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.
My ceramic cast iron skillet is rusting.
Then use a rag to scour away the rusty spots.
For pans with severe rust try using a cleaning product with 20 hydrochloric acid such as a low priced toilet bowl cleaner.
Let it sit for at least an hour but no.
While a little bit of soap is fine you should avoid using harsh chemicals when cleaning your cast iron skillet even if it is rusty.
Want to avoid a having a rusted cast iron skillet in the first place.
Wipe off any excess water with a towel immediately after rinsing.
Mix 50 vinegar with 50 water and soak your pan in this mixture for one to eight hours.
To remove rust from a cast iron skillet start by sprinkling a small amount of baking soda and water on the pan.
Don t let the pan air dry.
Look at that entire skillet.
Since cast iron is so vulnerable to rust it s best to limit your pan s exposure to water as much as possible.
For those of you with a rusty skillet lodge cast iron recommends a good scrub wash dry oil and bake.
Never soak the pan.
Keep the following tips in mind.
Just stick to baking soda a towel and only if necessary use mild dish soap.
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.