Stack of rusty cast iron skillets
FOOD NEWS
Clean Your Rusty Cast Iron Pan With A Bit Of Ketchup
BY JAVARIA AKBAR
It's heartbreaking when patches of rust develop on a beloved cast iron pan. Luckily, there's a way to remove the rust that doesn't require oodles of time and chemicals: ketchup.
Ketchup removes rust because it's an acidic food with a pH of approximately 3.9. It contains inherently acidic ingredients, such as vinegar and tomatoes.
Liberally cover the skillet with ketchup by squirting it on, spreading it with your hands, or use a pastry brush. For larger pans, a paint brush can save you some time.
Leave the ketchup to sit for 20 minutes. Once the time is up, use a wire brush or a scrunched-up piece of aluminum foil to dislodge any rust that hasn't been removed.
Once the entire surface is clean, wash it, dry it thoroughly, and season your cast iron cookware once more to safeguard it from getting rusty again.