All pot-metal objects may rust, or have buildup of hard-water deposit or baked-on grease. There is no reason to discard the item as it can be cleaned easily. The following suggestions apply to cast-iron cookware, the bottoms and sides of Teflon cookware (not the Teflon components), stainless steel, objects d’art, or other metal objects.
Note: Always test any cleaning method on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the object’s finish or material. Or if the object is not severely affected, rub with a ball of aluminum foil.
Method 1: To clean the metal object that is not severely dirty, start by gently washing the surface with a household de-greaser to remove loose dirt, grease, and fingerprint oils. Prepare a paste of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and a small amount of water to make a thick paste. Apply the paste to the metal object, covering the rust, hard-water deposits, or baked-on grease. Let this paste set on the object for an hour. Use a plastic scouring pad or an old toothbrush to scrub the metal object gently. Rinse the object thoroughly and dry it completely with a towel.
If the object is a cast-iron skillet, after it is thoroughly dry, season the skillet by coating it with a thin layer of high-heat oil. Then bake it in a preheated oven at around 450-500°F (232-260°C) for an hour, and allow it to cool inside the oven. Repeat this process multiple times for a new or stripped pan to build a durable, non-stick surface, and store the skillet in a dry place to prevent rust.
Method 2: For tougher rust, soak the object at room temperature in a solution of equal parts distilled white vinegar and water. For enhanced effectiveness, add salt to the vinegar/water solution. Ensure that all affected areas are covered with the solution. Soak for several hours or overnight for severe effects. Scrub the rust off using a plastic scouring pad or an old toothbrush to clean the metal object gently. Rinse the object thoroughly and then neutralize any remaining acid with a solution of baking soda and water. Then dry it thoroughly with a towel. If the object is a cast-iron skillet, season it as explained above.
Special Considerations for Metal Objects d’Art
Use a gentle approach, using the least abrasive method to avoid damaging delicate details or surfaces. For composite or intricate objects, consider dismantling them so each component can be cleaned separately.
To clean metal objects d’art, start by gently washing the surface with a household de-greaser to remove loose dirt, grease, and fingerprint oils. For minor effects, use Method 1 above, or for heavier effects, use Method 2 above, or use a dedicated rust remover like Evapo-Rust, after treatment. When finished, rinse the object thoroughly and then neutralize any remaining acid with a solution of baking soda and water. Then dry it thoroughly with a towel and apply a thin coat of oil or a protective wax to prevent future rust.
~Sénora Abuela
