| How to Restore Cast Iron Pans Posted: 27 Mar 2020 05:00 PM PDT Cast iron pans are known for their longevity. They can last for generations, and vintage pans work just as well as as brand-new ones. But if you're buying an old cast iron pan, there's a good chance you'll need to restore it by removing two types of buildup. First, you'll need to strip away the old layers of seasoning. Then, you'll need to remove any rust that's built up on the metal. Depending on the state of your pan, you could soak it first in lye, then vinegar. You could also try electrolysis, which eliminates old seasoning and rust in one step. [Edit]Using Lye to Strip Seasoning - Coat your pans with Easy-Off and seal them in bags for 24 hours. To restore cast iron pans, you can strip off the original seasoning using lye. If you are restoring just one or two pans, it is probably easiest to use an oven cleaner that sprays a lye-based foam, like Easy-Off. Spray the foam all over the pans you're restoring, seal them inside heavy-duty garbage bags, let them sit for 24 hours, then scrub with steel wool.[1]
- Depending on your pan, it may take multiple applications and scrubbing sessions to remove all the seasoning.
- Fill a bucket with lye solution and submerge the pans for faster results. If you have a lot of cast iron pans to restore—or if you just want to get the process over with more quickly—consider using a lye solution. Lye can be purchased at hardware stores, but be sure the product you purchase is pure lye.[2] To make lye solution, use a formula of of lye crystals per of water.[3]
- Be very, very careful with the lye—it is capable of causing bad chemical burns. Do not get it on your skin. Use heavy-duty rubber gloves and eye protection, and wear long sleeves and long pants to cover the rest of your skin.
- Always add lye to water. Never pour water over lye, which causes it to boil up.
- Lye does not affect plastic, so you can reuse old trash cans or plastic containers for this method. A bucket that holds works well for one or two pans, or try a larger size if you have many more cast iron pots to soak.
- Soak the pans for 24 hours in the lye solution, then scrub them. Put on heavy-duty gloves to remove the pans from the lye. Using a mildly abrasive sponge or brush, scrub the surface of the pan to remove the seasoning that's been loosened by the lye. If, after 24 hours, there is still seasoning on the cast iron, put the pans back in the bucket for a few more hours. The seasoning will appear as dark spots on the original gunmetal gray surface of the pan.[4]
- Lye won't harm the metal at all, so don't worry about leaving it in the solution for too long.
- Always keep the bucket covered when you're not using it.
[Edit]Removing Rust with Vinegar - Fill a 5-gallon (19 L) bucket with equal parts white vinegar and water. After you've removed old seasoning from your cast iron pans, you will then need to remove rust. Buy several jugs of cheap distilled white vinegar. Pour them into a large plastic bucket and mix with an equal amount of water.[5]
- You can also plug your sink and fill it with vinegar and water, if you don't have a bucket on hand.
- Soak the pans for up to 8 hours. Place the pans into the bucket or sink. Make sure there's enough of the vinegar-water mixture to completely cover your pans. Don't let the pans soak for more than 8 hours, since vinegar can erode and pit cast iron if it's exposed for too long.[6]
- Check the pans regularly as they soak. Each pan will need to soak for a different length of time, depending on the amount of rust that has built up. Check the pan roughly every 30 minutes by pulling it out of the water to see how much rust has dissolved. When the rust begins to flake away easily when scrubbed with a brush, take the pan out of the vinegar soak.[7]
- Scrub off any remaining flakes of rust with a sponge. Using a mildly abrasive sponge or gentle scrub brush, wash the cast iron pans to remove any last flecks of rust. Rinse with warm water.[8]
[Edit]Using Electrolysis to Remove Seasoning and Rust - Purchase a manual car battery charger. You can buy these new at big box stores, or you can often find them at yard sales at lower prices. Double-check to make sure the label says "manual," or the charger features a switch that goes between manual and automatic.[9]
- Fill a large plastic tub with water and washing soda. Make sure your tub is big enough to hold enough water to cover the pot you're trying to clean—usually at least . Add washing soda, a laundry booster which is different than baking soda, to the water. Use roughly of laundry booster per gallon of water.[10]
- Do this outside or in a vented garage, since it produces hydrogen gas that is potentially flammable.[11]
- Too much washing soda can can result in excessive current and issues with overheating.
