How to restore cast iron skillet with no power tools or chemicals

[@robertsbushcraft]

Get awesome military surplus gear here alnk.to/fHlelyN

[@mikewestfall3789]

The lost skills are never lost with people like yourself preserving and teaching them

[@robertsbushcraft]

Hey thanks, Mike!

[@GNPBES]

Your granddad would be proud. Good on you man.

[@robertsbushcraft]

Hey thanks, GNPBES!

[@shirleytruett7319]

It great to see young men interested in preserving the old ways ❤

[@robertsbushcraft]

Thank you, I appreciate that!

[@Swoop180]

Breakfast prepared in a cast iron skillet is a labor of love, anything less is role playing. America needs more young men like YOU!

[@robertsbushcraft]

Hey thanks, Swoop!

[@Swoop180]

@@robertsbushcraft You're welcome.

[@vmdyer6743]

Just build a small fire and put said cast iron cookware into fire .the fire will burn all stuff off and then you wash off and start seasoning your pan to use again

[@John-w4w4r]

Great video Ty you for sharing, I found this very informative 👍 😀 👌 👏 😊

[@lazarosalazar3366]

People, be warned, once you restore and cook on cast iron, you will spend the rest of your days looking for old cast to restore.🤤

[@robertsbushcraft]

TRUTH.

[@TheMrssir]

Yup!

[@PastaMakerCordy-qy4uz]

TRUTH

[@brandonmartin526]

It’s true

[@MrTonyman4575]

I'm tired of these non-stick pans. They good for a few months and then start sticking. And they're not healthy for ya.

[@PeteR-rr5of]

I came here looking for a way to restore cast iron with out chemicals. I certainly learned how but 22 minutes later after seeing this young man apply some smarts and some elbow grease (and do a great job) with his dad my hope for America has been restored a bit too.

[@robertsbushcraft]

Pete, I appreciate that. As honestly as I can say it, I really do appreciate that.

[@brandiemichelle2858]

same here!

[@StratManDan52]

Throw that greased skilletin the oven BEFORE you add the Cornbread mix...gets crustyand won't stick as yours did

[@michealcorbin6095]

Personally I heat them up the red hot and hit him with water and that just kind of gets rid of every bit of rust on them and I've done this with several of them that needed attention badly

[@jamesnation7162]

Of course acetic acid (vinegar) is not a chemical!!

[@davidfrey6089]

As so many may have said. I am proud that you can carry your grandfathers legacy on like this. I am a cast iron fan and this maybe all you would need to ever cook, fry, or bake with for the rest of your life. Shoot, it was all he made have had. I really appreciate you learning and exercising the right ways.

[@gloria2619]

When my Mom passed all i wanted was 2 of her several cast iron skillets. I knew anything else will never last but the cast iron will last for generations. Great job!!

[@datsumcrzysht]

If more of this generation were like this kid, America would be in much better condition.

[@FIA-zi4fz]

It starts with parenting… upbringing shapes personality

[@robertsbushcraft]

Hey I appreciate that, SavedbyGrace!

[@robertsbushcraft]

I agree 100%

[@TheAngelChristine]

You mean more of this generation having kids restore cast iron? Lol😂

[@Moroni108]

I have to be straight honest here. Number one, this really is one of the best restore cast iron videos that I have seen on KZbin. Most importantly, I witnessed a good young man who demonstrated a solid character of wholesome dignity and intellect. Something you don't see much amongst the young men today. I fervently believe that this young man will be a standard in his life for others to follow and will become an outstanding husband and father in his future. I don't mean to be mushy on this, but you have to call it when you see, and these days, it has become more and more rare. Most likely he is the product of proper upbringing and faith. Thank you for the video Sir!

[@robertsbushcraft]

Captain Moroni, I wholeheartedly appreciate your encouragement.

[@hercules1073]

@@robertsbushcraft I know this is an old video, but I happened across it. I'd like to add my two cents on how we always restored them. We simply threw them into the woodburner stove atop a bed of hickory or oak coal for a few hours and took them out looking like a brand new cast iron skillet...no scrubbing, soaking etc. There's no scale left on them as it burns down through the seasoning and everything just falls off and you're left with shiny...well... a dull grey new looking cast iron skillet.

