How To Get A Dirty Thrifted Cast-Iron Skillet Sparkling Clean

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Good cast-iron pans can be pricey, with some brands and styles going for well over $1,000. Of course, you can also find affordable options that will get the job done, like this Excelsteel 5.75" Cast Iron Skillet for under $10. If you happen to find quality cast iron cookware at your local thrift store, you're likely getting a good deal. Whether the price is lower than that of new pans or you pay a similar price to new for a coveted vintage brand, secondhand is the way to go. In fact, some people recommend never buying cast iron new because used pans are already seasoned. Once you have your cast-iron pan, you need to clean it before you can use it. There are plenty of cast iron cleaning and restoration methods out there, but using Bar Keepers Friend to clean rust and carbon buildup off of your cast iron is one of the most frequently recommended and budget-friendly.

If your cast iron pan has moderate amounts of rust, get yourself a shaker container of Bar Keepers Friend and a stainless steel scrubber. You'll also need access to some fresh water. However, there's a catch. The company that makes this cleaner doesn't list cast iron among all the things you could be cleaning with Bar Keepers Friend. In fact, they advise against using the product on cast iron because it strips the protective seasoning. However, it may be worth the risk in this specific scenario. If your secondhand cast iron is already rusty, then you can use Bar Keepers Friend to clean it. Rusty cast iron skillets should be stripped and freshly seasoned anyway.

The restoration process is simple. Combine the Bar Keepers Friend with a couple of tablespoons of water, apply it to the pan, scrub, and then rinse and dry. After scrubbing your cast iron cookware with the cleanser to remove the rust, you will strip the original seasoning. You need to season the pan again. The absolute best way to season your cast iron skillet is to first rub a thin layer of cooking oil of your choice all over the pan using a clean rag. Flaxseed or grapeseed oils are often recommended for their high smoke points. Crisco shortening works, too. Bake the pan upside down in a 450- to 500-degree Fahrenheit oven for an hour, allowing it to cool completely in the oven.

If you try out the Bar Keepers Friend method and don't find success, then you might be dealing with a severely deteriorated pan. Luckily, really rusty pans can still be restored, but you may need to give more intense methods, such as electrolysis or a lye bath, a try. When you have restored your pan completely, prevention is vital to ensuring it stays free from corrosion. Some easy tips and tricks to prevent your cast-iron pan from rusting include re-seasoning it regularly, not using it with acidic foods, and never putting it away wet. Never use Bar Keepers Friend for general cast iron cleaning, or you'll need to repeat the re-seasoning process.