How to remove rust from a cast iron cauldron

A cauldron is a large cast iron pot in which you can cook almost any dish, preserving all its useful properties, and which will also turn out tasty and aromatic. But, despite its unique qualities, a cauldron is subject to one serious drawback - it can rust. To learn how to clean a cauldron from rust, you should read the material below.

Why does a cast iron cauldron become rusty?

There are several reasons why the walls and bottom of a cauldron can become corroded, and all of them are related to improper care of the cookware. When purchasing such exotic utensils, you need to have a full understanding of all aspects of care.

Cast iron rusts due to its porous structure, which accumulates moisture, causing destruction. Also, iron is often added to the alloy during production. Improper processing during first use, namely, lack of calcination, creates the risk of rust.

How to clean a cast iron cauldron from rust inside

Many owners of cast iron cauldrons face the question of how to remove rust from a cast iron cauldron so that it becomes clean and beautiful again? Many methods have been invented, and they can be divided into two categories: folk remedies, the ingredients for which are in everyone's kitchen drawers, and the use of special chemicals that are sold in hardware stores. Each has its pros and cons. Only the owner of the cookware can decide how to proceed.

We use household chemicals

Since a cauldron is not a Teflon frying pan, with a delicate and sensitive coating, it can be cleaned using a variety of methods, including the use of abrasive powders and hard brushes. The procedure is as follows: apply a little powder to a sponge or washcloth, then rub it into the places where rusty spots accumulate. The cleaned cauldron is rinsed thoroughly, and then calcined over a hot fire. This is necessary to prevent new corrosion.

How to clean a cauldron with sandpaper

Sandpaper is quite capable of dealing with this kind of problem. It is better to take two types: coarse and fine. After processing with coarse sandpaper, the rust will turn into dust, which simply needs to be washed off with water. For final cleaning, it is worth scraping the walls with fine-grained paper. You need to work carefully so as not to breathe in microparticles; you can even put on a gauze mask on your face and comfortable gloves on your hands.

How to remove with a drill

A rather extravagant way to clean a cast iron cauldron is to saw off the rust with a drill. This method is a bit similar to the previous one, because mechanical action will also be used. It is imperative to follow safety precautions. After the procedure, the dishes must be calcined.

How to wash with glue and soap

To remove rust in this way, you need to prepare. First, you need a large container that can fit the entire cauldron. If the boiler is larger than ten liters, then most likely it is better to clean it in another way. But a cauldron with a small capacity will do.

So, the washed cauldron is placed in a large container filled with water, into which a bar of laundry soap is rubbed and a bottle of silicate glue is poured. The mixture is put on the fire and boiled for several hours until a paste is formed. After this, the solution is cooled and drained. The cauldron, covered with a light film, can begin to be cleaned. Carbon deposits and rust should come off with it under an ordinary soft sponge. The remains are washed off. The appearance is again pleasing to the eye.

We apply grinding

To avoid the hassle of cleaning at home, you can take the cauldron to the nearest car service, where they will clean it with a grinding machine (not everyone has such a device at home). After the procedure, do everything necessary with the dishes: wash, dry and calcine.

Cleaning with vinegar

Vinegar is a unique remedy for a wide variety of stains. With its help, you can clean anything, including a cast iron cauldron.

There are different combinations of vinegar and other substances that together make cleaning even faster and more effective. The simplest solution is to boil three hundred milliliters of liquid, and the rust will disappear, and the cauldron will shine glossy black sides again.

If you add a spoonful of soda, the process will speed up (everyone knows what kind of reaction the combination of sodium carbonate and acid causes).

When boiling, you need to move away. If it happens in the kitchen, you need to open the windows and close the door tightly, because vinegar fumes are harmful to health.

With a mixture of soda and salt

These two substances are reliable companions of a good housewife. Despite the abundance of modern detergents, they are widely used in the kitchen because they eliminate any dirt well, are cheap and harmless.

To clean, take equal amounts of soda and salt, pour in water and heat. The boiling mixture will remove rust in two to three hours. Depends on the degree of corrosion.

What products should not be used to clean a cauldron

Although the boiler is quite wear-resistant and insensitive to mechanical impact, there are some prohibited cleaning methods.

It is strictly forbidden to scrape the surface with forks, knives or other hard objects that leave scratches. It is not recommended to pour cold water into a hot cauldron, because the temperature difference can damage the coating.

You should also avoid using dangerous, strong-smelling detergents. They can penetrate the pores of cast iron, making it very difficult to wash them out.

Corrosion prevention and care of a cast iron cauldron

Any cookware requires careful and responsible handling. If after cooking the cauldron was poorly washed, not wiped dry and put in the cupboard, it is not surprising that rust will soon appear in it.

To prevent this from happening, you need to follow a number of rules:

1. Before the very first use, the cauldron is calcined. This makes it stronger, food will not stick to the walls, and it will be easier to wash.
2. After washing, the cauldron should be thoroughly dried with a soft cotton towel and left in the open air for some time to air out and dry better.
3. Important: clean the boiler immediately after cooking. Then you won't have to deal with dried-on food residues and ruin the surface with harsh scrubbing.
4. Do not use aggressive products or iron sponges: they destroy the non-stick layer. A regular kitchen sponge and unscented liquid soap are quite sufficient for effective care.
5. It is not recommended to pay attention to advertised means of combating rust. They all contain harmful substances that only worsen the situation. It is much better to use “grandmother’s” means.
6. The newly appeared, barely noticeable rusty spots can be perfectly removed with onion juice or raw potato juice.

How to store a cast iron cauldron so that it does not rust

There are very few rules to follow here.

• After each cooking, the cauldron is washed, dried and placed in a secluded place;
• Ideally, it is best to store dishes in a spacious cabinet with doors: it is dry and clean there, but at the same time dust from the street does not penetrate there;
• The room should also be dry and well ventilated. A basement, garage, shed or some cluttered storage room are definitely not suitable.
• It is recommended to keep the lid separately.
• You cannot put other utensils inside, as water may leak from them.

Conclusion

A cauldron is a great piece of cookware, but a drawback such as corrosion can ruin the whole impression. After all, rust not only spoils the appearance, but also poses a danger to the body. Toxins enter the food with it. Timely measures will rid the cauldron of this problem. If you have solid knowledge of what to do when a cast iron cauldron rusts, it will last for many years.

VIDEO: How to remove rust from a cauldron with your own hands.