[@jasonterry8883]

absolutely correct!!!

[@Rosary33]

Exactly he seems what you described like a gem hard to find on this days, blessings to him🙏🙏🙏

[@JaySmith-lj3pz]

I just wonder if it's worth money

[@gromeca1]

Amazing, amazing job. The world needs more of this hard working young man and his dad.

[@robertsbushcraft]

Hey thank you for that encouragement, Cap Koval!

[@ld4467]

Great demo. Thanks. I put my cast iron in the oven while the oven is heating. When at temp, liberal amount of butter in pan, swish around til melted, dollop homemade cornbread mix in, bake. No stick! Yum.

[@marymurphy2605]

We just came across this video. You have taught two old dogs (70 and 79) a new trick. We will be trying it out on a cast iron dutch oven in the next several days. Thank you! May God Bless.

[@robertsbushcraft]

You are very welcome, Mary! Keep a good eye on the progress and I hope you have fantastic results!

[@blasukhang7995]

You did a great job. I believe that a lot of people have learned from you

[@rstumbaugh43]

WOW!!! You did an AMAZING job on that skillet, THANK YOU for rescuing and restoring that pan from otherwise certain scrap iron!! I knew vinegar was used to remove rust, but I didn’t realize just how effective it was until I saw your video. I had a house fire, and salvaged my skillets, from the dirt, but haven’t done anything with them….until I saw your video, you have given me inspiration to clean them up and restore them. I hope you will always remember how you found your grandfather’s skillet and restored it with your dad, so you can pass the story along, with the skillet, to your kids some day…..

[@7owlfthr]

Beautiful job, young man! Excellent teaching & demonstration! You give hope for us old-timers!

[@robertsbushcraft]

@@7owlfthr thank you very much!

[@johnqpublic9074]

People don't realize acetic acid will dissolve metal. Vinegar is an acid. You can even electroplate with it. You did a good job cleaning this up.

[@KarenBennefield]

Thank you for the cleaning on the iron skillet. I'm 72 years old & never knew the right way to clean one. Your video was great. Have a blessed day

[@robertsbushcraft]

You are so welcome, Karen!

[@shelleylemmond46]

Awesome job and no chemicals! I'm going on 70 and this is the way I'm gonna restore my 2 old cast iron skillets 🍳. Tyvm for sharing 😊

[@robertsbushcraft]

I hope it works for you as well as it did for me. Keep a good check on the cast iron during the process.

[@phoenixxstar3825]

Sweetheart, he did use chemicals, even water is a chemical, he didn't use harmful chemicals is all. We learn something new every day. 😉

[@user-zo7op2fh8d]

​@robertsbushcraft Is there a different way to reseason the cast iron without a charcoal grill? I have a small gas grill. Will that work? What if there is just some rust on the pan from humidity in the house?

[@truthFacts1469]

This is an excellent video. I wish I had known about this when I restored mine. I did some experimenting but then resorted to vinegar, as I have known the cleaning power of vinegar since I was a kid. (I'm old now.) You can see the interior of the pan is pitted. This happens when you leave food sitting in it, particularly acidic foods such as tomatoes. So transfer food to a bowl as soon as possible and wipe out the pan when cool enough to safely handle. I have several cast iron pans from dutch oven to small single-serve frying pans. I love them. Oh, I don't have a grill so I seasoned my pans in the oven. If you are fortunate enough to have a fan that vents outside it will work great. I'm not so fortunate so I use just a little bit lower heat and go for a longer period, especially of you live in an apartment building, you do not want to set off the smoke alarms. Once seasoned well they are nonstick and you don't have to worry about a nonstick coating pealing off into your food. PS : Do not plunge a hot cast iron pan into cold water, it will most likely warp.

[@robertsbushcraft]

Thank you for those tips, Truth!

[@MadelineMcCoy-m3s]

Thanks for this video. I never knew how to restore my grandma cast iron skillets. I can't wait to start.

[@marieblyden7512]

I am really smiling. I want to thank you so much for this video. My rusted skillet looks amazing! I bought it from a yard sale and it was really rusted. Every other video was telling people to buy all kinds of products, electric sanders, etc. I was so confused. After watching your video, it made so much sense and my skillet is back to cooking again. Thank you thank you thank you again.

