The first step to bringing that cast iron skillet back to life is the vinegar soak.
My ceramic cast iron skillet is rusting.
For pans with severe rust try using a cleaning product with 20 hydrochloric acid such as a low priced toilet bowl cleaner.
To remove rust from a cast iron skillet start by sprinkling a small amount of baking soda and water on the pan.
Never soak the pan.
Look at that entire skillet.
With a good sprucing up using this five step method you can salvage your skillet and get back to cooking.
For those of you with a rusty skillet lodge cast iron recommends a good scrub wash dry oil and bake.
Mix 50 vinegar with 50 water and soak your pan in this mixture for one to eight hours.
Unlike non stick pans cast iron was meant to last forever even when rust takes hold.
The vinegar soak is the tried and true method for cast iron skillets that have intense and what appears to be irreversible rust damage.
Since cast iron is so vulnerable to rust it s best to limit your pan s exposure to water as much as possible.
Want to avoid a having a rusted cast iron skillet in the first place.
Then use a rag to scour away the rusty spots.
Just stick to baking soda a towel and only if necessary use mild dish soap.
You can also use a paste of salt and water to scrub away the rust.
Don t let the pan air dry.
If the skillet has a thick layer of rust and very little visible black iron soak the pan in a 50 50 solution of white vinegar and water in a plugged sink.
Wipe off any excess water with a towel immediately after rinsing.