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I picked up a set of three skillets from my mom out of her shed, where things of random nature are lost in time and space until rummaging produces them again. So anyways, like I said I've got these three skillets. Only problem is they're caked with rust. I've done some research on how to get it off, but I'd like to know how you guys go about it. So far I've been hitting it with an SOS/Brillo/Steelwool with built in soap thing, and the rust is coming off, but theres still some really caked on that refuses to budge. I'm obviously going to have to reseason them.

So yeah, tips?

Edit - Also, I live in an apartment complex. I can't really stick it in my stove to burn off the rust, and I don't have a fire I can just throw it into actively available.

I don't have any firsthand experience with this, but this looks useful.

Yeah, I read that earlier. I'm starting to think a drilling is in order. Brillo pads just aren't cutting it. It's also pitted to hell so I don't think it will heat evenly anyways

By the sounds of it it may be better to just get some new stuff to replace it.

This method, also.

didn't read the posts but here is my 2 cents


do not ever soak them in water

wipe down with a damp rag, keep the grease in there, and then season it in the oven. put the oven on 500 and bake that thing for 2 hours

What ever you do, DO NOT SOAK THEM IN ANYTHING. Iron is porous and will be nearly ruined by heing soaked.
You may also want to look into seasoning techniques after cleaning them, usually involves some sort of oil and baking the skillets. Its what makes cast iron cook well.

Pics, also? While I don't have anything useful to contribute I'm curious to see how heavily rusted this is.

Get hold of one of those palm sized orbital sanders.
Alternatively, get one of those flexible sanding blocks from a car body shop.
Rub it down to bare, smooth metal then season.
There are plenty of tutorials for that around the 'net.