[@robertsbushcraft]

That is FANTASTIC news, @marieblyden7512! You are welcome and I hope you get many years out of that cast iron skillet!

[@susehendricks6217]

Thank you! I will try that. Glad I found your channel. Mostly loved the ending “May the wings of liberty never lose a feather”! Because of kids like you, we can have still hope. God bless!

[@robertsbushcraft]

Hey thank you for the encouragement, Suse! God bless!

[@CreamyBull260]

It's been 11 months since you posted your comment. How did it go? Did it worked?

[@plantladygrant1]

Young man, You made me smile.Thank you so very much. I even have some of my father's cast iron pants that are over seventy years old. I loved this video!! ❤❤❤

[@robertsbushcraft]

Smiles are priceless! You are welcome!

[@kristilewis3411]

Awesome video! Baking soda and water mixed into a paste would reduce the wait time. Create a paste and cover the cast iron; the rust and seasoning begin to break down after a few hours...add a little water to the paste and rub most of it off and then add the cast iron into the apple cider vinegar if its not all removed. It should take half the time to wait...

[@robertsbushcraft]

Great tips, Kristi! Thank you!

[@mwj9080]

This is a GREAT tip. Thank you!

[@John-w4w4r]

Ty 😊 great information

[@rrw2458]

Thank you for your video. I mistakenly threw away a small cast iron skillet in my fire pit, when I discovered it, it had been in the fire until the fire had burned out. I put it aside and forgot about it. I saw it earlier of the day I so happened to see your video and had planned to take it somewhere for restoration. Now I shan't, I'm going to try your procedure. Thank you again for sharing. GOD bless you.

[@johnbren1351]

A pleasure here on the south coast of England to watch such a calm, relaxed restoration. I treat my skillets and woks just like that but never had to start from where you did. Stay well.

[@robertsbushcraft]

Thank you and greetings to you, John! Cast iron holds value ( in my opinion), and this was well worth the effort!

[@carolynanderson6299]

I've watched a three orfour of these videos. This is hands down the easiest simple crust removal of cast iron I got a skillet from a man 94 he was called home to Jesus and his daughter gave me the skillet of his .lots of years of build up I'm going today to get vinegar ,pan ,gloves n metal scrubber. Thank you and God bless!

[@robertsbushcraft]

You are very welcome and God bless, Carolyn!

[@sandersjones1577]

That is nice restored grandpa’s skillet. Good job

[@robertsbushcraft]

Thank you, Sanders Jones! We're still frying and baking in that skillet on a weekly basis.

[@mytwocents777]

Good job, fellas. And it's good to see a son and his dad doing something together. Robert reminds me of my boy. 2 years now, he's been stuck overseas due to Covid measures. Won't bore you with that, but hope y'all are doing well.

[@robertsbushcraft]

We're doing well and hope that you, MyTwoCents!

[@annawallace4629]

This is amazing!!! I just finished using oven cleaner to clean an old iron skillet and it’s bothering my breathing. I’m looking for another way and found your channel. I can’t believe how clean you got that skillet. Wow!!!! Thank you so much for sharing this. Just to know there still are young people who take pride in their work. You’ve brightened my outlook of America and our youth. God bless you all

[@robertsbushcraft]

Well, thank you for the encouragement, Anna! I hope this method helps keep your cast iron in tip-top shape!

[@janlloyd6138]

Oven cleaner is toxic for the environment and so is any spray can, its time for individuals to not contribute to the pollution, the govt. wont do it, not enough in time, as they are run by big business

[@susanalford6443]

Good Morning from Arizona...I was looking through UTUBE and saw your channel... Really nice what you did with the Cast Iron skillet..I am Diffiently going to have to try this..I found an old cast iron at a swap meet and I put it out in my garden area..But since you showed me this, I will have to try your method.. Your Grandpa would be So Proud of You Young Man!!

[@lindawatson8795]

This is the best video to clean a really bad skillet without chemicals! Bravo guys!!! Good job!!!!

[@robertsbushcraft]

Thank you very much, Linda!

[@CATHOLICSARESPECIAL]

A very fine young man. Good job. I was laughing when you say, Mom should not be home when you do this.

