How to Fix and Reseason a Rusty Carbon Steel Pan
If you’ve ever pulled out your favorite skillet only to find a layer of orange rust, don’t panic. It happens to the best of us, and it doesn’t mean your cookware is ruined. With a little care, you can restore a rusty carbon steel pan and get it back to cooking like new. In fact, once you reseason it, your pan may end up performing even better than before.
Here’s exactly how to bring your pan back to life.
Step 1: Assess the Rust
A little rust on carbon steel cookware is completely normal, especially if the pan was left wet, stored in a humid spot, or hasn’t been used in a while. Surface rust is easy to fix. As long as the pan isn’t pitted through with deep corrosion (which is rare), you’ll be able to restore it without much trouble.
Step 2: Scrub Off the Rust
To restore a rusty carbon steel pan, you’ll need to remove the rust down to clean metal. Here’s how:
Use steel wool, a chainmail scrubber, or coarse salt with a stiff brush.
Scrub until the orange rust is gone and the metal looks bare.
Rinse with warm water and dry immediately with a towel.
Tip: Don’t let the pan air-dry at this stage. Moisture is the enemy of carbon steel.
Step 3: Strip Old Seasoning (If Needed)
If your pan has patchy spots of old seasoning clinging to it, you can strip it completely to start fresh. The easiest way is to:
Place the pan in a hot oven or even on a grill to burn off the old layers.
Once cooled, scrub again to remove loose flakes.
Now you’ve got a clean slate for reseasoning.
Step 4: Apply Fresh Oil
Once the pan is bare and clean, it’s time to reseason. This is what gives carbon steel its natural nonstick surface and protects it from future rust.
Rub a thin layer of neutral oil (like flaxseed, grapeseed, or canola) all over the inside and outside of the pan.
Wipe off the excess with a paper towel until it looks almost dry. Remember that less is more here.
Step 5: Bake It In
Place the oiled pan upside down in a hot oven (around 450–475°F) and let it bake for about an hour. Put foil or a sheet pan underneath to catch drips.
After an hour, turn off the oven and let the pan cool inside. You’ll notice the surface looks darker and smoother, that’s your new layer of seasoning.
For best results, repeat this process 2–3 times to build up a strong, slick surface.
Step 6: Maintain Your Pan Going Forward
Now that you’ve taken the time to restore your rusty carbon steel pan, you’ll want to keep it in good shape:
Always dry it right after washing.
Wipe with a thin coat of oil before storing.
Cook with it often. The more you use it, the stronger the seasoning becomes.
Why Restoration is Worth It
One of the best things about carbon steel cookware made in the USA is its resilience. Unlike coated pans that need replacing every few years, carbon steel can be restored again and again. A little rust isn’t the end, it’s just part of the journey toward a pan that gets better with age.
At Independent Ironware, we believe good pans should last a lifetime. If you’re just getting started or want to learn more, check out our carbon steel care guide or explore our American made carbon steel pans.
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