Cast iron cookware

[Hinerman]

Got the Erie 12 cleaning up some junkView attachment 487572

I know it has been discussed. How do you get rid of the rust?

 

[legdelimber]

Dang. I figured there'd be a half dozen electrolysis threads popping up in a search.
Hinerman, I'm sorry that I didn't get a proper OPE search answer for you.

Abrasives seem to run the gamut from scotchbrite pads to wire wheels to sandpaper to gritty potatoes.

Somehow I was thinking that Philbert might have a thread or something around here.

A simple vid on youtube. If anyone has never seen it done.
Not much detail but you sort of get a look at what you'll be getting involved with.

 

[Philbert]

I have only dealt with light spot / surface rust when cleaning cast iron cookware.

Cleaned it up by scrubbing under warm water, or with household vinegar (5%), or citric acid, and some light scrubbing.

In the Cast Iron Cookware thread on AS there were some comments that soaking CI in vinegar for long periods can damage it.

I have used electrolysis to clean up rusty tools, and had good experiences with that.

Some people use it to strip cast iron pans too. I use a lye bath, and try to do it in batches. But electrolysis might be better for 1 or 2 at a time.

Just remember that removing rust does not replace lost metal. This can be a issue with cookware, if on the food contact side, or just cosmetic on the outside.

Philbert

 

[furb]

I know it has been discussed. How do you get rid of the rust?

I used to soak them in lye then evaporust. I never got too fancy with it but it worked