Why do some iron skillet pans develop an ugly orange layer of rust after a single washing cycle?

Question

I washed my premium cast iron pan with normal dish soap, rinsed it, and left it on the dish rack to dry. Two hours later it was covered in bright orange powder. Why?

ChefLine · Answer

Cast iron contains raw uncoated iron atoms. If left wet in ambient air, water molecules bond with iron to create iron oxide (rust) instantly. Always dry cast iron completely on a hot stove burner.

Why do some iron skillet pans develop an ugly orange layer of rust after a single washing cycle?

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