Cast Iron Pan Revival: Removing Stubborn Scale

Cast iron pans are beloved for their versatility and durability, but they do require some maintenance to keep them in good condition. One common issue is the buildup of limescale or calcium deposits, which can be removed using a combination of vinegar and baking soda. Here's a step-by-step guide to removing scale from your cast iron pan and restoring it to its former glory.

Soak in a vinegar solution

If your cast iron pan has a lot of rust, you'll need to soak it in a vinegar solution. Start by mixing equal parts water and distilled white vinegar in a container large enough to completely submerge the pan. Make sure the container is deep enough, such as a bucket or a deep foil pan. Completely submerging the pan in the vinegar solution will help to loosen and dissolve the rust.

Once the solution is ready, carefully lower your cast iron pan into the container, ensuring that the entire pan, including the handle, is covered by the liquid. It's important to check on the pan regularly, about every 15 minutes, as you don't want to leave it in the solution for too long. The vinegar will eventually start to eat away at the original cast surface of the pan, so it's crucial to keep an eye on the progress. Depending on the severity of the rust, the pan may need to soak for anywhere from one hour to eight hours.

You'll know the process is working when you hear the solution start to fizz. After an hour, check to see if the rust can be easily flaked away. If not, leave the pan in the solution for a bit longer, but be sure to check on it frequently to avoid over-soaking.

Once the rust has softened or loosened, remove the pan from the solution and immediately rinse it with running water. If you notice any flash rust, a thin layer of rust that sometimes appears after removing the pan from the vinegar solution, don't worry. This can be addressed in the next step.

After rinsing, scrub any remaining rust off using a stainless steel scrubber or a mildly abrasive sponge. You can also make a slurry of Bar Keepers Friend and a couple of tablespoons of water to aid in removing stubborn rust. Always wear rubber gloves when handling the pan during this process.

Finally, thoroughly wash, dry, and re-season your cast iron pan.

Scrub with a scouring pad

To remove scale from your cast iron pan, you'll need to scrub it with a scouring pad. Here's a step-by-step guide:

First, ensure you have the right type of scouring pad. It's important to use a non-abrasive, nylon scouring pad, as cast iron is quite brittle and can crack or warp if you use a scouring pad that's too stiff or rough. A Dobie sponge, the soft side of a Scotch-Brite sponge, or a Lodge Care Scrub Brush are all good options. You can also use a nylon brush or nonscratch pad if you prefer.

If you're dealing with a lot of built-up scale or calcium deposits, you may want to start by soaking your pan. Fill your sink with equal parts water and white vinegar, and fully submerge the pan in the solution. Let it soak for at least an hour—the vinegar will help loosen the scale and make it easier to remove. You can also try bringing the solution to a boil on the stovetop and letting it boil for about 10 minutes before turning off the heat and letting it sit for an hour.

Once your pan is soaked, it's time to start scrubbing. If you're dealing with minor surface scale, you can use a scouring pad or kitchen towel to rub about ⅓ cup of kosher salt into the surface of the pan. For more serious cases, start by using your nylon scouring pad to scrub the pan with warm, soapy water. This will help to remove loosened mineral deposits and grime. Cast iron is prone to rust, so make sure to dry the pan thoroughly with a dish towel after rinsing. You can also place it in a low-heat oven or on the stovetop to ensure it's completely dry.

If any scale remains after scrubbing, you may need to try a stronger solution. Mix ½ cup of baking soda with ½ cup of white vinegar in a plastic bowl. Spread this mixture directly over the remaining scale and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Then, use your scouring pad to scrub the pan until the scale is completely removed. Rinse the pan with warm water and dry it thoroughly.

Finally, to protect your pan and prevent future scale buildup, you'll need to season it. Apply a thin layer of cooking oil or neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable oil, to the entire surface of the pan, inside and out. Then, place the pan upside down in an oven preheated to 450-500°F, with aluminum foil on the bottom rack to catch any drips. Bake for about an hour, then turn off the heat and let the pan cool in the oven.

With these steps, your cast iron pan will be free of scale and ready for your next cooking adventure!

