Yes, you can use Bar Keepers Friend (BKF) on enameled cast iron, but use it sparingly. Because BKF is a mild abrasive and contains oxalic acid, over-scrubbing or using it too frequently can dull and etch the glossy enamel finish over time.
Cleaning enameled cast iron with Bar Keepers Friend (BKF) is highly effective for removing stubborn food stains and burnt-on grease. To protect the fragile enamel, thoroughly wet the surface, sprinkle a small amount of BKF, and gently scrub with a soft, non-abrasive sponge. Never use harsh steel wool.
I add Vim crème to hot water in pot and let sit for a couple of hours. Or place a dishwasher tab in the pot with water to soak. Or… spray with Dawn Power wash. Let set for at least 10 minutes and rinse.
Yes, you can use Bar Keepers Friend on Le Creuset, but only for occasional deep cleaning of stubborn, burnt-on stains. Both Le Creuset and Bar Keepers Friend recommend it, but because it is a mild abrasive, it should only be used when regular dish soap and baking soda fail.
Did you know BKF is safe for enameled cast iron? 🧐 Take an example from Megan, who used our Soft Cleanser to clean up the burnt-on residue left on her.
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Using Enamel Coated Cast Iron Cookware
Bar Keepers Friend is a powerful cleaner that works wonders on stainless steel, glass, and porcelain, but its active ingredient (oxalic acid) and abrasive nature can ruin delicate and porous surfaces. Never use it on cast iron, non-stick cookware, marble, granite, wood, leather, or painted surfaces.
Yes, you can use Bar Keepers Friend (BKF) on a ceramic or enameled cast iron Dutch oven to remove stubborn stains and burnt-on food. However, because it contains oxalic acid and micro-abrasives, it is best used as a deep-clean method rather than an everyday cleaner.
The Le Creuset lifetime warranty does not cover damage to the non-stick surface caused by overheating or scratching. Overheating: Damage from overheating during cooking is instantly recognizable. The non-stick surface becomes discolored, and in severe cases will blister or peel away from the pan.
Caring for enameled cast iron is simple because the glass-like coating means no seasoning is required. Always let the pan cool completely to avoid thermal shock, wash gently by hand using mild dish soap and a non-scratch sponge, and dry it thoroughly before storing to prevent rim rust.
5 Cast Iron Cleaning Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes—and How to Fix Them
Food sticking to enameled cast iron usually happens because the pan is too hot, isn't preheated properly, or lacks enough fat. Unlike Teflon, enamel is not naturally non-stick. To stop food from sticking, preheat the pan on low-to-medium heat for 4–5 minutes before adding cooking oil.
Whether you can use Bar Keepers Friend (BKF) on cast iron depends entirely on the type of cookware you have. You should not use it on standard seasoned cast iron, but it is perfectly safe and highly effective on enameled cast iron.
Bar Keepers Friend Cooktop Cleaner (2 x13 oz) + Scraper - Multipurpose Liquid Stovetop Cleanser, Safe for Use on Glass & Ceramic Cooking Surfaces, Copper, Brass, Chrome, Stainless Steel & Porcelain.
Yes, you can absolutely use Dawn dish soap on cast iron.
If you're trying to restore a stained Le Creuset Dutch oven (or any enamelware), I highly recommend trying out the hydrogen peroxide & baking soda method! Cleaning tips: Don't let the hydrogen peroxide sit on the exterior enamel! Peroxide is a bleaching agent and this risks discolouring it.
Severe wear of the enamel coating or exposed cast‑iron
You'll notice enamel wear as discoloration, scratches, or patches where the cast iron shows through.
Hand wash your enameled cast iron with warm soapy water and a nylon scrub brush. If the food is extra sticky, soak the pan in soapy water and use a nylon scraper to remove the residue. Dry it with a towel right away because the rim around the edge isn't enameled and could rust if it's left to air dry.
BKF heavily advises AGAINST using BKF on regular, run-of-the-mill cast iron. So, please don't attempt this on standard cast iron products. This is only for cleaning enameled cast iron. Pro Tip: If you're uncertain about the coating on your cast iron cookware, test a small spot on the pan with BKF.
As for cleaners, our Le Creuset Cast Iron Cookware Cleaner will help keep your Dutch oven looking great, and is ideal for removing metal marks caused by metal tools. Bar Keeper's Friend, or a paste of baking soda and water, also comes in handy for cleaning tough stains, oil residue and marks on your Dutch oven as well.
To prevent thermal shock, don't introduce cold ingredients into your hot, empty pan, such as using an ice cube to create steam during bread baking. Cook with wooden, silicone, or nylon utensils—metal can scratch the enamel finish of our enameled cast iron pieces.
Bar Keepers Friend is an oxalic acid-based cleaner used to dissolve rust, mineral deposits, and tarnish, making it ideal for metal and stainless steel. Ajax is a bleach-based alkaline cleanser with mild abrasives, best for whitening surfaces, cutting through everyday grease, and deodorizing.
Professional oven cleaners primarily rely on industrial-grade alkaline degreasers, full disassembly, and mechanical scrapers to break down baked-on carbon. Because the secret to their success is combining heavy-duty chemistry with adequate dwell time, they use a core set of specialized products and tools.