How to Restore a Cast Iron pan

I found a gem of an old cast iron pan recently, after researching a few different methods to restore it I settled on the following (another popular method is using electrolysis- but that isn't always necessary).

Bring that rusty relic back to life, step by step.

What You'll Need

• Heavy-duty oven cleaner (I used Easy-Off, unscented you can buy it here)

• Large plastic bag or garbage bag

• Steel wool or a stiff wire brush

• White vinegar (Ideally cleaning vinegar)

• Baking soda (optional)

• Dish soap

• Bucket or sink (for soaking)

• Paper towels or lint-free cloth

• Oven or stovetop

• Vegetable oil, flaxseed oil, or shortening (for seasoning)

• Aluminum foil

• Gloves and eye protection (recommended)

  
  

Step 1: Strip Off Old Seasoning with Oven Cleaner

If your pan is covered in thick, black, flaky buildup, you’ll want to strip it down to bare metal before dealing with any rust.

1. Spray the Pan: Generously coat the entire pan (inside and out) with heavy-duty oven cleaner.

   
   

2. Bag It Up: Place the coated pan in a garbage bag or tightly sealed plastic bag to keep it from drying out.

   
   

3. Let it Sit: Leave it in the bag for 24–48 hours in a well-ventilated area or outside. The lye in the cleaner will break down old seasoning and carbonized oils.

   
   

4. Scrub and Rinse: Remove from the bag, wearing gloves. Scrub the pan thoroughly with steel wool and rinse with water. Repeat if needed.

⚠️ Safety Note: Oven cleaner contains lye—always wear gloves and eye protection and work in a ventilated space or outdoors.

Step 2: Remove Rust with a Vinegar Soak

Now that the seasoning is gone, it’s time to address any rust.

1. Prepare the Soak: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a container large enough to submerge the pan.

   
   

2. Soak the Pan: Let the pan soak for up to 6 hours, checking every hour. Remove it as soon as the rust is loosened—over-soaking can damage the iron.

   
   

3. Scrub Again: Use steel wool or a wire brush to remove loosened rust. Rinse with water and a bit of dish soap.

Optional: Sprinkle with baking soda while scrubbing to neutralize the vinegar and reduce odor.

Step 3: Dry Thoroughly

Immediately dry the pan with a towel, then heat it on the stovetop over low heat for several minutes to evaporate all moisture.

Step 4: Re-Season Your Pan

1. Preheat Oven to 450–500°F (230–260°C)

2. Apply Oil: Rub a thin layer of oil over the entire surface, inside and out. Then buff with a clean cloth so it looks almost dry.

3. Bake Upside Down: Place the pan upside down on the middle rack with foil below to catch drips. Bake for 1 hour.

4. Cool Slowly: Let the pan cool in the oven. Repeat 2–3 times for a strong seasoning layer.

   
   

Step 5: Maintain Your Restored Pan

• Clean with hot water and a brush (minimal or no soap).

• Dry immediately.

• Rub with oil after each use.

• Avoid soaking or dishwashers.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Adding the oven cleaner step helps ensure you start with a clean slate, especially if the pan is coated with decades of baked-on buildup. With a little effort, your restored cast iron will be a nonstick, indestructible kitchen favorite for generations.