AwesomeOpossum74
Cook
This was my weekend project for this week, to finally rejuvenate it, bring it back from the brink, in preparation for family/friends campouts.
The boring history: This dutch oven came to us about 5 years ago from a local scout troop that was being dissolved. With the troop, we'd used it on a number of camping trips, and I know that it was washed with soap, and very infrequently seasoned. "Used hard and put up wet." Hence, it came into my possession already somewhat rusted. Since then, it was stored on my screened in back porch, sheltered from the rain, but subject to Florida humidity, until I could figure out what to do with it.
I have no before pics, but I can tell you, the top of the lid was badly rusted (completely rust-covered), and the interior of the bowl wasn't faring much better.
I scrubbed and scrubbed using vinegar and #1 steel wool and water for a few good hours, and still there remained some minor rust areas. But in the end, it's been through it's first seasoning in the oven, and I think it's looking good!
Questions:
- There was still some minor rust in some areas. Nothing flaky or even detectable to the touch. Seemed no matter how much I scrubbed, I couldn't get rid of it. After seasoning, I can't even find the rust areas visually. Should I be concerned?
- I'm thinking about putting it through the seasoning process again (light oil, and oven) to continue adding protection. Any reason not to?
- This will likely be infrequently used, as it won't be often we will use this massive thing in our small get-togethers. Storing it inside might also be an issue due to space. What's the best way to store it outdoors (screen porch or garage)? Would storing it in one of those waterproof storage bags be sufficient, especially if it's stored in a tote as well?
- Anyone know what brand it might be? There are no markings, and I have no idea it's age. The only telltale I can see might be the handle design that starts thick and ends thin? I know it's been through a lot of scout trips, and survived a rough and tumble life and is still in one (two?) piece, so I surmise it's good/ok quality.
The boring history: This dutch oven came to us about 5 years ago from a local scout troop that was being dissolved. With the troop, we'd used it on a number of camping trips, and I know that it was washed with soap, and very infrequently seasoned. "Used hard and put up wet." Hence, it came into my possession already somewhat rusted. Since then, it was stored on my screened in back porch, sheltered from the rain, but subject to Florida humidity, until I could figure out what to do with it.
I have no before pics, but I can tell you, the top of the lid was badly rusted (completely rust-covered), and the interior of the bowl wasn't faring much better.
I scrubbed and scrubbed using vinegar and #1 steel wool and water for a few good hours, and still there remained some minor rust areas. But in the end, it's been through it's first seasoning in the oven, and I think it's looking good!
Questions:
- There was still some minor rust in some areas. Nothing flaky or even detectable to the touch. Seemed no matter how much I scrubbed, I couldn't get rid of it. After seasoning, I can't even find the rust areas visually. Should I be concerned?
- I'm thinking about putting it through the seasoning process again (light oil, and oven) to continue adding protection. Any reason not to?
- This will likely be infrequently used, as it won't be often we will use this massive thing in our small get-togethers. Storing it inside might also be an issue due to space. What's the best way to store it outdoors (screen porch or garage)? Would storing it in one of those waterproof storage bags be sufficient, especially if it's stored in a tote as well?
- Anyone know what brand it might be? There are no markings, and I have no idea it's age. The only telltale I can see might be the handle design that starts thick and ends thin? I know it's been through a lot of scout trips, and survived a rough and tumble life and is still in one (two?) piece, so I surmise it's good/ok quality.