How to clean a cast iron skillet that was used for an ash tray for about 30 years?

How to clean a cast iron skillet that was used for an ash tray for about 30 years? - Woman reading book while resting in bathtub

I have an older skillet that Was used for an ash tray for about 30-40 years and I can't get it to stop turning cleaning water light rusty color. Any ideas?



Best Answer

I'd suggest, firstly, scrub past the rust on the surface using iron wool. Secondly, soak the skillet in pure distilled white vinegar for 6-12 hours. Don't soak it any longer as it could erode cast iron. Once you are done, season the skillet immediately to avoid further rusting on the surface. Hope it helps!




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How do you clean an old cast iron skillet that has burnt on buildup?

How to Clean Carbon Buildup on a Cast Iron Pan
  • Sprinkle an even layer of salt on the inside of the pan.
  • Add just enough water to make a paste and rub the salt on the inside surface of the cast-iron pan to scour off carbon.
  • Rinse the pan and scrub any remaining carbon off with a wire scrub brush.


  • How do you clean and season a neglected cast iron pan?

    Place the pan on the burner over medium-low heat and add enough vegetable oil to coat the pan bottom heavily. Heat for 5 minutes, or until the handle is too hot to touch. Turn off the burner.

    How do you clean a heavily soiled cast iron pan?

    To clean cast iron furniture blemished by a dusting of light rust, rub the affected areas with sandpaper, wiping it down afterward with a dry cloth to eliminate residual particles. Next, scrub the furniture with a solution of water and gentle detergent. Thoroughly dry the piece once it's clean.



    The Best Way To Clean and Season a Cast Iron Skillet | Epicurious




    More answers regarding how to clean a cast iron skillet that was used for an ash tray for about 30 years?

    Answer 2

    Maybe heat it up first to drive out existing moisture

    Do you have old seasoning to clean off
    If so that is a separate process

    I would take some steel wool and polish it down
    You can search You Tube for steel wool rust
    Remove surface rust with steel wool
    It might be so deep you cannot get past it with steel wool
    If you have to resort to sand paper it is probably a no go
    From the answer from SaurabhCooks (+1) clean / scrub with vinegar
    Vinegar is weak acid and is good at dissolving rust

    Then season / cure
    I just cleaned up a rusty cast-iron skillet and I would like to season it

    Answer 3

    Use ammonia to dissolve the seasoning, if any. Scrub the cooking surface with steel or bronze wool. Wet or dry sandpaper can be used to remove any remaining residue. Re-season before using.

    Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

    Images: Monstera, Monstera, Monstera, Clem Onojeghuo