How to Care for a Cast-Iron Teapot with Oil

Cast iron has been the material of teapots in Japan for centuries. In the 1800s, they became popular in North America for not only brewing tea, but adding humidity to the dry air inside homes in winter. Modern cast-iron teapots are generally coated, inside and sometimes outside, with enamel so they don't rust. If you are using an old cast-iron teapot without the coating, even with the best of care, you may eventually need to remove rust.

Things You'll Need

• 1/8 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of olive oil
• Small bowl or cup

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Combine 1/8 teaspoon of salt with 1/4 teaspoon of olive oil in a small bowl or cup.

   • 2

     Dip the corner of a soft cloth into the mixture and rub the exterior of the cast-iron teapot gently to scrub away the rust. Don't press too hard; use just enough pressure to remove rust stains.

   • 3

     Rinse the exterior of the pot until the oil-and-salt solution is dissolved. Wipe the pot dry with a soft cloth.