Wash with soapy water

To remove scale from your cast iron pan, you can wash it with soapy water. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, fill your sink with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. You can use a liquid dish soap such as Seventh Generation Dish Liquid, which is free from dyes and synthetic fragrances. Avoid using too much soap, as you will be rinsing and seasoning the pan afterwards. Lodge, a popular cast iron cookware brand, endorses the use of a small amount of soap on its website.

Next, place the pan in the sink and use a non-abrasive sponge, scrub brush, or scouring pad to gently scrub the pan. You can use a Dobie sponge, the soft side of a Scotch-Brite sponge, or a scrub brush such as the Full Circle Tenacious C Cast Iron Brush or Lodge Care Scrub Brush. If you are dealing with tough rust spots, you can use a scouring pad or kitchen towel to rub about 1/3 cup of kosher salt onto the surface of the pan. Alternatively, you can use steel wool or a Lodge Rust Eraser, which is made of rubber and silicon carbide.

Once you have finished scrubbing the pan, thoroughly rinse it with warm water to remove any remaining soap. Dry the pan completely with a dish towel. You can also place the pan in the oven at a low temperature (200-300 degrees Fahrenheit) or on the stovetop over low heat to ensure that all the moisture evaporates. It is important to get your pan bone dry before storing it, as any remaining moisture can cause rust.

Finally, after drying the pan, coat it with a very thin layer of neutral cooking oil, such as canola or vegetable oil. This oil is used for seasoning the pan, and a couple of drops are all you need. Use a paper towel or clean rag to rub the oil all over the inside and outside of the pan, including the handle.

Dry on the stove

To dry your cast iron pan on the stove, follow these steps:

First, ensure that you have removed any food debris from the pan. You can do this by gently scrubbing the pan with mild dish soap, hot water, and a non-abrasive sponge or scrub brush. Rinse the pan with warm water to wash away any remaining food particles.

Next, place the pan on the stovetop over low heat. You can also place it in the oven at a low temperature, around 200 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. This step ensures that all moisture is removed from the pan before storing it, as any remaining moisture can cause rusting.

Once you have heated the pan on the stove, remove it and use a clean dish towel to dry it completely. It is important to get your pan bone dry before putting it away.

After drying, it is recommended to coat the pan with a thin layer of cooking oil, such as canola or vegetable oil. This helps to protect the pan and maintain its seasoning. Rub the oil all over the inside and outside of the pan, including the handle, with a paper towel or clean rag.

By following these steps, you can effectively dry your cast iron pan on the stove and maintain its condition.

Re-season in the oven

Re-seasoning your cast iron pan in the oven is a great way to restore its natural non-stick coating and prevent rust. Here is a step-by-step guide to re-seasoning your pan:

Step 1: Scrub the Pan

Start by scrubbing your pan with warm, soapy water to remove any residue or rust. You can use a nylon scrubber or fine steel wool to get rid of any tough stains or spots. If your pan has a lot of rust, you may want to use a rust eraser or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to help remove it. Make sure to rinse and dry the pan thoroughly after scrubbing.

Step 2: Apply Oil

Once your pan is clean and dry, apply a thin, even layer of cooking oil to the entire pan, including the inside, outside, and handle. You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted shortening. Avoid using too much oil, as this can make your pan sticky.

Step 3: Place the Pan in the Oven

Place the oiled pan upside down on the top rack of your oven. Place a sheet of aluminum foil or a baking sheet on the bottom rack to catch any excess oil that may drip. Preheat your oven to between 450-500°F (230-260°C) and bake the pan for about an hour. The oil will polymerize and form a hard, protective coating.

Step 4: Repeat as Needed

Depending on the condition of your pan, you may need to repeat the oiling and baking process several times to build up a strong layer of seasoning. After each round, allow the pan to cool, and then wipe away any excess oil with a paper towel.

Step 5: Maintenance

Once your pan is seasoned, the best way to maintain the seasoning is to use it often! Each time you cook with oil, you'll be adding to the seasoning. Just be sure to avoid using abrasive utensils or scouring pads, and always dry your pan thoroughly after washing to prevent rust.

Frequently asked questions