Cast iron is not used as often as it used to be in home construction and appliances. It was used in older homes in heating systems such as baseboards and radiators. In addition cast iron is still used in cookware such as cast iron skillets and cast iron pots. Like most metals, it will rust from moisture in the air or water setting on its surface for prolonged periods. Knowing how to clean rust off cast iron is necessary to keep the cast iron in good condition.

Cleaning the rust from cast iron is not a complicated job and can be completed in just a few hours or over a weekend. There are two methods for cleaning iron rust.

Method one:

Apply a standard metal cleaning solution on the rusted area and allow the solution to work. This may take a few minutes or hours, depending how severe the rust is.
If that does not remove the rust, soak the rust spot in a vinegar solution and let it set for several hours. Then scrub the rust area using a lot of elbow grease. Repeat the above process until the rust is gone.
Wash the area with soap, rinse with clear water and dry.
Apply a coat of primer paint and a coat of finish paint to the area and let dry.

Method two:

Mix three spoons of salt and three spoons of vegetable oil.
Use paper towels or a rag to scrub the rusted area.
If the rust does not come off scrub it with steel wool until the rust is dissolved.
Thoroughly wash with soap and hot water and dry using a towel.
Let the cast iron dry in the open air until all moisture has disappeared.

If the finish on the cast iron is painted, repaint the area using a coat of primer paint and then a coat of finish paint.

That is how to clean rust off cast iron and restore it to new condition.

Cleaning Painted Cement

Cleaning Slab House Air Ducts

Cleaning Tile Grout

Cleaning Vinyl Siding

Cleaning Water Damaged Homes

Cleaning Your Gutters

Deck Cleaning