While a Magic Eraser (melamine foam) can physically remove stains and marks from your enameled cast iron, Le Creuset does not recommend them. Because a Magic Eraser acts like ultra-fine sandpaper, frequent use will create micro-scratches on the glossy glaze, making the pot more prone to staining and food sticking.
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.
Through trial and error, I found a much easier method that works for removing stains and burn marks from both the inside and the outside of my enamel Dutch ovens. My secret: a Magic Eraser (or any brand of melamine sponge).
How to Clean Your Le Creuset Pots and Pans (Safely)
More stubborn stains may be removed with an Enameled cast iron cookware cleaner. NEVER use any metal cleaning pads or harsh, abrasive cleaning agents on any surfaces. Regular use of an Enameled cast iron cookware cleaner will assist in retaining the original enamel appearance. NEVER use on any decal on the product.
Whether your scratched Le Creuset is safe depends on the severity of the damage:
The Le Creuset Cast Iron Cookware Cleaner is a specially formulated, 8.5 oz cleanser (around $27) designed to safely remove heat stains, stubborn food residues, and discoloration from enameled cast iron. It restores the bright shine of your pots and pans without scratching the delicate glass-like enamel surface.
For minor stains and burnt-on food, the best approach is a baking soda simmer: fill the pot with water, add 2 tablespoons of baking soda per quart of water, and boil on medium heat for 10–15 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to nudge the debris loose, then let it cool before scrubbing.
You can restore a stained or burnt Le Creuset pot using gentle household methods like baking soda, vinegar, or Bar Keepers Friend. However, if the interior enamel is chipped, cracked, or worn down to bare cast iron, it cannot be safely re-enameled and the pot must be retired.
Use baking soda and vinegar or lemon juice with a scouring pad! Mine gets gross on the bottom like that and this never fails me! Bleach Solution: Le Creuset recommends a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water for stain removal.
Because Magic Erasers are made of micro-abrasive melamine foam (which essentially acts like super-fine liquid sandpaper), they can easily scratch, dull, or strip protective coatings off of delicate items.
Reviving Discoloured Enamel
Over time, the enamel on your Le Creuset pan may become discoloured from regular use. To revive its original brightness, start by creating a solution of equal parts baking soda and water. Apply this paste to the discoloured areas and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes.
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.
The type of discoloration described here is totally normal. I've experienced the same thing on my Le Creuset Dutch oven that's pushing nearly 20 years at this point. Light enamel will darken over time with use — it's a sign you've used it well, not messed it up.
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.
Combining baking soda (a base) and vinegar (an acid) creates a fizzing reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas, water, and sodium acetate. While the fizz is satisfying, the reaction neutralizes both ingredients, turning the mixture into mostly salt water. To maximize cleaning power, use them separately instead of mixing them together first.
Restore your burnt Le Creuset enamel by boiling 1 quart of water with 2 tablespoons of baking soda on medium heat for 8–10 minutes. Scrape the loosened residue with a wooden spoon, let it cool, and wipe it clean with a soft sponge.
There is no practical way to re-enamel a pan. Then get another, but don't use this anymore. Chipped enamel = end of pot use for cooking. 100% unsafe.
We believe the quality and craftsmanship of our products will provide years of satisfaction. However, if with 45 days of purchase you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you may return the item for an exchange or refund of its value.
Yes, Le Creuset offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty on most of its core products, covering faulty workmanship and materials for the lifetime of the original owner.
Restoring an enameled Dutch oven depends on the damage. For baked-on food, simmer 2 tablespoons of baking soda in 4 cups of water, or use a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. For stubborn stains, use Bar Keepers Friend. Never use metal scrubbers or put it in the dishwasher.
5 Cast Iron Cleaning Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes—and How to Fix Them
To clean stained enameled cast iron, make a thick paste with baking soda and water or use a mixture of mild bleach and water. Gently scrub the stains using a non-scratch sponge to avoid damaging the glossy finish, and rinse thoroughly.