Removing rust from Dutch Oven - what to do?

[BBQbevo]

I have a wire brush attachment for my power drill, what is the best way to remove this rust? I have a smoker that I just seasoned, can I oil it up, stick it in there at 400-500, and then clean off the rust?

 

[Chris_in_SoCal]

Here you go.

 

[chopsaw]

I have a wire brush attachment for my power drill,

Don't use that . The wire brush can leave soft metal deposits behind , and make it worse .
Looks like light surface rust ( like it was run through a dishwasher ? ) Take a clean rag and start wiping the loose stuff . Then steel wool or a sanding sponge .
Rinse and wipe it dry , and keep going until it's gone . Then oil and season .

 

[normanaj]

I always gave mine a wet sand with some 320-400 grit,then dry and re-season.

 

[radioguy]

I use a chain scrubber. I use this an salt water for touch ups on my CI. Any oil works but I prefer Grape seed oil and higher temps 400F

RG
Herda Cast Iron Skillet Cleaner -... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HLN4MLY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

[JIMSMOKES]

I use a chain scrubber. I use this an salt water for touch ups on my CI. Any oil works but I prefer Grape seed oil and higher temps 400F

RG
Herda Cast Iron Skillet Cleaner -... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HLN4MLY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Dangit. There's something else I didn't know I needed.

 

[shotsky]

Vinegar removes rust directly. Might take a few hours. Get a gallon of vinegar and put the pan in a container just large enough to hold it, then pour the vinegar in. Keep an eye on it, it will start bubbling. Use a toothbrush to test how well it is doing. When the rust is turned dark, use plain water and a plastic scrubby to get the black all off, immediately oil it with the highest smoke point oil you can. Wipe off as much oil as possible. Put it in a cold oven. Set it to 500 and let it bake for an hour at 500. Turn off the oven and let it cool on its own. (You can do that on a grill too, if the smoke bothers you.) I use Chosen brand 500 degree spray olive oil. Weber makes a high temp grill oil too. You can do that whole heating process 3 times or more until it is black enough for you. Make sure to hit all surfaces each time to make it fully seasoned and ward off any more rust. Keep it away from soap in the future. All it takes is water and a scraper if stuff sticks. Most sticking is caused by putting food in before the pan is heated, and/or letting food sit and dry in it after using it. My dutch oven was treated like this over 10 years ago and is still fine.

 

[MikeRobinson]

Another option is electrolysis. For the very-modest price of a DC transformer ("Amazon it"), and various other parts and laundry chemicals, you can, in a matter of a day or three, remove rust from anything.

Including "oddly-shaped" things. (Museums use it to clean-up cannons and other artifacts.) The rust is electrolytically transformed(!) into a black powder that washes off, and the underlying metal is unaffected. (Museums care because it preserves inscriptions!) Plenty of online resources show you exactly how to do it. If you've got the patience, it works great.

And then, as shotsky stated above, immediately re-season them to avoid "spot re-rusting," and to prepare it for re-use. Whatever process you normally use – but don't delay.

 

[shotsky]

Another option is electrolysis. For the very-modest price of a DC transformer ("Amazon it"), and various other parts and laundry chemicals, you can, in a matter of a day or three, remove rust from anything.

Including "oddly-shaped" things. (Museums use it to clean-up cannons and other artifacts.) The rust is electrolytically transformed(!) into a black powder that washes off, and the underlying metal is unaffected. (Museums care because it preserves inscriptions!) Plenty of online resources show you exactly how to do it. If you've got the patience, it works great.

And then, as shotsky stated above, immediately re-season them to avoid "spot re-rusting," and to prepare it for re-use. Whatever process you normally use – but don't delay.

First, one of those cheap auto battery chargers works just fine. 12 volt. Washing soda and water is all it takes. I've done many cleanups that way, as it takes everything off the metal, whether it is seasoning or rust.
And, when you season it, you should use food grade organic flax seed oil. It will be stored under refrigeration. It is one of the LOWEST smoke point oils, and it is the only 'drying' oil that is food safe. The point is to take the oil WAY past its smoke point, which converts the oil into a slick surface. That is called polymerization. Think a permanent non-stick coating.
Here is the science behind this process.
https://sherylcanter.com/wordpress/2010/01/a-science-based-technique-for-seasoning-cast-iron/

 

[motolife313-2]

You need a 4.5”-5” grinder to run the wire wheel. I have to do that sometimes if I burn oil to the pan on accident

 

[jack l]

I received an email from Lodge cast iron in the past week, advertising a rust eraser. It can be found here. Not sure how good they work, but Lodge makes good cast iron cookware.