[@robertsbushcraft]

Try it and you'll find out pretty quick why I said that :D

[@laurens.roesler3326]

Beautiful! Love that you used vinegar and not lye. Perfect for those comfort food recipes as well🥘

[@robertsbushcraft]

The vinegar really does the trick! Thanks for watching and commenting, Lauren!

[@rexannam2646]

Instead of the vinegar, you could just throw that skillet into a bed of coals from the outdoor fire and let the fire burn off that rust and old seasoning. That's how my grandmother used to do it.

[@robertsbushcraft]

Indeed! I didn't want to risk warping or cracking the pan in a fire, so I just used regular ol' apple cider vinegar on this one.

[@vmdyer6743]

You will not warp or Crack a cast iron pan unless it's made in China by throwing it into a fire ive done this all my life n̈ I'm 80 years old and I learned this from my grandmother and great grandma.

[@romystumpy1197]

I'm glad no chemicals are used ,just organic

[@robertsbushcraft]

Me too, romystumpy!

[@WApnj]

Lol.. vinegar is a chemical

[@notthereyethomestead8413]

Thank you!! This gives me the knowledge to help some rescued cast iron, when i get onto my homestead!! Blessings!!

[@rtscott5899]

very good BSR pan made after 1960. good job on refinishing. Eggs were a true test.

[@robertsbushcraft]

I've never heard of BSR. I'm still using this several times a week and plan to until the Lord calls me home!

[@John-w4w4r]

That is for sure, it passed the egg test right away, great 👍 video

[@franceshamilton1225]

For a young man glad to see you're interested in old stuff like my grandparents had wished I had some I'm 66 by the way & love what you did with the skillet keep living and learning love it

[@robertsbushcraft]

Thank you for your kind words, Frances!

[@arianateveres2795]

Thank you !! Got 2 Lodge cast iron pots and a cornpone skillet that I didn't know how to care for that are rusted and now I have a way of removing the rust and save my pots. So thanks I can get my pots back!!

[@robertsbushcraft]

You are welcome and I hope you get many years of cooking in your cast iron!

[@chrisrenfroe6773]

I liked the cooking demo afterwards, to prove that it works. I hope this comment finds you well.

[@BooRadley1228]

Super video! Some might be forewarned though that extended soaking cast iron in vinegar tends to “pit” the iron. Using lye to dissolve the baked on crud, then vinegar to remove the rust works without the worry of damaging the cooking surface.

[@robertsbushcraft]

Yes! Be sure to keep a check on the pans if you use this method, the vinegar will pit the pan.

[@smallfootprint2961]

I've restored a lot of cast iron in my day, but never heard about vinegar. This is the best way I've ever seen to restore those rusty, caked on beasts. Thank you.

[@robertsbushcraft]

You are very welcome, small footprint!

[@tonyawilson7613]

Omg thank you. I've watched them Yankee doodles and a few others ok. But you, even as young as you are , you showed me something I'd forgotten. THANK YOU YOUNG MAN... KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

[@robertsbushcraft]

You are so welcome, Tonya!

[@thomasbaker9787]

I love that you have something from past family members... meal time is good family time, imagine the meals and love this cast iron pan has been witnessed to.

[@songbird5773]

Thank you. I treasure my old cast iron like its part of my family and your care and instructions using the things I was taught to use ensure me that my cast irons may last another century should my great grandchildren find buried in my back yard !! You are a treasure too young man.

[@robertsbushcraft]

Thank you for your kind words, Jeri!

[@mikelisa76]

Cudos to your Mom and Dad for their contributions as well as your Grand Dad !

[@trigremlin]

I'm surprised you did the vinegar for a week, I'd have switched to sand paper after a couple hours max, but that was a thick layer of seasoning. May have increased the pitting with so long in the vinegar but it will fill in with seasoning in time, great work!

[@IamSinai]

This is the best restoration video I have ever seen. Your technique is so easy to relate to the everyday individuals who don't want to buy a sandblaster or drill with a wire brush drill-bit! I subscribed immediately and liked this video. Father and son power!! Amazing!!

[@robertsbushcraft]

Hey thanks for that, Jermaine!

