Old rusty cast iron frying pans with a thick layer of carbon deposits can be restored, making them usable again. Moreover, there is a method that allows you to make their surface non-stick, so that the convenience of cooking on them will be comparable to modern frying pans. Restoration is not a quick process, but the technology itself is very accessible and inexpensive.
What you will need:
- Firewood or brushwood;
- metal scraper for dishes;
- dishwashing detergent;
- flaxseed or hemp oil;
- bandage;
- rags;
- electric oven.
The process of restoring a cast iron frying pan
It is very difficult to remove many years of greasy deposits on a frying pan mechanically. It is best to build a fire under it and roast it well in the flame.
The deposits will burn off, and as a result, pure metal will remain, with which you can continue to work. It is important not to allow the pan to cool quickly after firing. It is best to leave it in the coals until completely cooled.
The cooled frying pan is soaked overnight in a soapy solution.
The next day, it must be scraped out with a metal scraper and dishwashing detergent.
It is then placed on the stove and heated to quickly evaporate the moisture.
If it dries naturally, it will become very rusty.
Rub linseed or hemp oil into a dry and cooled frying pan after drying on the stove.
It is better to do this with a bin to simultaneously remove a light coating of rust. You need to rub it on all sides. The oil is applied in a thin layer. It will take no more than a teaspoon.
The grated frying pan is placed in an oven heated to 250 degrees Celsius for 1 hour.
The oil will evaporate, leaving a thin protective film similar to Teflon.
After an hour, the frying pan is removed and left to cool, after which it is rubbed with a second layer of oil. This needs to be repeated 5-7 times. The more layers you make, the more stable the surface you will get. Starting from the second layer, it is better to rub in the oil with a rag rather than a bandage, as rust will no longer appear. The advantage of the fabric is that it does not leave threads in the pan.
It is optimal for the pan to cool slowly in the oven after each layer. That is, you can set a timer and not control the process. Thus, in a few days, spending almost no time, it can be restored to a condition even better than at the time of purchase.
