In daily cooking, iron pots are loved by people because of their good thermal conductivity and health properties. However, iron pots often face an unavoidable problem during use - rust. Rust is not only aesthetically pleasing, but can also affect food taste and human health. So, how do you give a rusty iron pot a new lease of life and turn it into a shiny kitchen utensil? Next, let's uncover the secrets of rust removal and maintenance of iron pots.
First of all, for iron pots that have obvious rust, the first task is to completely remove the rust. In the first step, carefully scrub off the dirt and loose rust layer on the inside of the iron pot with a wire brush or a hard sponge. Then, the acidic substances of white vinegar or lemon juice can be used to remove rust naturally, and the iron pot can be soaked in it for about half an hour to an hour, and the rust will soften and fall off under the action of chemical reaction. Subsequently, rinse off with lukewarm water and wipe dry with a dry cloth.
If the rust persists, you can mix salt with potatoes. Sliced potatoes are dipped in a large amount of table salt and repeatedly wiped in an iron pot to accelerate the redox reaction, and the starch in the potatoes helps to absorb rust stains. After that, it is also washed and dried.
After the rust is treated, we also need to maintain the iron pot to prevent rust again. A traditional and effective method is to "boil the pot". First heat the iron pot until it is reddish, then evenly coat the inside of the pot with lard or cooking oil, and burn slowly over low heat, so that the grease fully penetrates into the small pores on the surface of the iron pot and forms a protective film, which can not only prevent rust but also increase the non-stick performance of the pot body.
In daily use, it is crucial to clean the iron pan promptly after each cooking and ensure that it is completely dry. After washing, the iron pot can be placed on the stove for a short time to dry, or use a clean rag to absorb the water and hang it for storage to avoid water retention and corrosion.
In addition, repeating the above maintenance steps regularly, especially before the long-term unused iron pot is reactivated, a deep cleaning and maintenance can ensure that the iron pot is always in good condition and prolong its service life.
Although the iron pot is easy to rust, as long as you master the correct rust removal method and daily maintenance skills, you can easily transform the rust pot into a smooth and clean cooking tool, so that the iron pot will last for a long time in the smoke and fire, and add a touch of practical and healthy color to the cooking of food. From then on, in the face of rust, you are no longer helpless, but confidently perform your "magic regeneration technique" to keep your iron pot youthful and energetic.