Iron Pan Rusts – You Can Do That

Iron pan rusts: How to remove the rust spots

Depending on how severe the rust is, you have to proceed differently.

• If the oxidation is only slightly reddish and it is a small area, apply cooking oil to a cloth and rub the rust away.
• Thoroughly dust larger areas with steel wool. This will not damage your pan, as it only has a burned-in patina (protective layer) and no non-stick coating.
• Remove the rust dust completely under warm water before you oil the dry pan afterward.
• Tip: Clean your pan with warm water after each use. Do not use detergents. After drying, rub the pan with bacon rind or cooking oil. This means that rust no longer has a chance in the future.

Burn in the metal pan after derusting

To ensure a long service life, it is worth seasoning the pan again after dusting. For this process, open the windows in the kitchen and, if available, switch on the extractor hood.

• Pour heat-resistant cooking oil, such as sunflower oil, into the pan. The bottom should be covered a few millimeters.
• Heat the oil and then add a handful of salt and potato skins to the pan.
• As soon as the shells are black on all sides, turn off the stove and let everything cool in the pan.
• Now dispose of the shells, rinse the iron pan with warm water, and oil it thoroughly.