[@deewinston5651]

Thank you Young man for sharing this video. I was very impressed with the results.you did a really good job showing this process. And now, what a treasure you have, your Grandfather’s skillet. You’ll be thinking of him when you’re cooking in it. May God bless you.

[@robertsbushcraft]

Amen to that and thank you, Dee!

[@erickf.1887]

TWO THUMBS UP! One for the restoration with vinegar and the second for the awesome cooking! Thanks!

[@robertsbushcraft]

Hey thanks, Erick! You are very welcome!

[@Li5gy679]

I like your gloves and caution about cureing it safely outside! Beautiful!

[@sapientmuffin]

Wow, great video. Thank you for making it! I was helping my Grandmother-in-law clean out her garage. We found a whole set of cast-irons that were passed down from he deceased mother. Offered to revive them for her so she can appreciate them in the kitchen. Of course, I offered not knowing a thing about restoring cast-irons! I think I'm going to go ahead with this method! Seems plenty doable in the wife and I's 1BR apartment. (We should be ok with the smoke from oven.) You guys rock, great energy, thank you again!

[@robertsbushcraft]

Let us know how well the smoke and smell from oven works out. Mrs. Roberts is not too fond of this method inside our home.

[@mildredmorine745]

Great idea with removing the rust, built up burnt on fat, a good way to restore them so that they do not stick is in your oven at 250, do the same thing, lightly grease the pan until it is seasoned in the pan so that the pan does not stick, if you have a wood stove you can keep it on the top of the stove until it is seasoned, it does not necessarily have to be overly hot, it just takes time, you cant rush it, it is worth it as you cannot beat cooking in a cast iron frying pan. I always put my in the oven after i have go threw baking when the oven is still hot.

[@trreb1]

I've seen many videos on restoring cast iron. I like to see different ways and tips for doing this. At first I thought this was going to be one of "THOSE" videos. Boy was I wrong. You did a very awesome job with this video and that pan. You got a like and sub from me. I can see grandpa up there and looking down on you with a BIG smile on his face. Well done young man. Well done.

[@thurgooddukes5224]

Nice job! I found one in my mom's cabinet and I'm gonna use this method because I don't have any power tools, thanks for the video.

[@robertsbushcraft]

You are welcome and good luck, Thurgood!

[@AmberLockey]

I’m so glad to know vinegar works so well. I have one that I haven’t managed to get fully clean. Thanks so much!

[@robertsbushcraft]

You are so welcome, Amber! Let us know how well this works for you should you get the chance.

[@symbolikarts]

Thanks for sharing and that meal towards the end was perfect!

[@robertsbushcraft]

You're welcome and it was delicious!

[@conniecraig2775]

7⁷88⁸8⁸⁹⁸⁸⁹

[@sherylanderson7536]

Love seeing a man do dishes !!

[@robertsbushcraft]

Right on!

[@dwaynepierson5269]

The way I clean cast iron when I find it in the same shape as the one you have there I build a very hot fire and place the cast iron skillet in the fire and let everything burn off and when it cools take a wire brush and scrub it down then season it with cooking oil and bake it on , but I'm proud to see a young man like you learning the old ways great job young man 👍❤️

[@sherylanderson7536]

I almost cried thinking that you were cooking from your Grand Dads cast iron skillet !!! Great job 😁 I am sure Granddad would be proud 👌💓😁

[@robertsbushcraft]

I sure hope that he would be proud, Sheryl! Thank you for the kind words!

[@MichaelSargentvisuals]

NICE JOB. I just did 4 skillets this weekend. Enjoyed your method.

[@robertsbushcraft]

That's FANTASTIC Michael!

[@shannonrinehart4635]

Great Job Guys!! You are a great team together with Curry in the background! Very informative and interesting! Thanks!

[@robertsbushcraft]

Hey thanks, Shannon!

[@aussiegirl654]

Great video. I prefer natural cleaner. You did a great job and the meal looked delicious. I'll try cleaning mine tomorrow. Greetings from Australia.

[@jeepnicc]

Nice! Great job guys. Looks like you got yourselves an old BSR (Birmingham Stove & Range) skillet! I have a few in my collection, and they're great! Thanks for sharing!

[@robertsbushcraft]

Hey that's awesome that you can identify it, JT! Thanks!