- Place a piece of scrap metal into the tub. Cheap metal baking pans work well for this. Other low-cost options include rebar, used lawn mower blades, or large, flattened steel cans with the top and bottom removed. Pieces of metal with more surface area tend to be the most efficient. Make sure an inch or two of the metal sticks out of the water.[12]
- Test with a magnet to ensure the object is steel, not aluminum, which won't work.
- You can use as many as four pieces of metal, which will speed the process along. These will need to be connected to each other by a metal wire to allow the current to pass through all of them.
- Put a piece of wood over the tub and hang the pot from it. Suspend the pan from the wooden plank using a piece of wire that's threaded through the hole in the pot handle on one end and wrapped several times around the wooden plank on the other. Besides the handle, the pan should be fully submerged in the water. Make sure that the pot does not touch the pieces of metal.[13]
- A coat hanger is an easy source of wire. Use a pair of pliers to bend it and cut it to size.
- Attach the charger's black clip to the pan and the red clip to the metal plate. The clips should be attached to the parts of the pan and metal plate that are sticking out of the water. Use a stainless steel scrubber or a wire brush to remove rust or other dirt from the spots where the connector clips attach. This allows for good electrical contact and produces better results.[14]
- If you are using multiple metal plates in your setup, the red clip only needs to be attached to one of them. The current will run through the connecting metal wire to the other plates.
- Plug in your charger and let it run for several hours. Your setup is working if the water begins to foam around the cast iron pan and your charger's amp meter shows it operating at the upper end of its scale. Let the pan sit for 3 or 4 hours.[15]
- Do not touch any part of the setup once the charger is on, to prevent electrocution.
- Flip the pan, then repeat the process. Unplug the battery charger before you touch anything in the setup. As soon as it has been switched off, you can pull the pan out of the water and scrape it to see its progress. Typically the side of the pan facing the metal piece will be cleaner, so you may have to flip your pan several times between soaks.[16]
- The pan is clean when the metal is bare and gray. Electrolysis can take can take up to 36 hours to remove rust and seasoning from a particularly dirty pan.
[Edit]Caring for Your Restored Pan - Use a mild detergent and warm water to scrub away any remaining rust. Using a slightly abrasive sponge to clean away any final flakes or rust or seasoning that remain. Steel wool or green scrub pads work well—avoid copper scouring pads, which are too abrasive.[17]
- Do not put your pan in the dishwasher.
- Dry your pans immediately. A restored pan is very susceptible to rust. Make sure you dry it completely with a towel after it has been stripped of rust and seasoning. To make sure the pan is totally dry, you could even slide it in an oven set to warm for several minutes.[18]
- Re-season your pans. Rub the entire cast iron pan down with a neutral oil, such as vegetable oil. Then, place the cast iron in the oven at . Let it bake for about an hour, then allow it to cool down for at least 45 minutes before you use it.[19]
- Each time you use the pan to cook, make sure you wipe it down with another layer of oil. This will build up a protective coat to guard against rust.
[Edit]Warnings - Be very careful when handling liquid lye, which can burn your bare skin. Use protective measures including goggles and gloves.
- If you are using electrolysis to clean your pans, do not touch any part of the setup (other than the charger) once the electricity has been turned on.
- Don't use naval jelly to restore a pan. Although it can work for very small pieces of cast iron, most pans are too big to be fully submerged. Instead, it dries on the pan and becomes very hard to remove.[20]
- Also avoid sandblasting as a method to remove rust, which can permanently alter the original surface of the cast iron.[21]
[Edit]References |
| How to Be Diplomatic Posted: 27 Mar 2020 09:00 AM PDT Perhaps you are a manager looking to create a more positive work environment or maybe you are just looking to learn better conflict resolution skills. Diplomacy involves evaluating a situation before speaking or acting and taking the best course of action. While diplomacy can be difficult in certain situations, you can remain poised by being tactful, defusing difficult situations, and building relationships with others. [Edit]Communicating Effectively - Choose your words carefully. Remember that though your intentions may be good, sometimes your words might hurt others. Before speaking about a sensitive topic, ask yourself if what you're about to say is true, helpful and kind. Use "I" statements to describe your own thoughts instead of guessing at what others think or feel.[1]
- For instance, you can say "I'm feeling uncomfortable with the decision made in today's meeting" instead of "You should be upset about that decision today."
