Best bins for stripping my cast iron skillet

[b.woody]

I want to strip the old seasoning off my twelve inch cast iron skillet because the buildup is getting too thick and messy. I am planning to use a vinegar bath to get it back down to the bare metal but I need to find the right container for the job.

The bin needs to be large enough to fit the entire pan including the handle while resisting the acid in the vinegar. I have considered using a plastic storage tub or a large rubber bin but I am not sure if certain materials might react poorly over time. It is important to find a sturdy container that won't leak or melt while the pan soaks for a few days. What kind of setup will make the cleaning process much easier and help me get a fresh start on my seasoning?

 

[night game]

Have you tried using a heavy duty plastic storage tote? Afaik, they usually handle diluted vinegar quite well.

 

[badGamer]

@b.woody Do not use an aluminum tray because the vinegar will eat through the metal and cause a leak.

 

[BigBob75]

I bought a tote from Wally World (Walmart) and a Schumacher MANUAL battery charger from fleabay (EBay) and will try my hand at cleaning several skillets WHEN THE SUMMER ARRIVES! 8-16 inches of snow predicted and it's in the single digits (9 F.) on the thermometer now. Going up to a blistering 19 F today. I'm so happy here in Jersey!
ON A HAPPY NOTE;
I am using my seasoned cast iron skillets and they work so much better than the throw away non stick junk every store is selling. My Chef Daughter and Grandson love their cast iron skillets and I gave them 2 cast iron cook books for Christmas 2025 (Lodge cook book & Cook it in Cast Iron book). God Bless. Bob

 

[trigger02]

Make sure you use a fifty fifty mix of water and white vinegar to avoid damaging the iron itself.

 

[Dj Jimmy]

How long are you planning to leave the pan submerged before you start scrubbing the old layers off.