-by-step guide to removing rust from your cast-iron cookware using steel wool:

Step 1: Wet Your Pan

Start by wetting your cast-iron pan with warm water. This will help to loosen any stuck-on food or debris, making it easier to remove the rust. You can also use hot water and a small amount of dish soap to wash the pan first, ensuring it is free of any grease or dirt.

Step 2: Scour with Steel Wool

Take a fine grade of steel wool and gently scour the surface of the pan. Steel wool is an effective abrasive that will help lift the rust from the cast iron. Be sure to scour both the inside and outside of the pan, paying extra attention to any rusty spots.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry

Once you've removed the rust with the steel wool, rinse the pan under water to remove any residue. Then, dry the pan thoroughly with a clean towel or paper towel. It's important to ensure the pan is completely dry to prevent new rust from forming.

Step 4: Season the Pan

To protect your cast-iron pan and prevent future rust, it's important to season it after cleaning. Start by coating the inside and outside of the pan with a thin layer of vegetable oil or another high-temperature oil, such as canola, sunflower, or safflower oil. Then, place the pan upside down in the oven and bake at 350° F (177° C) for about an hour. This process will create a non-stick surface and help protect your pan from moisture.

Remember, always be gentle when scouring cast iron with steel wool, as it is possible to scratch the surface. If the rust is particularly stubborn, you may need to repeat the process or try a different method, such as using baking soda or vinegar.

Removing Rust from Stainless Steel

Rust can ruin your pans and become a safety issue if left unattended. Luckily, there are several ways to remove rust from stainless steel. Here are some methods to help you tackle the issue:

Baking Soda Method

Mix a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the rusty areas of your stainless steel cookware. Let the paste sit for at least 15 minutes, or even a few hours for better results. Then, use a scouring pad or steel wool to scrub the paste in a circular motion, removing the rust. Finally, rinse and dry the cookware.

Vinegar Method

For this method, you will need to mix equal parts water and vinegar. Spray or wet the rusty areas of your stainless steel cookware with the mixture and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a scouring pad to scrub the rust away, following the grain of the stainless steel. Wash the pan with soap and water and dry it thoroughly.

Lemon and Baking Soda Method

Make a cleaning paste with lemon juice and baking soda. Lemon juice is an acidic solution that will help lift and remove the rust, while baking soda aids in lifting away the layer of rust. Apply a thick layer of the paste over the rusty areas and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. If the paste dries out, add some more lemon juice. After the waiting period, test a small area to see if the rust can be easily removed. If not, leave the paste on for longer. If the rust comes off easily, use a scouring pad or steel wool to scrub the rusty areas. Rinse and dry the cookware completely before storing it.

Salt and Lemon Method

Sprinkle salt over the rusty areas of your stainless steel cookware. Then, squeeze lemon juice over the salt. Allow the mixture to sit for a few hours, giving the acid in the lemon juice time to react with the rust. Finally, use a scouring pad or brush to scrub away the rust.

Commercial Rust Removers

For stubborn rust, you can opt for commercial rust removers, which are specifically formulated to tackle rust on metal surfaces. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using these products, and be sure to wear protective gear such as gloves and goggles for safety.

Frequently asked questions