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.
Cleaning enameled cast iron
Choose a gentle dish soap, and use a sponge, everyday scrub cloth, or nylon brush. Avoid citrus-based cleaners—this can dull the enamel's exterior gloss.
To remove those stubborn bits, boil 2 cups of water and 4 tablespoons of baking soda for a few minutes. Then use a pan scraper to loosen the food. Follow this process with a good cleaning with soap and a scrub brush.
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.”
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.
Or you can also fill the pot with warm water and a tablespoon or two of baking soda, and bring the water to a simmer for about 8-10 minutes. Once the food residue has softened, cool and drain the liquid in the pot. Rinse and dry, and you should be good to go.
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.
With enameled cast iron, you'll want to avoid high heat on an empty pan or raising the temperature too quickly because this can cause permanent damage.
Two words: heat & oil.
The most common reason food sticks to cast iron is because the pan is simply too hot.
Amazon Basics Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven
Don't fill your cast-iron cookware with wine or vinegar. A splash for sauce or deglazing is OK, but tossing a significant amount straight into the pan undiluted will ruin your cookware, and your health.
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.
Recommended cleaning products for enameled cast iron
Pro Tip: For stubborn stains in enameled cast iron, a paste of baking soda and water applied with a soft sponge can effectively clean without damaging the enamel.
Using soap will not ruin your pan. It is totally fine on enameled cast iron, and on plain cast iron, too. It's not going to destroy your seasoning. With enameled cast iron, you're done: Wash and dry.
In a small bowl, mix baking soda with water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to the pan with a soft sponge and rub in a circular motion. This mild abrasive removes stains without harming the enamel. Once the stains disappear, rinse the pan and dry thoroughly.
For everyday cleaning we suggest Ajax, Comet, Bon Ami, etc. For stubborn stains or pot marks we recommend Zud, Bar Keeper's Friend or other slightly abrasive cleaners.
It's also best to keep temperatures low while you're using your enameled cast iron, according to cookware retailer Williams Sonoma. The company also recommends that you should avoid using metal utensils when cooking with your enameled cast-iron pans since they can scratch and gouge the enamel coating.
You can use oven cleaner on the outside of your Le Creuset enameled cast iron. without damaging the finish or color.
Enamelled Cast Iron Cookware combines durability, heat retention, and versatility, providing home cooks with the ability to experiment with many recipes and cooking techniques.
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.
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.
Mix equal parts bleach and water and let it soak in the pot over night. Rinse it really well in the morning. It won't get your pot to look as nice as it did when you bought it, but should get the dark spots and make it look better.