"Cast-iron pans might be your most prized culinary possessions. They're sturdy, long-lasting, and are often passed down for generations. But to keep them in pristine condition, you'll need to take care of them properly. So, what happens when you have a bit of rust on the bottom? Enter the affordable household item you likely have hidden in your cabinets: aluminum foil."
"Aluminum foil is one of those everyday items that has many clever uses. Because of its durability, it can physically scrub and remove rust when balled up tightly for a good surface area without scratching the metal. Chemically, rust is known as iron oxide, and when it comes in contact with aluminum, it undergoes a reaction that removes the rust."
Cast-iron pans require routine care to maintain performance and longevity. Aluminum foil can remove rust both mechanically and chemically: balled-up foil scrubs away surface rust without scratching, and aluminum reacts with iron oxide to lift rust. After rust removal, re-seasoning is essential to restore a nonstick surface and protect against future rust. Re-seasoning steps include soaping and scrubbing the pan, rinsing and drying it thoroughly, applying roughly one teaspoon of oil to the inside and outside, wiping to avoid a greasy finish, and baking the pan at 450°F for 45–60 minutes. Regular use further builds seasoning as oils polymerize into a protective layer.
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