Rust is a huge nuisance when it happens to you.  Rust is iron oxide. Iron, oxygen, and moisture equal rust.  The problem with rust in cookware is that it isn’t a pleasant thing to look at, it ruins the non-stick ability of your cookware, and the health concerns are nominal, yet kind of gross…Many folks think that rust occurs mostly with cast iron.  Stainless steel and other metals oxidize as well.  Getting rid of the rust from metal cookware isn’t as time or cost consuming as one would assume.  A few simple steps and preventive measures will ensure healthy cooking in shiny, clean cookware every time.  And some useful kitchen hacks are included, which we really apply at our homes daily!   Related: Best Cookware Material

Why Is My Cookware Getting Rusty?

When you see rust on your cookware, it has long been in the oxidizing process.  Cookware takes a while to show its rust visibly. The most common reasons for rust to happen upon your metal cookware is either wear and tear or improper storage.  The third issue when rust occurs is by purchasing inferior metal cookware. Staying on this site will guarantee the third problem won’t happen to you! Overuse of your metal cookware is a nice problem.  Cooking at home, especially now-a-days, is vital to you and your family’s health.  The overuse of pots and pans doesn’t create rust. Always wash your cookware as stated by the manufacturer.  Dry your cookware thoroughly. Whether it be cast iron, copper, stainless, or non-stick, keeping your cookware at its best is up to your protective procedures.  Improper storage will produce rust quicker than any other factor.  Moisture is cookware’s enemy. Steaming and boiling are a necessity, but when there is no heat source or cooking happening, humidity should be avoided at all costs.  Drying your cookware upon cleaning is the most important thing you can do to save your metal cookware. Storage, whether being hung up on a rack, or inside the cabinet is great if the cookware is dry and not banging into one another.  Poor quality cookware will surely have issues upon purchasing the item.  Chipping, then rusting will occur after a few scrapes of a spatula, knife or fork.  No need to worry about this situation at WFE, all our cookware is ready to serve your family for decades when kept and used properly.  The fine makers of French cast iron cookware have zero chance of impurities. Emile Henry, Staub, de Buyer, Le Creuset, Demeyere and Mauviel will provide years of culinary happiness sans rust guaranteed when operated as directed.  Looking for high quality kitchenware? Check out Williams Food Equipment

How to Clean Rust from Stainless Steel

  When stainless steel does encounter some rust; not your fault because it is usually due to the iron in the water after cleaning your cookware consistently.  This is great and needed but make certain everything is dried before storage. If not, placing your stainless-steel cookware away moist, after time, corrasion can ensue.  Luckily, the Bar Keeper’s Friend will scrub away any rust or corrosion on that stainless-steel cookware.  “Once Tried, Always Used!” is the Bar Keeper’s Friend has been the product’s slogan since 1882!  This exclusive formulation cleans everything!  The list is endless:

• stainless steel
• porcelain
• ceramic tile
• Plastic
• copper
•  china
• fiberglass
• imitation marble
• tile
•  grout
• chrome
• composition sinks

Place some of this magic powder on a damp World’s Best Pot Scrubber or a Spotless Stainless Steel Scouring Pad for tougher jobs, and within a couple of minutes scrubbing your stainless steel cookware, the shine and luster will be good as new!  Rust on your stainless-steel cookware should never deter you from cooking your favorite dish. A very inexpensive solution is all you need. 

How to Clean Rust from Pots

The World’s best Pot Scrubber comes in a foam version which we love using on all our pots.  When rust happens, a little dab of the Bar Keeper’s Friend along with the scrubbing power of the World’s Best Pot Scrubber wipes away any unpleasant issues to your cookware.  A lot of elbow grease isn’t needed, so anyone in the family will feel good about cleaning up the kitchen with these products.  We have many cleaning products that remove rust and prevent its occurrence.  Copper cookware is so beautiful, valuable, and some of the best cookware on Earth.  Prevent rust and patina by using Mauviel 1830 Copperbrill Copper Cleaner.  This easy to use, polish and cleanse paste will restore the shine to copper and anything else where it’s applied. The All-Clad 12oz Cookware Cleaner is under the kitchen sink in all our homes.  This non-abrasive powder gets rid of rust, filth, dirt and hard-water stains.  Designed for stainless-steel and aluminum cookware, but this incredible concentrate is great for many uses in the kitchen!  Have you ever heard of The Universal Stone?  This completely natural and non-toxic, this all-purpose cleaner produces a rust-fighting foam when the damp sponge encounters the dry, compressed powder. This stuff is totally safe for kids and pets.  But scrubs like a hazmat unit cleaned up! The Universal Stone lasts forever and cleans anything and everything.  Extra sponges are easily acquired for a nominal price. Related: What are Common Misconceptions About Cooking with Cast Iron?

