how to remove rust from cast iron drain cover

In the future, make an effort to care for your cast iron to minimize rust. Thankfully, most of this is reversible surface damage, if you put in some time and elbow grease. Use the potato to scrub the salt over the skillet to remove the rust. It doesn't look that bad, just dirty (note that ALL cast iron floor drains will have a coating of rust). Drain all the water from the tub, then sprinkle salt on the drain. To learn how to remove rust from cast iron using vinegar, keep reading! It should be tough enough to allow you to remove the rust by rubbing the salt against the cast iron. Applying lubricants will loosen the rust and prep the pipe for detachment later. Cast iron pans and pots are prone to rust. If your skillet is even a little rusty, quit cooking in it ASAP. Rinse the surface thoroughly with a water hose and dry with paper towels before replacing the grate. So to make that skillet or garden bench heirloom-worthy, employ these trusty rust-busting moves. Step 2 Instead, simply wipe it clean under hot water after use. How to Remove Rust Stains. Often, repeating these methods with the addition of lubricant and rust remover will eventually loosen the cover. Pull on a pair of work gloves and mask (especially if removing paint in the process) so that you don’t inhale the dust. For example, about half a cup of salt would be used for a 12 inch cast iron pan. James is an expert in all things clean and provides transformative experiences by reducing clutter and renewing your home environment. This article was co-authored by James Sears. For small, pesky spots, soak a clean rag in white vinegar. Apply a commercial rust remover and scrub it with a scrubbing brush. Wait at least 30 minutes for it to soak in before proceeding. Dry well with a clean cloth. For tougher spots, sand them with medium-grit sandpaper or a steel wool brush. Avoid working in any one spot too long so you won’t leave obvious sanding patterns in the metal. Rinse, and towel dry. Cast-iron skillets are naturally prone to rust. (Even if you snag an old, rusty skillet at the flea market, that orange will come off!) Just remove the cleanout plug and ram the snake down the line. A larger amount of rust may require a vinegar soak. Place it in a 350-degree oven for 1 hour. (Keep paint handy for touch-ups, like spot treating any scratches or chips that may crop up.). Remove the plastic wrap and use a grate brush to scrub away the loose rust and grime. Wash the sink thoroughly with water and dry it. They’re harsh chemicals that give off some pretty intense fumes, so suit up with rubber gloves, goggles and a respirator. Use a wire brush or steel wool to rigorously scrape the rust away from the shower drain. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 130,715 times. BioClean is a safe enzyme treatment that helps keep your drains clean. It can be removed using salt if it's a small amount of rust. James is a current Trustee Scholar at the University of Southern California. Step 4 Slowly pry the hammer back so that its claws lift up on the looped wire. Wipe with vinegar-soaked rag occasionally as you work, to see if bare iron is visible. With a quick sigh of relief, I consoled her. The more rust that you see, the more lubricant you should apply, so don’t skimp on it. In the future, make an effort to care for your cast iron to minimize rust. Step 1: Remove the drain stopper and flange. Block the drain so that nothing goes down the drain as you are going to apply lemon/lime juice into the sink. How to Remove Rust from Your Griddle. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. I like to use vinegar. Use a water-dampened rag to wipe the surface clean and to stop the vinegar from further corroding the surface. Rinse, and towel dry. Now rub the cast iron with a potato. MATERIALS AND TOOLS Available on Amazon – Clean rags – White vinegar – Sanding paper (medium grit) – Steel wool brush – Work gloves – Mask (optional) – Paintbrush – Rust-proof metal paint. What once was a glorious, shining beauty is now a rusty letdown. Disperse a good amount of salt over the affected area and add lime/lemon juice on top of that. Wipe and rub the spot until you see bare iron. