Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsSpecial offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
A rusty cast-iron pan is usually recoverable. Scrub the rust away with steel wool or a cast-iron rust eraser, wash and dry the pan completely, then apply a very thin coat of oil. If the rust was extensive or the scrubbing removed much of the seasoning, bake the oiled pan at 450–500°F for one hour to reseason it.
Why cast iron rusts—and whether the pan is ruined
Cast iron can rust when moisture reaches the iron without a protective seasoning layer. Seasoning is carbonized oil baked onto the cookware; it helps protect the surface. Soaking, dishwasher use, air drying, and damp storage can all leave a pan vulnerable to rust.
Rust does not automatically mean the pan is ruined. Lodge says rusty cast iron can be restored by removing the rust, drying the cookware, and restoring its protective oil layer as needed. The steps below follow Lodge’s manufacturer guidance; they are not a comparison of independently tested methods.
Choose a way to scour off the rust
| Method | Best fit | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Steel wool | You already have steel wool and want to scrub the affected areas. | Use it with warm, soapy water. It is suitable for rust removal, but not recommended for everyday cleaning because it can remove seasoning. |
| Cast-iron rust eraser | You prefer a purpose-made tool for surface rust and tarnish. | Lodge says its Rust Eraser removes surface rust and tarnish to bare iron. That means the treated area needs reseasoning. Steel wool is an alternative, so the eraser is optional. |
Either method may remove some seasoning along with the rust. That is expected during restoration. Work on the rusty areas and continue until the visible rust is gone.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 3
SaleBestseller No. 4
Best Value
The Ringer - The Original Stainless Steel Cast Iron Cleaner, Patented XL 8x6 Inch Design
- PATENTED XL 8X6 DESIGN FOR DURABILITY. We don’t use just any chainmail. The Ringer uses premium grade never rusting stainless steel that is machine soldered, and built for strength. The machines that manufacture our patented product were originally intended to protect police officers from stab wounds. When life is on the line, you can’t risk chinks in your armor. We bring that same strength to your kitchen sink and believe in quality that won’t let you down
- MADE IN NORTH AMERICA. When you buy the Ringer, you aren’t going to be left with some flimsy, hand-crimped chainmail made overseas which will pull apart and end up scratching your skillet with a rough ring edge. Most competing products are manufactured in China, leaving you with a low quality scraper. We searched worldwide to find the best quality around, and we found it here in North America. Simply put, The Ringer is set to last as long as your cast iron skillet
- TOUGH ON GRIT, GENTLE ON FLAVOR. Wash off the grit AND preserve the flavor with soap-less, detergent-free grit removal. You don’t need to fear your seasoning being stripped off by harsh soap or cleaners. With The Ringer all you need is warm water and you’re good to go. Let’s keep your flavors in the family, not with the fishes. Works great in addition with cast iron seasoning or cast iron conditioner
- MULTI-USE SCRUBBER, DISHWASHER SAFE. Kitchen sponges are 200,000 times dirtier than a toilet seat with 10,000,000 bacteria per square inch. Gross, we know. Don’t worry; this multi-purpose scrubber can be used for cast iron, glassware, stainless steel, a pizza stone, plates, baking sheets, a tea pot, cookie sheets, cauldrons, tortilla press, a hibachi, a waffle maker, a pie pan, a Dutch oven, griddle, woks, and casserole dishes. To clean, just throw it in the dishwasher
- IRON CLAD GUARANTEE. We’re confident that you’ll love The Ringer as much as we do. Used and loved by cast iron enthusiasts world wide, we’re confident you will be just as obsessed. Aren’t Satisfied? Let us know and we’ll get you taken care of
Rank #4
Sale
Knapp Made CM Scrubber 6" x 6" Small Ring Chainmail Cast Iron Scrubber, Premium Stainless Steel Mesh Cleaner for Pre-Seasoned Pans, Dutch Ovens, Grills and Skillets
- EXTREME PRECISION AND CONTROL WITH 316 GRADE STAINLESS STEEL RINGS. With a larger surface area and smaller rings, you can confidently get into small grooves and corners with our chainmail scrubber for cast iron pans
- DELIVERING A LIFETIME OF QUALITY AND RESULTS. Our cast iron cleaner chainmail scrubber is Engineered for precision Backed for a lifetime Industry leader for cast iron, stainless steel, hard anodized cookware.
- DISHWASHER SAFE AND EASY TO CLEAN. High performance cast iron scrubber, 316 surgical grade stainless steel, Designed to exceed your expectations.
- Works on more than cast iron: bring your best pots and pans back to life - especially those grimy bottoms and sides - with your favorite cast iron scrubber chainmail.
- The original chainmail scrubber! Often imitated, never duplicated, you can trust Knapp Made cm scrubbers. Superior quality stainless steel scrubber since 2011.
