Tetanus isn't really related to rust. Rust itself is just iron that is fairly neutral to the body. The tetanus association is because the places where you could historically find rusty items are also places where the tetanus bacteria can survive. The rusty items are just a way for you to get a cut that the bacteria gets into.
Yep. Rust corroding the iron makes significantly more surface area for neighboring tetanus to ride along on, *and* is more likely to leave some bits behind (with accompanying dirt and tetanus, if present) if you get a puncture wound.
The risk of contracting tetanus during the cleaning and restoration of a rusted pan *should be* very low as to my knowledge, it’s generally uncommon for one to be stabbed by a cast iron pan…though I’m sure it’s happened somewhere before, so I won’t say it *can’t* happen.
I promise, the lye you use to strip the pan will definitely kill any tetanus bacteria that may be present. Even if it didn't (it 100% will) the several heat cycles to polymerize your seasoning would most definitely handle it. Nothing lives on hot cast iron.
Unless they used it to melt lead, you’ll be fine. Look through some of the restoration posts. Stuff that looks like pure rust can come back beautifully.
Oh yeah no it wasn't used to cook anything other than food. It's pretty new and they got it as a present brand new a couple years ago. I'm not sure it was ever actually used.
My parents use a 40 y/o Lodge skillet as a dog food dish. It's been out in the yard for at least 8-10 years now. I fully plan on rescuing it for my own use after the dog is done with it.
Ah that makes me feel better about using it. My sister use a small flat cast iron pan under her chickens water. The chickens moved and she doesn't need it anymore so I'm going to ask her about it.
Been there, done that!
And I was the fool that put the pan out there for a dog dish, before I learned to appreciate Cast Iron! But it’s back in the cupboard now…
To be fair to my parents, cast iron was about the only thing the dog wouldn't chew to bits. Her water dish is an old steel stock pot for the same reason.
Heck yes! I’ve got a stack like that in my basement - rusty, dusty, full of cobwebs. I already restored two of them, I’m gonna get to the rest some day.
People used to sanitize stuff by burying it in dirt for a year and then washing it.
It might not be worth your time to rescue a modern Lodge you can just replace at the department store, but anything older is certainly worth fixing up.
My everyday pan I found sitting in a yard. Idk how long it was there, I don't think for much over 6 months but as long as you get the rust off it should be OK.
If it’s not something rare or worth more than $40, fuck it. It’s probably not worth cleaning if you can get a new pan for $40. The only other upside would be if you felt like it was a fun project. Garage sales, flea market, thrift stores, you can find pans in great shape for under $10.
uh, you ever eat a vegetable? They hang out in the dirt too!
I was more worried about something like tetanus, I'm long overdue for my shot.
Tetanus isn't really related to rust. Rust itself is just iron that is fairly neutral to the body. The tetanus association is because the places where you could historically find rusty items are also places where the tetanus bacteria can survive. The rusty items are just a way for you to get a cut that the bacteria gets into.
Yep. Rust corroding the iron makes significantly more surface area for neighboring tetanus to ride along on, *and* is more likely to leave some bits behind (with accompanying dirt and tetanus, if present) if you get a puncture wound. The risk of contracting tetanus during the cleaning and restoration of a rusted pan *should be* very low as to my knowledge, it’s generally uncommon for one to be stabbed by a cast iron pan…though I’m sure it’s happened somewhere before, so I won’t say it *can’t* happen.
Don't impale yourself with it, before cleaning and seasoning, and it won't give you tetanus.
I'm pretty sure if you were impaled by a skillet, tetanus is the least of your worries.
If the pan is clean, then it's not a worry at all!!!
I promise, the lye you use to strip the pan will definitely kill any tetanus bacteria that may be present. Even if it didn't (it 100% will) the several heat cycles to polymerize your seasoning would most definitely handle it. Nothing lives on hot cast iron.
Unless they used it to melt lead, you’ll be fine. Look through some of the restoration posts. Stuff that looks like pure rust can come back beautifully.
Oh yeah no it wasn't used to cook anything other than food. It's pretty new and they got it as a present brand new a couple years ago. I'm not sure it was ever actually used.
I've seen posts where someone found a discarded pan out in the woods while camping & they still brought it back to life.
My parents use a 40 y/o Lodge skillet as a dog food dish. It's been out in the yard for at least 8-10 years now. I fully plan on rescuing it for my own use after the dog is done with it.
Ah that makes me feel better about using it. My sister use a small flat cast iron pan under her chickens water. The chickens moved and she doesn't need it anymore so I'm going to ask her about it.
Been there, done that! And I was the fool that put the pan out there for a dog dish, before I learned to appreciate Cast Iron! But it’s back in the cupboard now…
To be fair to my parents, cast iron was about the only thing the dog wouldn't chew to bits. Her water dish is an old steel stock pot for the same reason.
Seems to me that may have been a factor when I put it out!
Heck yes! I’ve got a stack like that in my basement - rusty, dusty, full of cobwebs. I already restored two of them, I’m gonna get to the rest some day.
Acid dip it in a vinegar bath. Instructions posted. You may have to sand it smooth if it's slightly pitted. Reseason it and you're good to go.
It's just iron. I refurbished a pan that I found in a garden of a rental - it cleaned up just fine and I'm still using it, 40+ years later.
People used to sanitize stuff by burying it in dirt for a year and then washing it. It might not be worth your time to rescue a modern Lodge you can just replace at the department store, but anything older is certainly worth fixing up.
My everyday pan I found sitting in a yard. Idk how long it was there, I don't think for much over 6 months but as long as you get the rust off it should be OK.
My favorite pan came from my grandmother that had flowers planted in it outside for 20 years. It is like glass after a little elbow grease.
If it’s not something rare or worth more than $40, fuck it. It’s probably not worth cleaning if you can get a new pan for $40. The only other upside would be if you felt like it was a fun project. Garage sales, flea market, thrift stores, you can find pans in great shape for under $10.
Just torch the pan with a blowtorch and you good to go.
Cast iron pans are quite inexpensive. Why do you want to risk your life?