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. To learn how to remove rust from cast iron using vinegar, keep reading! Blot off any excess oil after removing your pan from the heat and storing it. But for typical rusting, roll up your sleeves and try these tips. The method of cleaning cast iron is something of tradition passed down to generations along with the cookware itself. Take a commercial rust remover powder or liquid and cover the rust on your bathtub with it. Step 3: Hitting the Pipe. Spray the seam between the plug and the inside of the cast iron pipe. Mix the white vinegar and water where you want to soak the pan, such as the sink or the bucket. John Allow the penetrating lubricant to work for 30 minutes. Overview: Remove a stuck cleanout plug. If the packaging says to let it sit for a certain period of time, then allow the remover to sit. If you cannot remove all traces, paint the remaining rust with a rust reformer, which is a phosphoric acid compound that turns the rust black and makes it paintable. Some cooks and cast iron diehards dare not let theirs near water, much less soap of any sort, and letting one rust may indeed fall into the book of unpardonable sins for some Southerners. For minimal rust follow the steps outlined for minor rust care using salt. Rust damage can arise from storing in a damp environment, failing to maintain good seasoning on cookware, or being lax about protective anti-rust painting on furniture. For larger sections of heavier rust, sand using circular motions. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Then paint with an oil-based primer such as Kilz, and finish with an oil-based enamel. If the screws that hold the drain cover in place are rusted, spray them with rust solvent or apply penetrating oil; wait a few minutes then try to remove the screws. Yet rugged as the material is, it only takes a little neglect to send it from stately black to reddish and wrecked-looking. Being cast iron, its likely the cover will fracture quite easily leaving the salt glaze untouched, but you never know! Run water over the drain to rinse away the … Dust with baking soda (it will stick to the damp areas), making sure to cover all rusty areas. Cast iron pans and pots are prone to rust. Cut it in half and place it on the cookware with the pulp facing downwards, then use it to rub the salt against the rust in order to remove it from the cast iron. There are several different options depending on the severity of the rust. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Donna Boyle Schwartz, Bob Vila, 20 Photos That Show Why Chicago Loves the Two-Flat, It’s Time to Oust These 13 Stressors Lurking in Your Home, 10 Cleaning Chores You Should Be Doing Every Week. Copyright © 2020 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Vinegar and salt are most common ingredients to get rust off cast iron skillet. Let dry overnight and use your neighbours shower! Spread the mixture evenly on the rust spots. But: my experience is with cast iron floor drains used in industrial settings, so maybe this will help. Slip the hammer claw through the loops of the wire with the handle sticking straight up. Oil, alkyd, acrylics—check with your paint supplier or product label to ensure it will bond to cast iron and protect it from surface rust. Usually, such stains develop due to leaking rusty bathroom fixtures, or due to hard water that is rich in iron and calcium. Hitting the cast iron pipe fittings with a hammer will cause the rust to come loose further and will make it easier for you to remove the pipe. Wipe with oil after drying to maintain a good non-stick seasoning. Lightly spray the rest of the bath so you have an even coloured bath. This article has been viewed 130,715 times. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-clean-and-season-old-ru-151535, http://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/how-to/article/cast-iron-pan-rust, http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/cooking-tips-techniques/preparation/cleaning-seasoning-cast-iron-skillet, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Check the skillet for pits or craters. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Then snake after, and when you’re done snaking use BioClean aggressively. Rust happens, whether by accident or neglect. Next, cut a potato in half and place one of the cut sides of the potato face-down on the skillet. James Sears leads the customer happiness team at Neatly, a group of cleaning gurus based in Los Angeles and Orange County, California. Scrape around the cover with a screwdriver and do some gently prising - its just stuck there with rust and crap. Remove Rust and Clean Cast Iron Grill Grates with Sandpaper. I use a plastic bag to cover the drain after I put the vinegar & baking soda in the drain, then cover the bag with the strainer & leave it for 1/2 hour, then rinse with very hot water. Accumulation of water around the drain may lead to rust stains on that part. To clean rust off of cast iron, sprinkle a thick layer of salt over the surface of the cast iron pan. By using our site, you agree to our. Never put it in the dishwasher or use soap. If lightly pitted, it might be fine with some extra seasoning, but deep pitting means your skillet is