As I was going through someone’s cast offs I came across some rusty Lodge cast iron pans. That was an exciting find as I had been wanting to buy some but due to the cost I had refrained from doing so.

Lodge pan are almost industructable and the company says that they last forever. (Not quite true but you get the point!). So if your pan gets rusty don’t toss it out. Just try these simple steps on how to clean old cast iron pans.

1. Fill your sink with some warm water and dish soap. Take your kettle and wash it out with an old rag. If there are still rust spots then take steel wool and scrub the pan until the rust is all gone. Rinse out the pan and dry with an old towel.

2. Take vegetable or canola oil and lightly rub it all over the pan on the inside and the outside. Too much oil will leave the pan with a sticky feel after it is baked.

3. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place foil on the bottom rack to catch the drips. Then place your pan upside down on the top rack to season. Set your timer for one hour.  When the hour is up then just turn off the oven and let the pan cool.

And with those simple steps you should have a lovely looking pan again.

To keep it looking clean just brush the pan out after each use. If you need to wash it then promptly dry it and lightly rub it with oil.

With simple care you should be able to use your kettle for many years and pass it on to your grandchildren!