Rank #3
PIBC 8"x6" Cast Iron Scrubber Stainless Steel Chainmail Cleaner for Pre-Seasoned Pans, Griddles, BBQ Grill and Pot Cookware Cleaning
- Clean your cast iron pans with the uniquely designed chainmail that allows for safe treatment of pan
- Our chainmail scrubber is made of durable stainless steel that does not rust or scratch the surface of the cast iron, making it safe and effective for cleaning cast iron pans.
- Using a cast iron cleaner helps to remove food residue, buildup, and stains from your cast iron cookware without stripping the seasoning layer that has built-up on the pan over time.
- 8 by 6 inches scrubber doesn't take up much space in a drawer. It is easy to hang on a hook near your sink for its next use with ease
- If you receive a defective or damaged product, please contact us for a resolution or replacement.
Rank #2
Cast Iron Scrubber Dish Scrub Brush 316 Chainmail Scrubber for Cast Iron
- 【PROFESSIONAL COMBO FOR TOUGH CLEANING】: Cast iron scrubber is made of 316 stainless steel + silicone. Silicone has extreme stability, can resist high temperatures. Pan scraper is made of thickened ABS plastic, non-stick and non-cracking, heat-resistant up to 275 °F
- 【DURABLE AND RELIABLE】: Cast iron chainmail scrubber is designed with ergonomic handle. Contact area between the long handle and your hand is larger, comfortable to grip. This chainmail scrubber is made of high-quality stainless steel rings. Compared with traditional wire brushes, it is not easy to rust, deform, or fall off the wire
- 【THICKER & WIDER SILICONE】: Upgraded silicone base is thicker and wider, providing a larger contact area to improve cleaning efficiency. Silicone has high toughness, non-slip and heat resistance, and will not deform or collapse after long-term use
- 【HAND-WOVEN 3D CHAIN STRUCTURE】: 3D chain structure is exquisite and meticulous. Steel mesh is integrally molded, making our metal scrubbers even more solid and strong. The slimmer rings are more effective and quick to clean without the need for soap
- 【VERSATILE CLEANING TOOLS】: The pot scrubbers for kitchen and pan scraper tool can simply rinse under the tap or put in the dishwasher. Our cast iron skillet scrubber kit makes it easy and quick to deep clean pans, pots, skillets, and even pizza stones
#1 Best Overall
Sale
TOPULORS Cast Iron Chainmail Scrubber, 316L Stainless Steel Cleaner 8x6 in
- PREMIUM MATERIAL: The cast iron skillet cleaner applies premium grade never rusting stainless steel. It is built with soldered and handmade construction, which makes it durable and stronger. Boasting unmatched durability for long-lasting use
- MULTIFUNCTIONAL SCRUBBER: This chainmail multi-purpose scrubber can be used for cast iron pans, skillets, glassware, pizza stones, plates, baking sheets, teapots, cookie sheets, cauldrons, camp chef griddles, tortilla press, waffle makers, pie pans, dutch ovens, griddles, woks, and casserole dishes
- EASY TO USE: The Cast Iron Cleaner helps you to effortlessly clean all your cookware pans without stripping away accumulated flavor and seasoning or scratching your pans. Just add some warm water and scrub any residue quickly and easily
- DISHWASHER SAFE AND EASY TO STORE: Ultra-hygienic and dishwasher safe. To clean, just throw it in the dishwasher. You could just hang it somewhere in your kitchen with that hanging ring on it, no worries about losing it
- 316L STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION: Made with 316L stainless steel featuring low carbon content, providing durability, corrosion-resistance and heat resistance. Soft and smooth enough to prevent scratches while effectively removing residue from pans and pots
Remove rust, dry, and reseason if needed
- Start with a cool, dry pan. Do not begin while the cookware is hot or wet.
- Scour the rusty areas. Use a Lodge Rust Eraser, if you have one, or scrub with steel wool in warm, soapy water.
- Rinse and dry thoroughly. Wipe with a paper towel or lint-free cloth. To remove lingering moisture, heat the pan on a stovetop over low heat for a few minutes.
- Apply a very thin, even coat of cooking oil. Wipe the oil over the cookware with a clean cloth or paper towel. There should not be enough oil to drip or run; a thick coat can leave the surface sticky or gummy.
- Decide whether to bake it. For a small amount of rust, Lodge says scouring, washing, drying, and oiling may be enough. If rust was extensive or much of the seasoning came off, heat the oven to 450–500°F. Put foil on the lower rack to catch drips, place the pan upside down on the center rack, and bake for one hour.
- Let the pan cool in the oven. Turn the oven off after the hour and leave the pan inside while it cools.
Prevent rust from coming back
- Wash with warm, soapy water when needed; soap is acceptable for cast iron.
- Do not soak the pan or put it in a dishwasher.
- Dry it promptly and completely after washing rather than leaving it to air-dry.
- Use a thin coat of oil as part of routine care.
- Reserve steel wool for rust removal rather than everyday cleaning.
If the reseasoned pan feels sticky
A sticky surface after reseasoning can mean too much oil was applied or the pan was not heated enough. Lodge recommends giving it another oven hour or heating it until the stickiness is gone.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
