Although cast iron is best known as the material used to make cast iron skillets, it’s also used to create a range of other goods, from cookware to auto parts. This carbon-rich alloy is very workable, inexpensive and durable, making it perfect for all these products. The soft coating of cast iron rusts easily, however it isn’t easily damaged by rust. You may normally remove rust with vigorous polishing.
Polishing Cast Iron
Cast iron should never be polished unless it’s burnished or polished cast iron. These surfaces have been ground down to acquire a glistening, silver-gray finish. Polished cast iron can be found on ornamental handles of cast iron cookware, on the face of cast iron fireplace inserts and other ornamental and trim sections of cast iron bits. When polishing cast iron, you should never allow water to remain on the surface. Use a machine oil, aerosol lubricant or metal polish created for program without rinsing. Polish the surface with this polishing broker along with a dry bit of very fine steel wool or a rotary tool using an appropriate polishing accessory. Wipe any residue clean using a dry paper towel.
Seasoning Cast Iron
A cast iron skillet, or other cookware, must be seasoned to supply a maintainable surface that’s durable and resistant to rust. To achieve this, a coating of cooking oil has to be baked into the end. Place your oven on low bake (approximately 350 degrees F) and coat the pan with cooking oil, with a paper towel to rub it in the surface. Set the pan in the oven and leave until the surface seems dry. Repeat this for three or more coats.
Cleaning Cast Iron
Do not use detergent or soap when cleaning cast iron of any kind since it will break down the protective coating and cause the metal to rust. Use hot water and a paper towel to wipe the surface clean. If the pan is exceptionally dirty, use a couple spoonfuls of salt as a scouring agent to get rid of tough areas of baked-on food. Should you scrub the pan, recoat the region with cooking oil, then set it on a burner on low to dry before storing it.
Cast Iron and Rust
Remove rust from cast iron in much the same manner. Do not put any detergent or soap onto the surface, because rust that’s cleaned in that manner will return almost immediately. Instead, pour 1/2 cup of petroleum and 1/4 cup of salt into a bowl and mix in an oily paste. Apply this mixture to the affected region and scrub using warm steel wool to remove the rust. Wipe the affected area clean with a rag wet with hot water. Warm the cast iron piece by placing it on a burner on low, or with a hairdryer to fully dry it. Rub oil into the spot where the rust was eliminated.