[@ambilaevus7607]

I have the same skillet. Thank you for mentioning, good to know.

[@kadirvalkad8570]

A job well done, now I know how to do my skillet laying in the garage for at least a year. Thanks buddy

[@robertsbushcraft]

You are certainly welcome, Kadir! We'll be hanging cast iron skillets and pots once we get our cabin done: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqm2l5ShaJqsrM0

[@lisaboston2465]

I’ve got an old #7 iron skillet that belonged to my grandmother then to my mom. Now I am 54 years old and it got passed down to me. So it’s no telling how old this pan is. It’s so caked on and thick with old seasoning (especially on the bottom like that one) that I can’t even begin to imagine what brand it is. I can only see the number on the handle. It’s maybe even worse than yours was on the bottom but not as rusty. I am anxious to try this vinegar method and see if I can have such good results like you did. I really don’t want to have to resort to oven cleaner or some of those harsher methods. Thank you for sharing!

[@robertsbushcraft]

I hope you get the same or better results, Lisa!

[@RevMikeBlack]

I have 150 to 200 year old frying pans owned by the women in my family all the way back to my great great grandmother. The skillet that appears to be the oldest is heavily seasoned on the sides and bottom, but the cooking surface is still smooth. Although I enjoy restoring iron, I've chosen not to de-season it because (to me) I would be erasing family history. It still fries bacon like a champ, so why do anything at all?

[@breikowski]

Nice BSR pan, made in the 60’s as evidenced by the made in USA stamp. I have the same pan, love it! Good for you!

[@robertsbushcraft]

Thanks for the info, @breikowski!

[@MsPickles333]

This was 👏 awesome . And I just relived I don't know shoot about my cast iron skillet. Scrubbing my skillet last night I was wondering why the black was coming off. The seasoning! Thanks for the video, really enjoyed it 👍

[@robertsbushcraft]

You're very welcome and I hope the video helped!

[@henrymontoya2536]

WOW!! I'm excited to try your way on a skillet that was in my mom's back yard. Glad I came across your video.

[@robertsbushcraft]

All the best to you, Henry!

[@castironlady1720]

Glad to see you rescued the skillet and are using it.

[@robertsbushcraft]

I made sausage gravy and home made buttermilk biscuits last night. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment, Cast Iron Lady!

[@cherylweber8406]

Thanks for the vinegar soak method tutorial. I over seasoned some of my cast iron.... thought I would have to get my cast iron sand blasted.

[@robertsbushcraft]

You are certainly welcome, Cheryl!

[@frankroper3274]

Back when I made cornbread I got the skillet hot first and it will make the cornbread batter separate from the bottom.

[@robertsbushcraft]

A hot skillet is crucial for me to bake with success!

[@KWN-Cards]

You were doing a fine job right up to the point you started cooking taters, onion and eggs. I had to hit the pause button and go fix me some eggs and taters. But that's cool, I was hungry and boy was it good. It's obvious you had a great mom and dad raise you, keep up the great work and thanks for the vid.

[@robertsbushcraft]

Ha! I am glad you were able to fix up some eggs and taters! That's a wonderful combination, isn't it? Thanks for the encouragement, @KustKickinIt!

[@haroldratliff7854]

I got a old cast iron skillet that I found years ago when we was cleaning out a old house for someone so I bought it home it is got a ton of rust on it going to do what you said to do Will do a before and after pictures and let you know how it turns out thank you for the video

[@robertsbushcraft]

We'd love to see how that turns out, Harold!

[@joyciejd9673]

Absolutely great! I have seen lasers, lye oven cleaners, sanders And figured my cast iron needs to go into the pail. I will try this when the weather gets warmer! I really enjoyed this. Thankyou!

[@robertsbushcraft]

You are very welcome, Joycie!

[@joshuapowell1868]

Great video everything was great God bless you

[@robertsbushcraft]

Thanks and may God bless you too, Joshua!

[@journeybrook9357]

Some cast irons fetch large $. Thanks for reminding of thin coats multiple times.Nothing is better than fried potatoes or cooking beef in a cast iron. The flavor is so good.

[@clinicallydiagnosed]

Happy to see that your work paid off so well! That skillet will be good to go for another 100 years, maybe more! Great video!