At Home Hacks for Removing Rust

Rust has been around bothering us since we invented metal things.  Beating rust has become a passion for some. We have researched the best tips and tricks to rid yourself of rust in your life! These rust removing hacks for your cookware are actually fun!  And best of all, they cost little to nothing to perform! Baking soda is cure-all for many issues in life.  So too is baking soda the hero when it comes to rust removal.  Simply apply some baking soda to the wet surface of the rusty cookware.  Scrub with your damp World’s Best Pot Scrubber for five minutes and the rust should come right off.  A few more attempts should remove any stubborn rust. The Spotless Stainless Steel Scouring Pad is highly effective as well when using baking soda.  Just always keep things wet to avoid scratches.  Believe or not, that potato sitting on your kitchen counter can beat rust!  Simply cut the potato in half, mix some dish soap (the good stuff) and baking soda (for some abrasive action) then scrub the affected area.  When the potato is too grimy, just cut that portion off and continue. Rust is nobody’s friend, but an easy opponent to beat! Soaking your cookware overnight in an acidic solution helps loosen that evil rust.  Awake to an easy chore after you follow this rust detaching tip:  

• Boil enough water to cover the bottom of the pan or pot that has rust.  Add lemon juice, salt, and vinegar to the water after it has stopped boiling and is off the burner.  In the morning, dump the water, add some baking soda, and start scrubbing like the above methods state.  This technique should remove any reluctant rust remaining. 

If you are a scientific type person that has an auto battery charger laying around, electrolysis is another at home procedure for rust removal.  A conductive solution, a coffee can, wires, a battery charger and a few other items can remove rust. This is just something we find neat. There are many online tutorials about electrolytic rust removal.  For cookware, going through this effort would be a bit much… Williams Food Equipment offers a wide selection of stainless steel cookware

Preventing Rust

Preventing rust is simple: Use quality products.  When you purchase quality cookware from superior manufacturers such as Le Creuset for example, their exquisite French enamel coated cast iron does not rust or need to be seasoned.  Emile Henry is another example of fine French craftsmanship.  Glazed Burgundy clay will never rust, and last forever when properly used.  Lodge and Finex are great cast iron companies.  They arrive at your door pre-seasoned and ready to cook!  The pre-seasoning is the “rust preventer” barrier already built-in for you.  Clean your cast iron properly, and most importantly dry your cookware thoroughly, and rust will be kept at bay.  Another helpful tip is to place your skillet on the burner on low heat for 2 minutes to ensure a complete dry has taken place. You need the best tools to cook a culinary masterpiece? Find out how Williams Food Equipment can help you today

What to Do Now about Rusty Kitchenware

Studies at University of Illinois at Champagne indicate rust isn’t a health concern.  Even a little in drinking water isn’t likely to harm you. But, to avoid the occurrence of rust is the best solution.  Taking preventative measures against rust also aids in keeping your kitchen area clean and void of other health risks and issues.   Check for unnecessary moisture!  Moisture is a concern due to rust and mold.  Every month give a quick inspection of the kitchen sink and its pipes.  Make certain the water line to the fridge is secure and leak-proof. Moisture is expected in the kitchen, but in hidden spots, that’s when rust, mold, and insects can join your dinner party… Recognizing your kitchen is clean, safe and dry is paramount.  Purchasing quality cookware is just as crucial. When you buy superior products from WFE, you know you are receiving merchandise that has been researched, tested, and approved by us, the home cooks here at Williams Food Equipment.  Rust won’t be your worry!  Related: Ultimate Guide to Caring For Your Cast Iron