Just like cooking a chicken, there are so many ways you can do it. Same goes for cleaning a rusty camp oven! I have always used a wire brush on a grinder but that way is quite abrasive, especially when dealing with old camp ovens. With all the hype online about how easy it is to do it this way using molasses, I had to give it a go. You will find a step by step guide on cleaning rusty cast iron with molasses below. Feel free to make a comment at the bottom of this page.
How to restore a camp oven with Molasses in 6 easy steps
Total Time: 4 days
Gather together the things you need
You will need a suitable container with a lid, your rusty item, molasses, some wire or coat hanger and water.
Tip – the wire allows you to remove the item without putting your hands in the mix.
Where to get molasses: Molasses is available from stockfeed retailers as it’s generally used to feed cattle. I bought my molasses from my local stockfeed retailer www.oxenfordstockfeeds.com.au
Place the rusty item in the container
Using a piece of wire, tie it to the item and place it in your plastic container.
Tip: The wire allows you to remove the item without putting your hands in the mix.
Pour the molasses into the container.
Fill the container with water to cover the item and add enough molasses to make a 9:1 ratio (9 parts water to 1 part molasses).
Place the lid onto the container and leave for at least two days.
Wash and dry the camp oven
After three days I took the items from the molasses and washed them using the hose and a scourer to make sure I removed all the molasses residue.
It is really important that you put a coat of *oil to stop it rusting until you season it. Also remember the molasses is reusable over and over again.
*It does not matter what type of oil as long as it is used for cooking
Sorry I did not get any photos of me washing the oven.
Season the camp oven
The easiest way to season your lightly oiled cast iron piece is to place it in a hooded barbecue for about 40 minutes and then let it cool down.
You may need to repeat the process a second time.
I learnt this method from Derek Bullock of www.aussiecampovencook.com
All done!
Here you go, doesn’t it look great! Feel free to ask questions or let us know how your attempt turned out.
Estimated Cost: 10.00 AUD
Supply:
- molasses
Tools:
- A container with a lid
- Wire or coat hanger
Materials: Rusty Cast Iron Camp Oven
