[quote]I found washing soda at my local hardware store. As for the other methods,
I have not tried them but would be interested in seeing how they work.[/quote]
Hey Woodbutcher,
I'm a novice ( approx 2 year) & picked up most of my " Cast Iron " to use with my " Raindrop " for camping. I've learned alot from the " Camp-cook.com website ", along with some hands on , trial by Fire (burnt my hands alot).
This is how most of my " Flea Market Finds " look!
I.E:
They are usually " Rusted " with lots of old burnt on " Cooking Grease & Soot "
I scrub them up a bit (scotch brite pads) to get some of the loose " Rust & Residue " off, & then place them inside my " BBQ " to burn off all of the old grease @ " Very High Heat " (500++)
Let cool & then placed inside of an old plastic ice chest, submerged with
" 50 % Vinegar / 50 % Water " solution for a few days ( 1-2 ).
Removed and scrub again (Scotch Brite Pad & Wire Brush) to remove any " Rust " or unwanted scale, etc.
I then dry them over the stove & spray on a light coat of " PAM " , & rubbed in with a cloth, while its warm to the touch.
It's back on to the " BBQ " to cook for approx one hour @
450- 475 degrees (under 500,on my BBQ Thermometer Reading), remove & spray on another coat of " Pam "..., to cook for approx 2 hrs..
I just did this lid last weekend, with two coats of " Pam ".
My " Five dollar lid " , looks almost like new !!
A more recent project.
Just needed a little clean-Up..
On the " BBQ " to Burn off most of the " Old Grease & Soot ".
Scrubbed off a bit before heading into the " Ice Chest ".
Soaking in a plastic Ice Chest: " 50 % Vinegar / 50% Water " solution(2 days) & then few more scrubbed downs(4). My " Final " scrubbing is done with " Dawn " dish soap, to remove all of the " Oil / Greasy Film ". And finally..., a " Hot Water Rinse ", which is done inside of my kitchen sink, before heading back to the " BBQ " for a reseasoning.
A finished project , after Cooking on the " BBQ " for a few hours
I'm only doing a few pieces, approx 1 -2 every few months.. Unfortunately , not much to pick-thru, or great deals in my area.. !
L.M.