How do you remove rust from a pressure canner?

My grandmother gave me her old pressure canner which I was thrilled to get!

However, the inside of the canner has some rust in it due to being in a damp basement for several years. Can I use it or should I get a new one? Any advice on how to remove the rust?


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Oh Lucky you! It is so cool to get our grandmothers treasures. I have a thing for vintage kitchen items. Of course not that I'd turn down a new one either!

As a commenter already mentioned. Be sure and have the gauge checked. You need to know it is accurate.

You don't mention the type of pressure canner but if it has a seal you might want to check and see if it needs to be replaced. If it is obviously dried and cracked then you can be pretty sure it won't hold a seal. Replace it. If not I'd still test it before doing your first load. Put 3 quarts of water in the canner and bring it up to pressure with no jars. If it holds pressure you are good to go. If not, you'll need a new one.

Since I live in a very dry climate rust is not an issue that I've had to deal with. So I asked my faithful group over at simplycanning's facebook page. Here are a few responses.


Sheila - Warm water, soft steel wool and oil (cooking) will probably take it out, and some elbow grease - scrub easy tho, don't make gouges in that soft alunimum.


Jody - Creme of Tartar for rust removal and to keep things nice in between vinegar.

Clarissa - bar keepers. Might be good. works great on lots of things.

Teri - Have to agree with the Cream of Tartar, I wouldn't use anything harsh while scrubbing it out.

Ruth - I have used Bon Ami although haven't seen it since I moved to GA. Then after you scrub yourself almost to death take some oil and treat it like you so with cast iron and oil it down.