Stripping Cast Iron: Restoring Pans To Their Former Glory

There are many reasons why you might want to strip a cast-iron pan. Perhaps it's old and rusty, or maybe you've just bought it from an antique shop or garage sale and want to give it a refresh. Maybe you've been using it for a while and you've noticed that your seasoning is starting to come off in flakes. Or perhaps you've been a little lazy with your cleaning and maintenance, and now your pan is covered in caked-on grime. Whatever the reason, stripping your cast iron pan is the first step to restoring it to its former glory.

Using a fire pit or wood-burning stove

If you have a rusty cast-iron pan that needs stripping, one way to do it without stinking up your house is to use a fire pit or wood-burning stove. Here's how:

First, build a campfire in an outside fire pit or use a wood-burning stove to get some nice coals going. Once the coals have burned down and you're left with hot ash, you can place your pan face down in the ash and leave it overnight. The next day, remove the pan from the ash and bring it inside to wash with hot, soapy water. You may need to use some steel wool to remove any remaining seasoning, rust, or flakes.

This method is simple and effective, but it's important to note that there are some risks associated with using extreme heat to clean cast iron. Some people have reported that their pans cracked or warped after being exposed to high temperatures. Others have mentioned that this method can discolour the pan, giving it a light orange tint.

If you're concerned about the risks, there are alternative methods for stripping a cast-iron pan that you can consider, such as using oven cleaner or electrolysis. However, if you do have access to a fire pit or wood-burning stove and feel comfortable with the process, using fire to strip your cast iron pan can be a straightforward and effective solution.

Using a self-cleaning oven

Step 1: Prepare the oven

First, make sure your oven has a self-cleaning feature. If it does, prepare the oven for cleaning according to the oven manual. Most manuals recommend removing the wire oven racks. However, leaving one rack in the oven for the cast iron to sit on should be fine.

Step 2: Place the pan in the oven

Place the cast iron pan upside down on the rack. If you are restoring multiple pans, ensure they are not touching each other or the sides of the oven.

Step 3: Run the self-cleaning cycle

Close the oven door and set the timer for the self-cleaning cycle. This typically takes between 2.5 to 5 hours. The high heat generated by the cycle will burn away the gunk and grime on your pan.

Note: The cycle can produce strong odours, so it is recommended to turn on the ventilator fan and place a window fan in the kitchen to remove the smell.

Step 4: Allow the oven and pan to cool

Once the cycle is complete, let the oven and the cast iron cool down before handling them. You will find a pile of black ash in the bottom of your oven, which can be easily wiped away.

Step 5: Scrub the pan

After cooling, scrub the pan with a stiff wire brush or steel wool to remove any remaining residue. You can also use chainmail scrubbers designed specifically for cleaning cast iron. This step may take a while, depending on the condition of your pan.

Step 6: Rinse the pan

Rinse the pan with chilled water to prevent flash rust. You can use soap at this stage, as you are stripping the pan rather than seasoning it.

Step 7: Smooth the surface (optional)

If your cast iron pan has a rough surface, you can use a wire brush attachment on a drill to smooth it out. Run the drill over the cooking surface several times. Be sure to wash the pan again after using the wire brush.

Step 8: Season the pan

To season the pan, coat it with a high-heat oil, such as canola, vegetable, or grapeseed oil. Avoid using extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, or flaxseed oil due to their low smoke point.

Wipe off the excess oil with a lint-free cloth, leaving only a thin layer. Then, place the pan in an oven preheated to 300°F for 15 minutes.

Remove the pan from the oven and wipe off any remaining oil. Return the pan to the oven, this time preheated to 400°F, and heat for 2 hours.

Your cast iron pan is now ready to use!

Using lye

Lye, also known as sodium hydroxide, is a highly alkaline substance derived from wood ashes. It is often used in soapmaking, where it combines with oils or fats to create soap. Lye is also effective for cleaning cast iron cookware, as it can break down and dissolve hardened grease build-up.

When using lye to clean cast iron, it is important to take safety precautions as it can cause skin burns and blindness if it comes into contact with the eyes. Always use skin and eye protection, and wear clothing that can be ruined if the lye drips on them. Additionally, it is crucial to add lye to water and not the other way around, as this can cause a thermal reaction that may lead to splashing.

