I absolutely love cooking with a cast iron grill pan. Cast iron grill pans are super durable and efficient at cooking some of my best meals. It is the workhorse of the kitchen that gets better with time and can virtually last for a lifetime. But cleaning it and preserving it can sometimes be a challenge, especially if it develops rust.
Rust can easily build on a cast iron pan if it is not properly taken care of. The good news is that rust removal is a fairly simple process, and I have the perfect solution to get rid of rust if it does develop. Check out my step-by-step guide on how to remove rust from cast iron grill pan.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will earn a small commission if you purchase through my link. Please see the full disclosure and privacy policy for more information.
Supplies Needed to Remove Rust.
- Cast iron grill pan – the one pictured is the Lodge Cast Iron Square Grill Pan.
- White vinegar
- Steel wool pad or Scouring pad
- Baking soda
- Liquid dish soap
- Clean dishcloth or paper towel
- Cooking oil like canola oil, vegetable, or avocado oil
Step 1 – Soak in Vinegar Solution
The first step is to plug your sink or grab a large bucket and fill it with a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and hot water. Place the cast iron grill pan in the vinegar solution and let it soak. Soaking time should be no more than about an hour. The vinegar mixture is the best solution to help get rid of the rust on the cast iron pan.
Step 2 – Scrub it
Once soaking is completed, rinse off the cast iron grill pan and then add a small amount of dish soap. Scrub the cast iron grates with steel wool to fully get rid of the rust. If it is heavily rusted with deep rust spots, you can use baking soda and a little bit of elbow grease for extra cleaning power on the remaining rust.
Step 3 – Rinse it
Wash off the pan under warm water to remove the remaining residue and cleaning solutions.
Step 4 – Dry it thoroughly
Begin drying the cast iron grill pan very thoroughly. This is going to be key. You can use a dish towel, rag, or paper towel and make sure you get rid of all the water and remaining moisture from the pan.
Step 4 – Season it
Since cast iron on its own is just that, iron. It can easily rust once again if it is not seasoned properly. Since the scrubbing removed the pan’s natural patina and the rust, you’ll need to re-season it. Seasoning the cast iron grill pan helps to form a natural nonstick surface coating that prevents it from rusting again. The seasoning likely eroded with the cleaning of the cast iron grill pan.
To help re-season your cast iron grill pan, apply a very thin layer of vegetable oil, canola oil, or other preferred cooking oil. Use a piece of paper towel and apply it all over the pan, including the sides, handle, and bottom. Try not to add excess oil.
Lastly, put the oiled-down cast iron grill pan in the hot oven for an hour at 400 degrees. And that should do it.
What causes rust on cast iron grill pans?
Cast-iron pans are susceptible to rust. Rust can develop from improper care, negligence, or just simply by the way it’s stored. Rust tends to happen when your cookware is exposed to moisture for long periods of time. In a kitchen, this is considered normal. Even the most seasoned cast iron grill pan can rust if it’s placed in the dishwasher, left in the sink, or allowed to air dry.
How quickly can cast iron rust?
A cast iron grill pan can rust within hours to a few days but it greatly depends on the practices you follow, its level of exposure to moisture, and how it is stored. For example, if it is soaked it in cold water, it can rust within an hour. If it is in a moist or damp area, it can rust in a couple of days.
What is the best cast iron grill pan to buy?
Cast iron grill pans are very affordable and budget-friendly. The best cast iron grill pan and the one that I use is this Lodge Cast Iron Square Grill Pan, Pre-Seasoned, 10.5-inch. It is well-designed and super durable, with long squared grill ridges that stretch to the border of the pan. It heats up pretty quickly and keeps an even temperature making the perfect meals.
Another great option is The Whatever Pan by Jean Patrique. This one is a bit fancier and lighter but beautifully designed, with a round shape that maximizes the cooking surface. It can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, over gas, or on a camping fire.
How do you clean it after each use?
Contrary to your beliefs, once you have restored the pan, try not to immediately reach for the dish soap to clean it. Instead, the easiest way to clean it is to rub the pan with coarse kosher salt to remove cooking debris and food particles. Use a non-scratch scouring pad or grill brush to fit and scrub between the grates with hot water.
For tougher jobs, you can certainly use mild soap but use it sparingly. Then use a paper towel or clean cloth to dry it thoroughly, and then add a little oil to maintain the seasoning.
Why should you restore a cast iron grill pan?
The cast iron grill pan is likely one of your mom’s or grandmother’s favorite cookware. It may have been passed down from generation to generation. If that’s not enough, here are a few reasons why you should consider restoring your cast iron cookware.
- It’s a better cook when it’s used and well seasoned. Some people even prefer to buy their cast iron grill pan pre-owned or used because of the layers of seasoning that have built up over time through use.
- It is extremely heavy and sturdy because it’s made of iron. No matter what you do, it won’t get damaged and will practically last forever.
- It cooks food more evenly than most other cookware. And will hold onto that heat far more effectively than other materials allowing for even cooking and heat distribution.
- It’s versatile and can be used on both the stovetop and the oven at very high temperatures.
- It’s super versatile and can make several types of dishes. From sauteing, searing, braising, and roasting steak, chicken, potatoes, and other delectable dishes, you can practically do it all in a cast iron grill pan.
Tips to Prevent Future Rust in Cast Iron
It’s not hard to prevent a cast iron grill pan from rusting. Here are a few tips on the best way to prevent rusting:
- Do not use a dishwasher. Cast iron grills are not technically dishwasher safe. A Dishwasher will break down the seasoning and soak it for a long time. Instead, wash it by hand in a sink and wipe it clean after use with a paper towel.
- Do not keep it in the sink immersed in water. Keeping it immersed in water will guarantee it rust within the hour.
- Do not let it air dry. Dry it thoroughly after each clean.
- Keep it seasoned – Apply a protective layer of oil after each clean
- Try to put a paper towel between the pan and anything you place it on.
- Store in a dry place – Keeping the cast iron in a dry area will prevent rusting.
- If the cast iron skillet comes with a lid, do not store it with the lid on. The lid can trap moisture from the air between the lid and the pan resulting in rust.
- If your cast iron pan has not been fully seasoned, try to avoid cooking acidic goods in it.
And there you have it, a guide on how to remove rust from the cast iron grill pan. I hope you have found these simple steps helpful.
Proper care will be vital in preventing your cast iron grill from rusting. Cast iron grill pans will continue to be a staple item in the kitchen that gets better with age. Proper cleaning will allow you to have the cast iron grill pan for a lifetime.
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this article, so leave a comment below. Feel free also to follow me on my social media pages – Pinterest and Instagram or subscribe to my mailing list for other design inspiration and home decor ideas.
