How to Refinish the Inside of a Burned Cast Iron Kettle

Cast iron is a time-tested cooking material that heats food evenly and holds the heat longer than other cooking pans. The iron is a reactive metal that rusts when you leave moisture on the surface. To counteract this, cooks season their cast iron pans with a layer of fat and cook them repeatedly until there is a smooth, stick-free surface. High heat destroys this layer of seasoning, but you can re-season it to be as good as new.

Steel wool pad, coarse
Dish soap
Paper towels
Lard
Cotton rag

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the kettle, inside and out to make sure you remove any loose debris. Scrub it with a coarse steel wool pad and dish soap. Rinse the kettle with warm water.
- 2
  Wipe the interior and exterior of the kettle with a paper towel to remove the excess moisture.
- 3
  Smear a generous amount of lard over the interior and exterior surface of the kettle, wiping it in circles with a cotton rag until you have greased the entire pan. Use another paper towel to remove the excess.
- 4
  Bake the kettle for an hour at 300 F to cook the surface back on the pan. Check to see if the fat has changed to a smooth, shiny surface. Repeat the process two or three times if your kettle is especially pitted.
- 5
  Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool. Your cast iron kettle is ready for use.

How to Dehumidify a Drying Closet

Natural Ways to Clean Soap Scum & Hair From Drainpipes

Homemaking