I was successful in removing all the rust from a terribly rusted heat deflector. I purchased 30% vinegar from Home Depot. I poured it into a square storage bin I had that fit the deflector perfectly flat. I submerged the deflector entirely in the vinegar, just to the point where the deflector is just barely covered. After 24 hours soaking I used a Brillo pad to get most of the rust off.
Then I placed the deflector back into the vinegar for 24 hours more. I wiped off with a paper towel and all the rust was gone.
I’m going to season the cast iron now to make sure the rust does not come back. Once you wipe off the deflector you need to make sure it is completely dry by heating on stovetop, oven, etc or rust will quickly return. Once properly seasoned it will stay rust free.
Hope I was able to help someone with this same problem.
Then I placed the deflector back into the vinegar for 24 hours more. I wiped off with a paper towel and all the rust was gone.
I’m going to season the cast iron now to make sure the rust does not come back. Once you wipe off the deflector you need to make sure it is completely dry by heating on stovetop, oven, etc or rust will quickly return. Once properly seasoned it will stay rust free.
Hope I was able to help someone with this same problem.
