Why Cast Iron still rust when storing?

Joined
Dec 11, 2025
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I have run into a strange issue with my cast iron collection that I am not currently cooking with. Even though the seasoning looks fine, I keep finding these little spots of rust developing on the iron that is just sitting in storage or on display and it is really frustrating because the pans I use every day are dark and totally nonstick. I use Easy Beasy Cast Iron Seasoning and put on three good coats, but for some reason, the unused pieces are not staying protected like the ones I cook in. Does anyone have an idea why this is happening to the stored iron, and should I be doing something different for storage, like making sure the humidity is low or rubbing on a light layer of oil before putting them away? Thanks.
 
Afaik, that is normal especially the humidity in storage is often the culprit. When cast iron is left sitting unused, it does not get the benefit of repeated heating and oiling that are necessary to build up a tougher seasoning layer.
You might want to wipe on a very thin coat of oil before storing them.
 
I get the weird spots on them even when I have them on display but they're just dirt. Comes right off when I wipe it off. I use Pam on mine, just a little of it, then wipe it back off.
 
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