- Always make statements from your own point of view and perspective.
- Avoid being defensive or blaming others.
- If you need to discuss something serious with someone, practice your words beforehand.
- Adapt your communication style based on the situation. Always know your audience before delivering a message. This will help to ensure that it is well received and understood. Determine whether email or in-person communication works best or if news is best delivered in groups or in one-on-one settings.[2]
- For instance, perhaps you need to tell your staff that there will be budget cuts. In the past you may have used email to deliver sensitive information, but have found that caused confusion. Call a staff meeting instead and deliver the facts while providing time for questions.
- Schedule individual meetings as necessary or requested.
- Be open to new ideas. Instead of always making decisions on your own, listen to the perspectives of others. Thank them for telling you how they feel so that they always feel comfortable doing so. Take time to consider others' opinions, but stand firm by your own decisions when you feel that you have made the best choice.[3]
- Say "Thank you for your honesty, Jason. I'll take what you said about universal healthcare into consideration and I'll do more research."
- Be assertive with your words and body language. When speaking to others, don't be aggressive, but do be confident. Speak slowly and deliberately. Sit with your legs and arms uncrossed and look people in the eye when they are speaking.[4]
- You should still acknowledge when you don't know something. For example, say, "I'm not sure about that subject and don't know the answer right now, but I'll be sure to look into it further."
- Use indirect language. Instead of being overly direct about your thoughts and feelings, add a bit of fluff. Make suggestions instead of telling people what to do. A diplomatic person does not bark out orders, but finds ways to inspire others to action instead.[5] Your goal should be to collaborate with your team and encourage them to do their best.
- For instance, if you are managing a conflict between your children, you might say "You two might want to consider a better way to divide up the space in your room so that you fight less."
- You can say to an employee who's often late "Have you considered taking the interstate to work instead? It's a bit quicker in my experience." If you choose to say this, say it to someone who you have a good relationship with. It could be perceived as passive-aggressive in some contexts.
- Mind your manners. Having good manners is key to diplomacy. Wait your turn to speak and never interrupt others. Be encouraging and avoid hurling insults. Keep your voice at a natural and neutral level and avoid cursing or yelling.[6]
- Control your emotions. Perhaps you have to work with people who you really don't like or whose actions you consider offensive. However, being diplomatic is not just for those you get along with. Practice deep-breathing techniques to calm you when others stress you out. If you feel that you are going to cry or yell, walk away for a moment to use the restroom.[7]
- Consider trying a meditation app such as Insight Timer to help you manage your emotions.
- Alternatively, you could try grounding yourself in the moment. Focus your attention on how your feet feel against the floor or how your buttocks feels against your chair.
[Edit]Addressing Difficult Situations - Pick a non-stressful time to talk. If you need to have a conversation with someone over something serious, do so when you are both calm. This will help ensure that you can have a reasonable conversation.[8]
- Start with a positive comment when giving bad news. Before delivering upsetting information, ease the mood with some positive feedback or news. This will keep the other person calm and establish trust.[9]
- Perhaps you are declining a wedding invitation. Instead of just replying "no," send a card that says "Congrats on your upcoming wedding! I know it will be a beautiful day. Unfortunately, I have a work event, but I wish you nothing but the best and will mail my gift to you."
- Be sure to do this when giving constructive criticism, as well.
- Focus on the facts of the situation. Before a major talk, consider the facts. You don't want to enter into conversation relying too much on emotion or opinion, but on reason and logic instead.[10] During your talk, avoid blaming others or becoming defensive. You should not take things personally.
- Perhaps your office is undergoing a restructure. Rather than going to your boss and saying "I don't like these changes" say "With our department having increased our sales by double in the last quarter, making cuts here will severely affect our ability to make a profit."
- Find ways to compromise with others. Determine both your goal and the goals of others. Think about what you desire to gain as well as what your counterpart wants and look for ways that these interests overlap.[11]
- For instance, perhaps your spouse wants to move so the kids can go to a better school. You might want to stay because it's close to your office. Consider private schools or moving just one town over.
- Express your likes and dislikes to create beneficial situations for everyone. Once you have spoken about each of your objectives, find ways to negotiate. Diplomacy often involves giving up some things so that you can have other things that you desire. Be willing to do so for the sake of compromise and progress.[12]
- Perhaps you are creating a chore list for you and your roommate. You may not mind doing the dishes but hate working outdoors. Perhaps your roommate has the opposite feeling. Offer to take on dish duty in the place of yard work.
