How to Get Rid of Water Corrosion on a Cast Iron Kettle

A cast iron kettle is an old-fashioned piece of cookware -- a deep pot used for boiling or stewing. Today, it is commonly filled with water and placed on a woodstove to humidify the air indoors. Many chefs employ cast iron cookware in everyday meal preparation. It not only heats evenly but retains heat as well. Improper care of cast iron cookware causes corrosion. When well cared for, cast iron products last for generations.

Steel wool or sandpaper
Dish soap
Soft cloth
Shortening
Aluminum foil

Instructions

- 1
  Scrub out rust and other by-products of corrosion with a piece of steel wool or fine-grade sandpaper.
- 2
  Wash the cast iron kettle in warm, soapy water and rinse with clear water.
- 3
  Use a soft cloth to thoroughly dry the kettle, inside and out. Any moisture left on it may cause further corrosion.
- 4
  Season the kettle to keep it from corroding in the future. Apply a very light coat of shortening to both the inside and outside of the kettle and place it in the oven.
- 5
  Place a sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom of the oven to catch drips as the shortening melts.
- 6
  Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the kettle in the oven, upside down. After an hour, turn off the oven and allow the kettle to remain until it’s cool.
- 7
  Wipe the cast iron kettle, inside and out, with a soft cloth and store it without the lid.
- 8
  Prevent further corrosion on the cast iron kettle by never washing it with soap and drying it completely after each use.

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