If you use your cast iron pan or skillet often, chances are it will begin to rust at some point. Fortunately, there are a few ways to tell if your cast iron pan is ruined and needs to be replaced.
Damage and rust is completely normal and an inevitable consequence of using cast iron on a regular basis. You can, however, take measures to prevent the surface from rusting, so your cookware would last you for as long as possible. When that that moment does come, you may wonder if your cast iron pan is ruined forever.
Here are five useful tips on how to know if your cast iron pan is damaged from excessive usage or rusting.
So, How to Tell If Your Cast Iron Pan is Ruined?
1. Check the Surface
The surface is usually the first place where rust appears. If you check the surface of your cast iron skillet, you may notice small dark brown or black spots. These are likely rust spots and may indicate that your cast iron is no longer safe to use. It’s essential to make sure you’re checking the surface of your cast iron regularly, though, as rust can also appear and penetrate deeper inside the pan. It’s important to actually feel the surface of your cast iron to ensure it’s not rough. If the surface is rough, this could mean that the rust has spread farther into the pan and is affecting not only the surface but also the structural integrity of your cookware.
2. The Surface Feels Rough
If your cast iron pan or skillet becomes too rusted, you may notice that it begins to feel rough to the touch. You may notice that the surface of the pan feels like sandpaper. If this happens, it’s likely that the rust has spread to the surface of the pan, making your cast iron pretty much unusable. This is a sign that you should throw away your cast iron pan or skillet and buy a new one. Even if you try to remove the rust from the surface, it’s likely that the process will continue to damage the pan.
3. Check for pitting and cracks
Rust can make small holes in your cast iron. These holes are called pits. Pits can be found on the surface of the pan or deep within the pan, though they’re usually found on the surface. Pits are caused by rust that has spread to that area of your cast iron, causing small spots to appear on the surface of your pan. Pits may appear as small spots or larger areas in your cast iron pan or skillet.
If you notice any pitting, it’s likely that rust has spread out from there and may be affecting other areas of your cast iron pan. It’s best to throw just away a cast iron pan if you notice pitting, as it’s likely that other areas are ruined by rust and you won’t be able to remove them without damaging the pan even further.
4. You Can See Dark Colored Spots
If your cast iron pan is badly rusted, you may notice dark colored spots on the surface. These spots are likely caused by rust, which may have also spread under the surface of the pan. Spots could be also caused by physical damage or food residue that have hardened on the surface. In such case you could try scrubbing the pan, but be careful to not scratch it as this will leave the surface vulnerable to rusting overtime. Generally, your goal when cleaning the surface of an old skillet that has rust is to remove that rust without damaging the metal.
5. Your Cast Iron Smells Like Rust
If your cast iron pan or skillet has a distinct musty smell and lots of rust on it, it probably needs to be replaced. Even if you try to clean the rust off your cast iron and make it look like new, it’s more than likely that the process will permanently damage the pan. This means you will need to throw out your cast iron and buy a new one. When you clean your cast iron and attempt to remove the rust, be sure to use common sense. Don’t use steel wool or harsh abrasive cleaners, as they can really ruin the surface.
What mistakes you should avoid when using your cast iron pan?
You’re Using the Wrong Cleaner
In most cases, you won’t need to use any kind of chemical cleaner or soap to clean your cast iron. However, if you do decide to use a cleaner, it’s important that you choose the right cleaner for your cast iron. Never use dish soap or a soap with a scouring agent in it when cleaning your cast iron pan. While this may make the pan look clean, it can also damage the surface and cause rusting over time.
To remove stuck-on food from your cast iron pan or skillet, you can use a gentle abrasive cleaner like Barkeeper’s Friend (available also at most grocery stores). This type of cleaner is safe to use on the surface of cast iron cookware and will remove food without damaging the metal underneath.
You Cooked Something That Was Too Acidic
If you have an old skillet that has been sitting on the shelf for years, it’s possible that you’ve never cared for it properly. In this case, your cast iron may be prone to rusting. Before you throw out your old skillet, give it one last shot at cleaning and re-seasoning. If the rust has penetrated deep into the metal, that’s a clear sign the pan shouldn’t be used any more.
Ideally, you should make sure to properly clean and take care of your cast iron pan and store it in a dry cool place. Seasoning your pan will also keep it rust free and thus you’ll be able to enjoy cooking with it for a much longer time.
Conclusion
If your cast iron pan or skillet is heavily rusted, it’s likely that it’s ruined and should be discarded. The easiest way to determine if your cast iron has been permanently damaged by the rust is to check the surface and feel for roughness as mentioned above. If you notice rust spots on the surface of your cast iron, be sure to clean and season it immediately to prevent the spread of the rust and protect your health in the long run.
Have you had your cast iron pan rusting or damaged and what did you do to repair the pan? Feel free to share any advice on how to tell If a cast iron pan is ruined and ask your questions in the comments below.
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