Bring Your Rusty Cast Iron Pan Back to Life with a Potato

What You Will Need

• One raw white potato
• Coarse salt (kosher salt works best)
• Optional: dish soap or baking soda

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cut the raw potato in half lengthwise. Sprinkle coarse salt directly onto the rusty surface of your cast iron pan. Use the cut side of the potato to scrub the rusted areas in small, circular motions. The moisture from the potato will form a paste with the salt. This paste is abrasive enough to lift rust but gentle enough not to damage the pan. If the cut end of the potato becomes slick, slice off that thin layer and continue. Once all rust is removed, rinse the pan well with water and dry it immediately and thoroughly.

Important: Re-season Your Pan

Scrubbing removes rust, but it also removes the pan's seasoning layer. After drying, add about one teaspoon of cooking oil to the pan. Spread the oil into a thin layer over the cooking surface. Place the skillet upside down in an oven preheated to 400°F. Put a sheet of aluminum foil on the rack below to catch drips. Bake for one hour, then turn off the oven and let the pan cool inside. Your skillet will be rust-free and properly seasoned again. That is all there is to it. A potato saved your pan.