Wipe with a dry cloth to remove all loose food. Once you have removed as much as possible, create a paste of kosher salt and lukewarm water and coat the cookware to remove residue. If this doesn't work, mix baking soda and water to create a paste. This will remove both stains and any remaining stuck-on food.
Add about 1/2 inch of hydrogen peroxide, then add 1-2 teaspoons or baking soda. Then turn it on until it begins to bubble (this begins reaction) and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Done, then remove it from heat and scrub it off. Avoid burning fumes and do it well ventilated room.
My foolproof method for cleaning my cast-iron kitchen sink is using Bar Keepers Friend with a Magic Eraser, which works every time. I've never met a scuff mark I couldn't beat.
you do not clean a cast iron pan with vinegar. You clean a cast iron pan with mild dish soap and hot water. If you're cooking the right kind of fat you only need to wipe it out with a paper towel.
Recommended cleaning products for enameled cast iron
For stubborn stains or stuck-on food, a paste made from baking soda and water can be applied with a soft sponge in a circular motion, acting as a mild abrasive without damaging the enamel.
For persistent stains:
Soak the interior of the cookware for 2-3 hours with a mixture of 3 tablespoons of household bleach per quart of water. To remove stubborn, baked-on food, boil 2 cups of water and 4 tablespoons of baking soda.
Don't use metal utensils.
And you definitely don't want to cut food within the cookware—save that for the cutting board. (It's also a good idea to not stack other pans on the enameled surface or it could damage the coating.)
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.
Baking soda-water paste
No newcomer to the altar of baking-soda-fixes-everything, I next tried a paste of equal parts baking soda and water. More circular scrubbing with the rough side of a sponge ensued, and with avail: It significantly decreased the amount of cooked-on oil stains on the pan.
Yes, you can absolutely use soap on cast iron.
we have a tip from a commenter that says: “Yes, you can use oven cleaner on the outside of your Le Creuset enameled cast iron without damaging the finish or color.”
After trying what seemed like everything, I decided to combine a few different methods, all of which were safe for the enamel finish: Baking soda, dish soap, distilled white vinegar, and hot steam. I had already tried each of these methods on their own, but using them together made all the difference.
You shouldn't use metal cleaning pads or abrasive cleaners because they could damage the enamel surface.
My favorite items for cleaning my Le Creuset is the “scrub daddy” sponge and even better for stains or grease is the “Mr. Clean magic eraser.” It works wonders with hot soapy water! You can also persevere the integrity of your Le Creuset by hand washing and drying immediately.
Fill your dutch oven with water and bring it to a boil. Then add a few big spoonfuls of baking soda (add them slowly as the baking soda will bubble up and foam). Let the mixture simmer on the stove as you use a wooden spoon to scrape up the blackened, burnt-on stains.
A big splash of vinegar or lemon juice, if necessary, with a bit of hot water, added to the pan could solve all your problems. Simply let it soak for a while and scrub it afterwards. We guarantee that 9 out of 10 times the acid will win!
The second step to clean enamel cookware is a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Power. Just empty the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda mixture out of the pan and rinse with water. Wet the Magic Eraser and scrub the bottom and sides.
5. Cleaning with citrus-based cleansers. According to Lodge Cast Iron, citrus-based cleansers can dull the glossy exterior finish of their enameled Dutch ovens. This won't affect the quality or performance of the pot, but if you want your Dutch oven to look like new, stay away from lemony dish soap.
Two words: heat & oil.
The most common reason food sticks to cast iron is because the pan is simply too hot.
Just like with traditional cast iron cookware, you should replace enameled cast iron cookware if any cracks appear. Enameled cookware is more likely to crack than traditional enamel from sudden temperature changes.
You can use oven cleaner on the outside of your Le Creuset enameled cast iron. without damaging the finish or color.