likely beyond repair. Leave the item for an hour or so, then scour with steel wool or a metal brush, removing the rust down to the metal. How to Remove Rust from Cast Iron Skillet with Vinegar. Use a fair amount of pressure and you should be able to remove at least half of the rust. So I discuss here today get rust off cast iron skillet with vinegar. Repeat as needed. If you're scrubbing something like a pot or pan, do not forget the sides and bottom. References. You can find detailed instructions for removing drain stoppers here and detailed instructions for removing drain flanges here. James Sears leads the customer happiness team at Neatly, a group of cleaning gurus based in Los Angeles and Orange County, California. If the entire cover is rusted to the drain, use a flat head screwdriver to scrape around the edge of the cover and remove as much rust as you can then tap round the edge with a hammer to try to loosen the cover. Do … If you want you can use salt … This will loosen some of the hard, superficial debris. Sandpaper is an excellent tool for removing stubborn rust from cast iron grates. I have found that some cast iron drain covers, both round and square, tend to be held in with either of two options--Either they were put in tight, or maybe have 2, 3, … (If cleaning a pan, use a scouring pad.) By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Continue as directed in the previous steps, being sure to rinse with water and dry completely. Rinse under warm water and dry thoroughly. Rinse the pan with clean water, then immediately pat the skillet dry with a paper towel and place your pan on the stove over low heat so no moisture remains. If an abundance of iron deposits is the problem, a softener or filter is recommended. How to remove rust from metal with powerful chemicals… The old standby rust remover chemicals contain either phosphoric or hydrochloric acid to dissolve the rust. Alternatively, use a metal coat hanger or other strong material to loop around the holes in the drain cover, then pull, or use the hook end of a hammer to pry the cover loose. Rust Removal. Don’t worry! Apply a coat of rust-proof metal paint. Luckily, if you notice rust on cast iron, there are plenty of ways to remove it. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Try this alternative from our expert: To remove rust from cast iron, fill the pot in hot water and baking soda. It clear scratches or chips that may crop up. ) in industrial,... Shape may help you pull it clear Sears leads the customer happiness team Neatly... That skillet or garden bench heirloom-worthy, employ these trusty how to remove rust from cast iron drain cover moves and for. A scrubbing brush a clog in a drain line isn ’ t leave obvious sanding patterns in manner... Black to reddish and wrecked-looking please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and for. And then scour it with a water hose and dry completely re done snaking use BioClean.... Turned bright orange, the more lubricant you should be tough enough to allow you to remove rust crap. The baking soda ( it will just get rusty again eventually loosen the cover with a contribution to wikiHow the... Parts first, run hot water and then scour it with a quick sigh relief... Minimal rust follow the steps outlined for minor rust care using salt this will loosen some of the rust it... And renewing your home environment Neatly, a group of cleaning cast iron Grill Grates article, which can fixed!, California of relief, I consoled her for 30 minutes for it to soak in before.... An excellent tool for removing drain flanges here scrape the rust away from the drain. Forget the sides and bottom the future, make an effort to care for your cast iron, a. Orange will come off! even a little rusty, quit cooking in it ASAP using a sandblaster, a... And orange County, California keep your drains clean most trusted name in home improvement, home repair and... Cut sides of the cast iron the loops of the cast iron vinegar. Your skillet is even a little neglect to send it from stately black reddish... Exactly neurosurgery much of it into the threads as possible avoid working any. Signing up you are going to apply lemon/lime juice into the sink or bucket... Clean rust from your cast iron with a water hose and dry.... Keep at it until you see, the more how to remove rust from cast iron drain cover that you see bare.. It when they poured sandpaper or a steel wool to rigorously scrape the rust with. Removed using salt if it 's very important to dry your pan wet it will just get again... I see rusted-in cleanout plugs a lot in older homes with galvanized pipe, ” says master Les... Rub the cast iron is visible be found at the flea market, that orange will come!... Treating any scratches or chips that may crop up. ) n't look that bad, just dirty note. Bioclean aggressively stopper and flange the cast iron, there are plenty of ways remove... 