[@robertsbushcraft]

Thanks, Eric! I've been cooking on it several times a week since the restoration and I think you are right, 100 years and maybe more!

[@DavidJones-de9zh]

Question? Would it be worth throwing out the dirty vinegar and replacing ot with clean vinegar some time during the first week?

[@robertsbushcraft]

We never had to do that. It might be worth a shot just to see if it makes a difference. Our thinking is that if what we're using is working there's no need to waste any more vinegar.

[@ishakzakaria3923]

Thanks for making this video. I just bought my first cast iron skillet and still in the box because I was worried of getting it rusted after using it. Now I have learned the proper technique to maintain it. This video is a big help for me and my family. Thank you again!

[@robertsbushcraft]

You are very welcome, Ishak!

[@JaguwarSims]

If it's brand new you should never have to go to this extreme. Just DON'T remove the seasoning coating, and you'll be fine.

[@leebiggers3358]

Can you use white distilled vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar for the bath?

[@robertsbushcraft]

We've always used apple cider vinegar, I'm reading in some of the discussion/comments that white vinegar does work. I just don't have any experience with it to say whether it works or works better than apple cider vinegar.

[@leebiggers3358]

@@robertsbushcraft thank you for responding. I’m going to try the oven cleaning method first. If there’s any crud left after that, I will definitely try the Apple cider vinegar method

[@dawngray2542]

Im so glad I found your channel! And I know your grandpa was looking down from haven saying look at my grandson&myole' cast iron!!❤🙏❤!

[@robertsbushcraft]

We're glad you found us too, Dawn! I certainly hope that is EXACTLY what he's doing!

[@stephenmcmurry4969]

That skillet will last you a lifetime,I stripped one out of my great aunts barn 30 years ago with a lye bath .My favorite piece of iron

[@robertsbushcraft]

I agree 100% and I hope to pass it on down the family line. Thanks for watching and commenting, Stephen!

[@SallySockPuppet]

Thank you!! Dinner looked great!!

[@mississippispider]

I've used the same 8 gallons of vinegar to restore 12 skillets so far this week.

[@robertsbushcraft]

That's fantastic! 12 skillets WOW! I absolutely love my cast irons.

[@craigb8228]

Any filtering?

[@dannpd1955]

Git er done.

[@melaniemiller4567]

TY and What a wonderful young man! Now i'm ready to go clean my many cast iron skillets and pots w/ confidence🎉

[@robertsbushcraft]

Well thank you very much, Melanie!

[@denelleandrea]

It was mentioned this can be done in the oven... will it smoke up my apartment you think? I have a cast iron that needs a vinegar soak and reseasoning.

[@robertsbushcraft]

The smell of the process will be worse than the amount of smoke you'll get. It's not a billowing smoke, but it will be noticeable.

[@clinttorris4085]

Yes it works better with a controlled heat source such as an oven. Don't know why he decided to use a grill. It'll work i guess.

[@jonrettich-ff4gj]

Nice to watch, your method bringing cast iron back to life is impressive. Do you need to use apple cider vinegar or will plain white do?

[@petrichor7121]

I hope there's a reply.. waiting with you! 😊

[@robertsbushcraft]

I've not used white vinegar, but several have left comments saying that white will work just fine.

[@Calamiti999Fine]

Lady Liberty Stacker channel on KZbin is a fantastic source for cast iron restoration & identification. I used some of her info to restore & identify a big skillet like yours that I found in my grandparent’s old barn that burned down after a lightning strike. It wound up being pretty valuable family heirloom to pass down in the family. Your skillet looks great too.

[@robertsbushcraft]

I'll check that out, Allyson. I think it's wonderful that you were able to restore that old piece. Thanks for taking time to watch and leave a comment!

[@DB-cx6cb]

❤Young man you taught an old man a lesson today. I’m from the South and raised on Cornbread out of Cast Iron pan that looks like your beautiful pan! Great video!

[@robertsbushcraft]

Thank you kindly, @DB!

[@Rollwithit699]

So happy to have run across this video! I had no idea that ACV could strip cast iron that well. I'm tempted to redo all my cast iron and carbon steel. Was that ACV ever changed out or was it all the original vinegar you first put in the foil pan? Great job, young man. I'm very encouraged by your hard work and the excellent job you did. 👍🌝

[@robertsbushcraft]

I never changed the vinegar, so, it was the same from start to finish. Thank you for the encouragement, Let It Roll!

