How to clean Cast iron pots with rust?

Question

A friend of mine bought some cast iron pots and pans from a garage sale and they are covered with rust on outside and inside. How do you get the rust off?

Answer 1

I usually use a brillo pad and scour the rust out .After you dry them well. You will need to put shortening on them and warm them on a stove to season them. They rusted because they weren't taken care of. The cast iron pots and pans will last for years when taken care of properly. You can also buff the rust out on a buffing wheel but sometimes this will leave them shiny. I have put shortening on them and put them in the oven to season them like you have to do when you buy them new.

Answer 2

I don't know if i'd clean cast iron pots with rust... maybe dishsoap but not rust

Answer 3

You could use steel wool to get the rust off, if it is just surface rust.

Answer 4

I would use table salt. Heat the pan with the salt in it and wipe out after the pan has cooled. Also use to wipe outsides of pan.