There are a couple of ways to ensure that your Dutch oven lives a long, beautiful life. One simple way to avoid damaging it is to not use steel wool or any other sort of abrasive cleaning cleaning pad that can scratch the enamel. Instead, opt for a regular sponge, dish rag, or soft brush.
The Best Way to Clean Your Burnt Dutch Oven with Baking Soda
The method I tested and found to be the best is simple: Let the water come to a boil, add the baking soda, and give it a good stir. After a few minutes of simmering, use a wooden spoon (no metal on that enamel surface!) to nudge off the burnt-on bits.
How to clean and store a cast iron pan. Most of the time all you may need to do is to wipe the pan clean with kitchen roll without even needing to wash it. If there is food stuck or burnt to the surface, then scrub it off with a Brillo pad and wash it in warm water.
Don't use steel wool unless you are sure you're not touching enamel. It will degrade the enamel and scratch the shit out of it. Plastic Dobie pads and similar are fine.
Bar Keeper's Friend or other specially formulated cleaners are effective at removing stubborn stains, burns, or residue. You can use Bar Keeper's Friend in two ways: for all over cleaning, simply sprinkle it over the bottom of the Dutch oven and scrub with a damp sponge.
While Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron is dishwasher-safe, we do recommend hand washing to keep the finish beautiful. Over time, constant dishwashing may lead to some dulling of the enamel finish, but it's important to note that this will not hinder the cooking performance.
When cleaning your Dutch oven, use soft natural or nylon sponges and brushes. You shouldn't use metal cleaning pads or abrasive cleaners because they could damage the enamel surface.
Add hot water: Wash the skillet by hand using hot water and a sponge or stiff brush (here's our favorite brush, which is designed specifically for cast-iron). Avoid using the dishwasher, soap, or steel wool, as these may strip the pan's seasoning. Make sure to use tongs or wear gloves if the water is extra hot!
Whether it is a stovetop, oven, sink or refrigerator, anything that has stainless steel coating should not be cleaned with SOS pad because they can leave blemishes and scratches on the surface. It can prove a costly mistake because such scratches can be beyond repair and replacement might be the only option you have.
And in case you were wondering, washing your cast iron with a little bit of gentle dish soap is just fine, according to experts. Keep in mind, it's best to avoid tough scouring pads. A favorite way to clean cast iron requires something you use all the time in the kitchen: salt.
You want to avoid using steel wool, scouring pads, or anything else that's a strong abrasive on your oven's interior, as they can scratch the metal, enamel, and glass surfaces. Only use materials that will not scratch the surfaces in your oven like a sponge or rag.
The use of high heat can damage your enamel coating, leading to the same scorching and burning that can occur when the pan is heated while empty. This means you should always preheat your Dutch oven. Start by adding a drizzle of fat or oil to the bottom of the pan, then heat on low until the pan is fully warmed.
1. Soak each piece of rusty cast iron in a solution of one part vinegar and one part water. 2. Using the brush, test each piece after 30 minutes to an hour to see if the rust is coming off.
To keep things tidy, give your Dutch oven a wipe-down before putting it in an oven. But if it already has deep brown staining, Michael recommends using a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.
If cast iron is left in the sink to soak, put in the dishwasher, or allowed to air dry, it will rust. It can also happen when you store your cookware in moisture-prone environments, such as a cabinet near a dishwasher, an open cabinet in a humid location, or stored outside.
Over time, enameled cast iron can become discolored or stained. To remove stains, soak the cooking surface in hydrogen peroxide mixed with baking soda, and then scrub with dish soap, water, and a non-scratch scouring pad to keep your enameled cast iron looking as good as new.
The best way to clean a Dutch oven is by boiling baking soda and water together. Let the solution simmer for a few minutes, then scrape up any stuck-on bits with a wooden spoon, dump the water, rinse with soap and water, and wipe dry.
Yes they will scratch enameled cast-iron. Try baking soda and a plastic scrubber. Spray on Dawn Powerwash, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then sprinkle on baking soda and scrub. I have also used a plastic knife to scrape and loosen stubborn spots, which will then scrub off easier.
For this step, use a non-abrasive sponge or scrubber to protect your Dutch Oven's surface. Harsh scrubbing can damage the finish, whether it's enameled cast iron or stainless steel. Focus on areas with burnt-on food, applying gentle pressure to remove residue without scratching the cookware.
Can I use steel wool or a metal scrubber to clean my cast iron pan? No! We recommend using a pan scraper or the Lodge Chainmail Scrubber to remove any stuck-on residue. We only recommend using steel wool or a metal scrubber to remove rust before reseasoning.
However, you may need to replace your Dutch oven if you notice the following: The pot is badly scratched, or the enamel is chipped. Your cast-iron or stainless steel pot is rusted.
For the exterior colorful enamel, our Le Creuset Cast Iron Cookware Cleaner will help keep the grill pan looking great. Bar Keeper's Friend, or a paste of baking soda and water, also comes in handy for cleaning tough stains and marks on the exterior as well.