[@patcolston2901]

I found and ole rusty axe head. Soaked in white cleaning vinager for a couple of days. It's pitted but works. Holds good edge.

[@robertsbushcraft]

@@patcolston2901 good info, Pat!

[@lindaschlaht7439]

​@@patcolston2901😮

[@RevMikeBlack]

The vinegar bath may take a long time, but it appears to work better than electrolysis. Nice restoration!

[@robertsbushcraft]

Thank you, Mike!

[@kylechrismon8783]

Been using white vinegar to restore rusty treasures for years,also grapeseed oil is much better than canola oil for cooking and seasoning,it has a higher smoke point

[@robertsbushcraft]

We get a lot of questions asking about white vinegar. Has it worked well for you? Is it as good as apple cider vinegar?

[@MissX905]

I usually rub Crisco lard on it. Then when it's all done cook some bacon in it the 1st thing. I never use butter or margarine when I cook on mine. I have 2 pans I'm starting tomorrow. 1s an old 1891 Wagner pan and the other 1 is a Lagostina. I've sold a few in the past for some good $. Plus if you can get them for $10 or under then resell them for $50 to $100 you make some $

[@Mary-zj9jz]

thank you i going to be hunting for a older cast iron when garage sale season and this is one of the best I seen to clean the rust off. instead a steel brush I have seen some people use a course salt like sea salt and towel or potato.

[@robertsbushcraft]

You're welcome Mary and happy hunting!

[@FabiolaVettese]

That's so awesome! I love the way you used a natural product to clean this pan back to new...I love it and it worked beautifully. I would probably use a healthier oil as well, like @freedom dove mentioned below. Loved those comfort foods you made, and never thought of making something like cornbread in there!! Do you happen to have the recipe for the cornbread? Would love to try it out in my cast iron skillet. Thanks!

[@robertsbushcraft]

Cornbread is one of our favorite treats, Fabiola! Here's a link to our site that has the recipe: robertsbushcraft.com/bushcraft-field-notes/how-to-restore-cast-iron-skillet-with-no-power-tools-or-chemicals.html

[@jeannebentsen2794]

You also can bake brownies and cornbread etc in cast iron pans. In fact experts say it is the 1st thing to do....season and bake in it first.

[@mr.b2086]

Excellent video. Now I'm on the hunt for old cast iron.

[@robertsbushcraft]

Happy hunting, Brandon!

[@RustyNail5856]

That was a great video, thanks for sharing it. but , always a BUT. you don't won't to put a cold cast iron pot, pan , Ect. on a hot fire it can cause the pan to break. always put your pan in the oven or grill oiled up, and then warm it up slowly to keep it from breaking . that is the way i was shown . just a thought.

[@robertsbushcraft]

That's exactly what we did, oiled up and in the grill! That's the only way to do it unless you want to hear high-pitched, fast-paced talk from your mom or wife. Thanks for watching, Rusty!

[@RustyNail5856]

Sorry my bad, it just look like you put the pan in a hot oven , that is why i wrote you . i did not won't you to lose a good peace of cast iron. glad you did it that way. and your right about your wife or your mom, LOL. that would be as bad as losing a good pan. great job own the video. the pan came out looking great. Keep up the good work.

[@robertsbushcraft]

Thanks, Rusty!

[@vincekrivsky8266]

One of the best video on KZbin

[@robertsbushcraft]

Hey thanks for the encouragement, Vince!

[@freedomdove]

Wow. What a treasure you found there! Is that a Griswold? You did a great job with the vinegar. I've never seen it done that way but it makes perfect sense to me, knowing how vinegar works. I personally would have skimmed off that nasty foam as it formed, though. I also avoid oils such as canola, soy, corn, and "vegetable oil". I would rather use lard or bacon grease or expeller-pressed coconut oil since they are healthier fats. Really fine job, guys. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

[@robertsbushcraft]

A treasure it is! I couldn't find any markings on the skillet that could identify it and I'm not certain what brand it is. Thanks for taking a moment to watch and leave a comment, freedom dove!