- React calmly when given bad news. Perhaps your boss tells you that you are being fired or your spouse says they are leaving you. Instead of yelling, hurling insults, or having a meltdown, show maturity through remaining calm. Take several deep breaths in and out. Respond positively and step away as needed to collect yourself.
- For instance, to your boss you might say "I'm very sorry to hear this. Is there a particular reason and is this a final decision?"
- Don't numb out your emotions or escape from them with things like drugs or alcohol. Instead, talk with a friend, engage in a fun activity, or get some exercise. If you are really struggling, see a therapist or counselor.
- Speak well of others. When others are gossiping, don't add fuel to the fire. You might work in a toxic environment where rumors are often spread, but don't be a part of that. Refraining from gossip shows to others that you have character and integrity.[13]
- Be honest and show people your true self. A major element of being diplomatic is being real. When having these tough conversations, it's vital to be truthful with others. If not, you won't be able to get what you want and people won't be able to form genuine relationships with you.[14]
- Maybe you made an error on a project that has affected your team. Instead of shifting blame, say "I made an error on the report and that's why we've been getting so many calls today. I apologize and I'm working to fix it. Let me know if you all have questions or need help."
- Take a step back from the conversation. Avoid making difficult decisions on the spot. Instead of making decisions that you'll regret, walk away for a moment to think.[15]
- For instance, you might be a supervisor working with an employee who is asking to work from home one day a week. Before saying 'no' immediately, consider their needs and reasoning. Find a way to compromise if possible and offer this flexibility to other staff as well.
[Edit]Building Rapport with Others - Make small talk to create comfort. A major part of diplomacy is helping others feel comfortable with you. Instead of jumping right into a serious talk, establish a level of friendliness with others. Talk about each other's weekends, spouses, kids or hobbies. Discuss the latest news or TV shows that you're watching. Help them feel at ease by showing your interest in their lives.[16]
- Inject humor where you can.
- Mirror their body language. Show empathy for them by mimicking their gestures and posture. If they are sitting with their hand resting under their chin, do the same. This shows that you are engaged in the conversation.[17]
- Smile at them when you see them at first, as well.
- Use their name in conversation. People often respond positively to the use of their own name. Every so often, use their name while you're talking.[18]
- It can be something simple like "Where would you like to have lunch, Kyle?" or something more serious like "Andrea, I'm so sorry to hear about your mother."
- Be an attentive listener. When having a talk with someone, avoid using your phone or daydreaming. Instead, actively listen to them so that you can understand their perspective. Relay back what they said to you to prove that you hear them.[19]
- For instance, you might say "It sounds like having to take care of your mother and your small child is really taking a toll on your health."
- Ask them questions. Show that you're listening to them by learning more about what they're discussing. Ask them open-ended questions that require thought and more than a 'yes' or 'no' answer.[20]
- Ask something like "Wow, you went to Greece? What made you decide to go there and what did you like best?"
[Edit]Expert Advice Try this approach if you're clashing with someone on an issue - Thank them for their comments. If someone criticizes you, say something like, "Hey thanks for your feedback. You seem really passionate about this topic. You may be seeing something I'm not. Can you share your thoughts with me about this?"
- Listen to what they have to say. When you ask the other person for their opinion, they may feel a sense of purpose or even righteousness. Even if you don't care for the person, hold it in for the sake of trying to understand the person and resolve the issue.
- Recognize the person's input. After the other person shares their perspective, compliment them, even if you still disagree with them. Acknowledging them may help you both move on and work together more effectively in the future.
- Ask for help if you can't resolve the problem on your own. Sometimes the only way to move past an issue at work is to reach out to a third party for mediation. If you work together, for instance, go to your supervisor or manager. However, try to frame it in a way that you're asking for help to come up with solutions, rather than judging the other person. That will show your boss that you're self-aware and proactive, and that while you need help, you aren't coming to them just to complain.
- Many great books offer tips on diplomacy. For instance, "How to Win Friends and Influence People," written by Dale Carnegie, offers a lot of excellent advice on this subject.
[Edit]Warnings - Be careful with the use of the word "No." You should try to listen well to others' point of view and agree that you understand their point of view, though not necessarily agreeing with what they said.
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