To create a lye bath for cleaning cast iron, use one pound of lye crystals per five gallons of water. Any sturdy plastic container with a secure lid can be used, as long as it can hold the volume of water. Soak the cast iron piece in the lye bath for at least 24 hours, or until the grease build-up softens and dissolves. The warmer the lye solution, the faster it works, so placing it in a sunny spot is ideal.

After removing the cast iron from the lye bath, rinse it thoroughly with fresh water to prevent skin irritation from residual lye. Even after rinsing, the piece may still be slippery, so handle it with care. Lye does not remove rust, so if there is any surface rust, it is recommended to soak the cast iron in a 50/50 vinegar and water solution for 20-30 minutes, followed by scrubbing with steel wool.

Lye is a cost-effective method for cleaning cast iron, as the same batch can be reused multiple times and can clean several pans simultaneously. It is also convenient, as you can leave the cast iron in the lye bath for as long as needed without causing any harm to the piece.

Removing rust with vinegar

Removing rust from cast iron can be a tricky process, but it is possible to restore your pan to its former glory. One of the best ways to get rid of rust is by cleaning cast iron with vinegar. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to remove rust from cast iron using vinegar:

Step 1: Prepare a Vinegar-Water Solution

Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a separate bucket, pan, washbowl, or sink. It is important to dilute the vinegar as undiluted vinegar can damage the cast iron.

Step 2: Soak the Rusty Cast Iron

Place your cast iron cookware in the vinegar-water solution, ensuring it is completely submerged. Leave it to soak for up to 8 hours. Check the pan every 30 minutes, or more frequently if possible, as the amount of time needed will depend on how much rust there is. The rust should start to come away within 1 hour, but if not, continue to soak and check until it does.

Step 3: Remove and Scrub

Once the rust has been removed, take the pan out of the solution and wash it right away. Use a soft scrub or brush to gently remove any remaining rust. Be careful not to scrub too hard as this can damage the surface. Dry the pan with a paper towel.

Step 4: Put the Pan in the Oven

After drying, place the pan in the oven at a low temperature, such as 200°F, for 15 minutes to further dry it out.

Step 5: Re-season the Cast Iron

Once your pan is clean and dry, you will need to re-season it. This is an important step to protect the pan and prevent future rust. Rub the inside of the pan with a layer of oil, such as vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil. Preheat your oven to 350-450°F, then place the oiled pan face down on the top rack for about an hour. This will create a protective, non-stick layer of seasoning.

Tips for Preventing Rust:

• Always ensure your cast iron cookware is completely dry before putting it away.
• Store your cast iron in a low-humidity spot.
• If stacking multiple pans, use pan separators or layers of paper/kitchen towels in between to prevent moisture buildup.
• Clean your cast iron properly after use with a small amount of soap and a brush or sponge.

While restoring a rusty cast iron pan may seem daunting, with a little time and care, it is possible to bring it back to its original glory.

Removing seasoning with oven cleaner

• Put on rubber gloves. Oven cleaner is a caustic alkali, so it is important to protect your skin.
• Place a concrete block on the ground outdoors and cover it with a heavy-duty trash bag.
• Place the cast-iron pan upside down on top of the block.
• Spray the pan all over with oven cleaner, being careful to keep the spray away from your face and skin.
• Flip the pan over and spray the inside.
• Pull the plastic bag up and around the pan and tie it closed. Leave the wrapped pan outside or in a garage for 24 hours. For best results, some people leave the pan for 48 hours.
• Wearing gloves, remove the plastic bag. Scrub the pan with steel wool and hot soapy water to remove all residue.
• Rinse the pan and repeat the scrubbing with steel wool. Rinse again.
• Combine two cups of distilled white vinegar with two cups of water. Fill the pan with this solution and let it stand for 30 minutes to one hour.
• Rinse and dry the pan. It is now ready for reseasoning.

It is important to note that this process may need to be repeated several times to fully remove all the seasoning. Additionally, always work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area when using oven cleaner, as the fumes can be strong.

Frequently asked questions