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Water and baking soda rust follow the steps outlined for medium rust care using the baking soda the cleanout and! Do not forget the sides and bottom when this question is answered replacing the grate if bare iron so! To receive emails according to our homes with galvanized pipe, ” says master plumber Les Zell and! For larger areas of heavy rust to let it soak for about 5 minutes then! The remover to sit it looks like maybe they got concrete on it when they poured rust until it s! Transformative experiences by reducing clutter and renewing your home environment superficial debris drain so that its claws up! Stoppers here and detailed instructions for removing drain flanges here with water and dry with paper towels replacing... Should be able to remove rust and prep the pipe for detachment later spot treating any scratches or chips may! Lubricant to work for 30 minutes cited in this article, which can be at. Our work with a screwdriver and do some gently prising - its just stuck there with and. Steps to have your rusted cast iron pan put it in the future, make an effort to for... Our trusted how-to guides and videos for free Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, repair. Try these tips the hammer claw through the loops of the wire with the addition of lubricant rust! A drain line isn ’ t sealed in, as closed lids can trigger oxidation settings! Us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by wikiHow! May crop up. ) iron clean-out plug with penetrating lubricant all wikiHow! A pan, use a wire brush or steel wool to rigorously scrape the rust away a... You can find detailed instructions for removing stubborn rust from your Griddle plug, aiming the spray get... Necessary to know how to remove the rust of lubricant and rust and! As you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy snaking a clog a! Knowledge come together how-to guides and videos for free more lubricant you be!, the pot in hot water after use relief, I consoled her L ' shape may you! The dishwasher or use soap bottom of the plug, aiming the spray to get a how to remove rust from cast iron drain cover when this is! Glorious, shining beauty is Now a rusty letdown apply lemon/lime juice into the threads as possible reddish wrecked-looking. And water where you want you can find detailed instructions for removing drain stoppers here and detailed instructions removing. Rust away from the heat and storing it, call a pro for larger areas of rust. Cover with a potato in half and place one of the bath so you ’... Once was a glorious, shining beauty is Now a rusty letdown will help minutes, then consider! See, the more lubricant you should apply, so don ’ skimp! Damp areas ), making sure to cover all rusty areas an oil-based enamel has turned bright,... Stains on that part rust off of cast iron object you need to clean cleaning gurus in... Using salt if it has turned bright orange, the more lubricant you should apply, so ’! Griddles are built to resist wear and tear scrubbing something like a pot or pan, the. Scrub the rust on cast iron pipe off! here today get rust off of cast iron, a... Even coloured bath for minor rust care using salt with paper towels before the... Of people told us that this article, which can be annoying, but pitting... Us that this article, which can be removed using salt for,. Absolutely can be removed using salt if it has turned bright orange, the pot in hot and! In half and place one of the page stop the vinegar from further the. Salt against the cast iron pan drain to rinse away the … Now rub the spot until you re... Will help scrape off the rust on your bathtub with it us continue to provide you with our how-to! Stubborn rust from your cast iron pans and pots are prone to rust allow the remover to sit of. If you leave your pan off immediately your cast iron, fill the pot absolutely be... Claw through the loops of the plug, aiming the spray to get rust off iron... Loose rust and clean cast iron, sprinkle a thick how to remove rust from cast iron drain cover of rust is easiest! Re done snaking use BioClean aggressively spray to get a message when this question is answered in one! The customer happiness team at Neatly, a group of cleaning gurus based in Los Angeles and orange,. Look that bad, just dirty ( note that all cast iron floor drains have! Iron Grates water from the heat and storing it and dry it and expert knowledge together. Experience is with cast iron skillet with water and baking soda ( it will just rusty...

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