Skillets are one of the best kitchen cookware you could have. They are thick and make dinner seem so easy to prepare. These amazing pans are also known as the ” frying pan” which is made from carbon steel or cast iron.

These materials make your skillet prone to rust. There’s no actual way to prevent your cast iron from rusting because eventually at some point the rust may appear the best that you can do is learn how to clean and care for your skillet.

The good news is there are ways you can protect the iron. You can protect the iron and prevent rust simply by seasoning the skillet with carbonized oil. Just in case you’re wondering what is carboned oil?

WHAT IS CARBONIZED OIL

Carbonized oil comes from our food. The butter or oil we used turned into carbonized oil. While this may not be good for your stainless steel, this is awesome for your skillet.

That’s why it is important to avoid acidic products when washing your skillet. Carbonized oil is sold on the market and can be purchase at your local grocery store. Now, that’s great news.

AVOID THESE THINGS

Skillets, because their material is susceptible to rust if exposed to moisture for a period of time will cause premature rusting even on a fairly new skillet.

Avoid soaking at all cost, avoid acidic foods such as tomatoes and vinegar. These foods are highly acidic and can remove the seasoning leaving you with a rusty skillet.

It’s easy to toss everything into the dishwasher, but not your skillet, also try your very best to avoid air-drying your skillet. The lingering moisture will only make matters worse by retaining the water which leads to more rust, oh oh!

CARING FOR CAST IRON SKILLETS

Always keep your cast iron skillet dry and seasoned at all times. This type of cookware requires more TLC than others. Now that you know why your skillet is rusting and how to prevent it from rusting.

Now it’s time for you to know how to clean and remove the rust from your cast iron skillet. Get ready to have beautiful skillets at the end of this article.

HOW TO CLEAN A CAST IRON SKILLET

Removing the rust from a skillet is not all that complicated as it may seem. What you’ll need is strength, an abrasive scrubbing tool, dish soap’ and baking soda.

WASHING A CAST IRON TO REMOVE RUST

In the dry skillet, pour in your dish soap and the baking soda, Using a scotch Brite, proceed to scrub the pot. If you notice a soapy brown substance this simply means the rust is releasing. Don’t stop, continue for another minute scrubbing vigorously.

To rinse, submerge the skillet into room temperature water. Room temperature water is perfect as it is not too cold or too hot. Avoid using hot water as this will remove too much of the seasoning. Over washing your skillet is a NO, NO! avoid doing this as much as you can.

USE THIS GENTLE CLEANER

We looked at washing with only water, dish soap, baking soda, and a scotch Brite. However, a gentle cleaner you can use to remove rust from your skillet and one that won’t break down the seasoning is no other than Bon Ami.

Sprinkle Bon Ami into the skillet. Damp with a little warm water then scrub. For those who hate to use their muscles, then using a scrubbing product will help you relax your muscles while still removing the rust. Rinse as you normally would and dry well.

USE A POTATO

Your main focus when washing your skillet is keeping it natural to prevent damage to the material. Don’t freak out at this but the potato is a natural cleaner when it comes to skillets.

Cut a potato in half then sprinkle the skillet with a tablespoon of course salt. Use a side of the potato to scrub the rust away. The raw area of the potato is the scrubber.

After washing your skillet dry well to remove moisture. Hang your skillets instead of keeping them in the cupboard. This will keep it dry at all times. If your skillet comes with a lid. Do not replace the lid immediately after washing. Allow the skillet to dry, season, and replace the lid.

OTHER WAYS TO PREVENT RUST

Remember we looked at carbonized oil? Another way to season your skillet is by using olive oil or pan spray. I prefer to seasoned my skillet with these as they are light and brightens the appearance of my skillet, so to save your wallet try using one of these.

Just being here shows that you care for your skillet. Give your skillet some love with these tips and see the difference it makes. Remember, wash, dry then season.