How to Restore Rusty Cast Iron Pans

Rather than throwing away your rusty cast iron, use these simple steps to restore them and keep using them forever!

Total Time 3

Place the cast iron pans in the soaking tub, and cover with a 50% water, 50% white vinegar mixture.
Let the pans soak for 1-2 hours, depending on how rusty they are.
Remove the pans one at a time, and sprinkle with baking soda to neutralize the acid in the vinegar.
Scrub the pans with a scour pad to remove rust
Switch to steel wool for scrubbing, to get the final details
Once finished scrubbing, rinse the pans off with water, and allow them to air dry completely.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit
Using a paper towel, rub the olive oil all over the entire pans, being sure not to leave an excess.
Place the pans in a preheated oven and bake off the oil, until it's no longer sticky and shiny. It should look smooth and a little matte.
Remove the pans, allow them to cool, and they are ready for cooking!

Some pans may need to soak longer than others, depending on how rusty they are.
If you scrub them and they still look a little rusty, let them soak in the vinegar solution for longer.
Make sure to season the cast iron pans and store them in a dry place to prevent them from rusting again.