The cast iron cauldron is rusting

A cast iron cauldron is a universal cookware in which a wide variety of dishes are prepared. At the same time, they always turn out tasty, juicy, rich, and retain all the benefits. However, such kitchen utensils have their drawbacks. For example, a cauldron tends to rust if it is not properly cared for. This happens due to the structure of the material.

Why does the cauldron rust?

Having opened a heavy cauldron to prepare dinner for the whole family, the housewife may be unpleasantly surprised by corrosion stains that have accumulated inside the large bowl. This happens often, even in homes where cast iron is carefully looked after.

But don't rush to throw away the pan. There are effective methods for getting rid of rust stains. Once you have dealt with the contamination and treated the surface, you will be able to continue cooking in the cauldron.

The main cause of corrosion is considered to be the porous structure of cast iron, into which tiny drops of moisture enter.

If your dishes were properly prepared for cooking, this will not happen. Violation of the integrity of the protective coating can provoke the formation of red spots. More often this occurs as a result of improper washing with abrasive substances or hard brushes, as well as when using unsuitable dishes. Metal spatulas, spoons, forks and knives are not suitable utensils to use in a cauldron.

What to do if the cauldron rusts

To prevent the pan from corroding, be sure to carry out the heating procedure with vegetable oil. Subsequently, you will have to periodically lubricate the surface with oil to maintain the integrity of the protective coating.

How to clean dishes

There are several effective methods that can quickly and easily deal with corrosion stains:

• Household chemicals. In stores you will always find products that can remove rust. Strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions and thoroughly rinse the solution from the cauldron.
• Grinding. Using a special machine for grinding surfaces is quite safe. Cast iron is a strong material that is not afraid of mechanical stress.
• Sandpaper. A method similar to the previous one, with the difference that everything will have to be done manually. Simply rub the stains with a piece of coarse paper and finish with a fine-grit sanding.
• Vinegar. The product is boiled in a rusty cauldron with water added. The procedure takes about two hours.
• Glue and soap. Suitable for small sized dishes. The cast iron is immersed in a basin and filled with silicate glue, adding a crushed bar of laundry soap. Next, boil the mixture and leave to cool.

All of these methods are effective; cleaning after the procedure is quick and without the need to apply the methods several times. The housewife will not experience any difficulties with cleaning the cauldron.

How to protect against further corrosion

For preventive purposes, it is recommended to periodically calcinate the cast iron. There are several ways to do this. One of the available methods is heat treatment in the oven. The cauldron is thoroughly heated at 200˚C. Then it is taken out and greased with vegetable oil on all sides and sent back to the oven.

The procedure must be repeated several times.

Place a large cauldron with oil on low heat and wait until the pan heats up. After this, the cast iron is turned so that the oil composition covers all the walls of the vessel. Do the same with salt in an amount of 2 kg. When heated, it is rolled over the inside of the dish. Firing continues until the bulk product turns gray.

In conclusion, we note that cast iron cookware should not be washed with ordinary sponges with the addition of cleaning agents. They remove the protective oily layer, exposing the cauldron to the risk of rust development. Washing in the dishwasher has a similar effect.