bdosborn wrote:I've seen a bunch of YouTube videos on using electrolysis to clean cast iron. Seems to be an easy way to clean really crusty stuff.
https://www.castironcollector.com/electrolysis.php
Bruce
That is the safest way. Just make sure you have the positive and negative nodes connected the proper direction or you can end up pitting your iron.
Ace Hardware had the laundry soda that you need, not kitchen baking soda.
You can use lye but it is not always available.
I do not recommend putting it in the coals, it will burn off the crud but you cannot control the heat and may end up warping the iron.
If you want good cheap CI, go to swap meets & yard sales, look for the crudiest pieces and offer a couple bucks. It all cleans up nicely with electrolsis.
The old stuff is baby butt smooth too