Need bulk orders for your business?Visit our Commercial Site
Gharista
Gharista

100% Plant-Based • Eco-Friendly • Safe for Family

Back to Cleaning Guides
Kitchen 12 min

How to Clean a Cast Iron Pan with Rust

Remove rust from cast iron and restore your pan. Complete re-seasoning guide included.

How to Clean a Cast Iron Pan with Rust

Want to skip the DIY prep work?

You can clean this in minutes without any hassle using Gharista's Universal Cleaner. No mixing solutions, no multiple products — just spray and wipe. Plant-based, safe for your family, and works on almost every surface.

If you prefer the DIY route or don't have a Universal Cleaner handy, here's the complete step-by-step process to clean a cast iron pan with rust effectively at home.

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Scrub Rust Away

Use steel wool or chain mail scrubber to remove all visible rust. Scrub hard.

2

Make Vinegar Soak

For severe rust, soak in 1:1 vinegar and water for 1 hour max. Don't over-soak.

3

Rinse and Scrub Again

Rinse thoroughly and scrub any remaining rust. Pan should be gray, not orange.

4

Dry Immediately

Dry completely with towel, then heat on stove to evaporate all moisture.

5

Apply Oil

While warm, apply thin layer of flaxseed or vegetable oil all over pan.

6

Bake to Season

Place upside down in 450°F oven for 1 hour. Repeat oil and bake 3-4 times.

Pro Tips

  • Never soak cast iron in water regularly
  • Dry immediately after washing
  • Re-season whenever food starts sticking
Not in the mood to prep?

Just Order Our Universal Cleaner

All these DIY solutions work great, but they take time and effort to prepare. If you'd rather skip the hassle and get professional results in minutes, Gharista's Universal Cleaner is your answer. One eco-friendly product for all your cleaning needs.

Explore More Guides

View All