Remove rust from your plancha

Have you discovered a rusty plancha that needs more attention than you thought? Don’t panic! At BonFeu, we’re here to help you get your plancha back in top condition. Rust on your plancha can occur if you haven’t used it for a long time or if maintenance isn’t quite up to scratch. Fortunately, you can tackle rust and get your plancha shining again with a few simple steps.

1. Remove the coarse rust

Start by removing the coarse rusty spots. Use a sturdy spatula to gently scrape over the rusty spots. This step is important because it will help you remove the largest rust pieces and accumulations, making the surface smoother and allowing you to continue working better.

2. Use coarse salt and wet vinegar

Sprinkle coarse salt and soda vinegar on your plancha and leave it on for a while; this acts as an abrasive. The salt and vinegar help loosen the rust and make it easier to remove.

3. Use a steel brush

After a short soaking time of the salt and vinegar, you can use a wire brush to scrub off the rust. Be careful when using a steel brush: steel on steel can cause scratches. Therefore, try to brush in the direction of the steel grain to minimise the risk of scratching.

4. Avoid abrasives and chemicals

It is tempting to use strong detergents, but this can do more harm than good. Green soap, for example, is mildly abrasive and can damage the non-stick coating, allowing food to stick to the plancha. Detergents like Dreft can leave residue that can cause unpleasant odours or tastes when heated, and can even be harmful to your food. It is best to use warm water to clean your plancha. Drying can be done with a cloth or kitchen roll.

5. Oiling the plancha

After cleaning, it is time to oil your plancha. This is a crucial step to prevent rust in the future. Apply a thin layer of vegetable oil to the surface of the plancha and spread it evenly with a cloth. Make sure you cover the entire plate with oil to create a protective layer.

6. Heating

To ensure the oil is well absorbed and to further loosen any rust left behind, it is a good idea to reheat the plancha. Heat the plancha to a moderate temperature. This will help the oil to soak into the surface and improve the overall condition of your plancha.

7. Regular maintenance

Prevention is better than cure! Through regular maintenance, you can prevent rusting in the future. Clean your plancha after every use and reapply a thin layer of oil. This will prolong the life of your plancha and keep it in top condition.

If you want to see these steps visually, watch this video.

By following these steps, you can restore your plancha to excellent condition and ensure its longevity. Still have questions or need additional advice? Feel free to contact us. We will be happy to help you get your plancha back in top shape so that you can enjoy your cooking adventures to the full again.