What the heck is on this cast iron, and HOW TO REMOVE?

Okay, so I just gathered my cast iron dutch oven from my ex, and he apologetically explained that he'd spilled "something" on it. He is an organic farmer who works on cars, so literally: THERE IS NO TELLING WHAT IT COULD BE--from motor oil to transmission oil to yogurt. ONLY--IT WILL NOT COME OFF.

I have tried: -traditional methods of cleaning, from water vinegar to soap and water -AND, here's the most important part: When i tried to simply burn it off, the oven and the house began to smell like acrid poisonous "something." -i've even tried "bar keepers friend"

literally sanding down the top seemed to work okay, but honestly, should I just give up? throw it away? will i die if i eat out of this pan?

The substance is sticky and somewhat shiny, like a polymer or plastic based something, and it may have a slightly green tint, though its almost impossible to tell on the black surface of cast iron. in pictures, it just looks like an oil spot.

Oh, and no, I don't have access to a torch.

cleaning cast-iron

Best Answer

I used franko's suggestion: oven cleaner. I first sanded it down, and after letting it set, I completely reseasoned it was the answer.

Pictures about "What the heck is on this cast iron, and HOW TO REMOVE?"

What the heck is on this cast iron, and HOW TO REMOVE? - Person in White Button Up Shirt Sitting at Table With Newspaper

What the heck is on this cast iron, and HOW TO REMOVE? - Aged heating battery made of cast iron near windowsill with curtains in house

What the heck is on this cast iron, and HOW TO REMOVE? - Exterior of contemporary wooden orange door and black cast iron gates to house

How do I get the crud off my cast iron skillet?

One of the simplest ways to remove the residue is by using salt. Yes, that's right, salt. Take an oily paper towel (it's best to use the same type of oil you season the pan with) and use it to rub salt over the bottom of the pan.

How do you get crusty off cast iron?

For a gentle but effective scrub, take a tip from the spa and use salt. Generously sprinkle kosher salt or coarse sea salt into the pan and scrub it with a clean, damp washcloth. For extra stubborn spots, use a plastic pan scraper to work the burned food off the pan.

What is the black coating on a cast iron skillet?

Flaking. The Cause: Occasionally, the seasoning on your pan may break down and leave black specks, especially if the cookware is not well-seasoned, but it is not harmful in any way.

The Easy Guide On Seasoning and Restoring Cast Iron

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

Images: EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA, EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA, Erik Mclean, Erik Mclean