Help restore my late dad’s cast iron skillets
A few months ago my father passed away, and I inherited his two decades old cast iron skillets. Cooking with him was one of my favorite things as a kid so they’re really special to me and hold a lot of sentimental value.
The issue is that these skillets were both in storage for multiple years as my dad was suffering from cancer and couldn’t use them anymore. They’re now in pretty bad shape, with what I’m guessing is either rust (the orange on the bottom) and/or sticky rancid oil on the bottom and sides. Their tops look a little better, and don’t have the thick sticky residue.
Does anyone have any advice for cleaning this gunk off, and is it safe to cook with these? I’ve had them in storage for several months but I know my dad would have wanted me to be able to use them.