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dpgllg's avatar
dpgllg
Explorer
Jun 04, 2013

Restoreing severely rusted cast iron skillets

I just purchased two cast iron skillets at an auction. I did not get a good look at them before I won them and discovered that both have severe rust. They are still solid and the rust seems to be surface but very very heavy mostly in the inside of the skillets.

I have reviewed several posts online and found methods ranging from palm sanders to vinegar and oven cleaner.

I was thinking of using my Dremel tool with the rough polish ball to remove the worst of the rust.

What are your thoughts and methods? I only spent $4 total so its not like I'm out a ton of money but it sure would be nice to restore these so they could be used again.

Thanks in advance for your help!

dpgllg
  • tanman32225's avatar
    tanman32225
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2013
    i like the Muratic acid method the best.. very fast and easy. Watch out for the fumes though. Clean it in an open area and hose off.. Dry and begin seasoning it.
  • camperpaul's avatar
    camperpaul
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2013
    I have done the same thing with vinegar, paper towels, a "Scotch Brite®" pad and a little elbow grease.

    1. Place towels in pan, making sure all rusted parts are covered.

    2. Soak towels with vinegar.

    3. Wait about an hour.

    4. Remove towels and wipe away most of the rust.

    5. Remaining rust can be removed with the "Scotch Brite®" pad and vinegar.

    6. Dry pan and season as if it were a new one.
  • BuckBarker's avatar
    BuckBarker
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2013
    Do you have an angle grinder with a wire cup wheel? If so, you can go at it as hard as you wish. You won't do any damage. If you don't have one, you can buy a gallon of Muriatic acid at ACE or any big box home improvement store. Read the directions carefully and watch that rust disappear. Then season the clean metal as though the pan was never rusted.

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