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Let enameled cast iron cool to room temperature, then wash it with warm soapy water and a soft, non-abrasive sponge or brush. For stuck-on food, soak the cookware until residue softens. Le Creuset says most of its enameled cast iron is dishwasher-safe, but frequent dishwasher use may dull the finish; check the instructions for your exact item.
How to clean enameled cast iron step by step
- Let it cool. Wait until the pot or pan reaches room temperature before washing. Do not run cold water into hot cookware: a sudden temperature change may damage it. Le Creuset’s US care instructions advise cooling cookware before cleaning.
- Wash gently. Use warm water, ordinary dish soap and a soft, non-abrasive sponge or brush. A soft nylon brush is suitable for residue that needs a little more attention.
- Soak stuck-on food. Add warm soapy water and let the cookware stand until the residue loosens, then clean gently. Le Creuset UK suggests 10–15 minutes for stubborn residue; treat that as regional guidance, not a required soaking time for every item. Le Creuset UK care guidance.
- Rinse and dry fully. Rinse away soap and food, then dry the whole piece, including the rim, before storing. Do not put it away damp.
How to remove persistent stains or metal marks
If soap, soaking and gentle cleaning do not remove a stain, Le Creuset identifies its enameled cast iron cookware cleaner as an option. Follow the cleaner’s product directions. The brand’s US FAQ also points to the cleaner for tougher stains and metal marks.
Le Creuset’s July 1, 2022 care article describes another optional method: simmer water with one or two tablespoons of baking soda for about 8–10 minutes, then wash the cookware. This is a suggested approach for tougher residue, not a required routine or a substitute for the care instructions for your particular piece. Le Creuset’s 2022 cleaning article.
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Le Creuset’s US care page says most enameled cast iron products are dishwasher-safe, but that does not apply to every product or component. Its listed exceptions include items with wooden handles or accessories, enamel-on-steel lids, colored stainless-steel knobs and decals. Check the current care instructions for your exact item and handle or knob configuration before using a dishwasher.
#1 Best Overall
- Bottle Size: 8. 45 fluid ounces (250ml)
- Made in France
- Simply apply cleaner, rinse with water, and wipe clean
- Works on both sand-interior and matte black interior
Dishwashing is convenient, while hand washing is the better choice if preserving the enamel’s appearance is your priority. Le Creuset says constant dishwashing may dull the finish; it also says that dulling is not harmful and does not affect performance. Its 2022 article recommends hand washing to keep the finish beautiful.
What to avoid when cleaning enamel
- Do not use steel wool, metal scouring pads or harsh abrasive powders; these can scratch or damage the enamel.
- Avoid very stiff brushes. Choose a soft nylon or other non-abrasive sponge or brush instead.
- Do not plunge hot cookware into cold water; let it cool first.
Drying and storing your cookware
Dry the cookware completely before putting it away, paying particular attention to the rim, where rust may appear if moisture remains. If you stack pieces, place a suitable protector between them to reduce the risk of scratches and chips. These are storage precautions, not cleaning products or stain treatments.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 12 ounces; 100-percent biodegradable
- Natural ingredients remove stains, grease, and grime
- Additional polishing agent preserves beauty and finish of each piece
- Simply apply cleaner, rinse with water, and wipe clean
- Stainless steel cleaner for all types of stainless cookware
Rank #4
- Remove Stains & Tarnish: Bar Keepers Friend Cookware Cleanser & Polish is a kitchen stainless steel cleaner and degreaser for pots, pans and bakeware. This stain remover and glass cleaner cuts through heavy oil, hard baked-on food and rust stains
- Restores Shine: This cleaner & polish will leave your aluminum or stainless steel pans with a streak-free shine. With BKF cookware cleaner, you can easily remove burnt food and oily residue, all without scratching your cookware, utensils, sink or grill
- Safe On All Surfaces: Bar Keepers Friend multipurpose cleaning powder contains no harsh chemicals. It can be used as a stainless steel polish, oven cleaner, rust remover & sink cleaner. Our kitchen cleaning supplies are gentle and won't damage cookware
- Once Tried, Always Used: Bar Keepers Friend Cookware Cleanser & Polish is a gentle and highly effective metal and stainless steel cleaner. Once you've used Bar Keepers Friend for your kitchen tools, cookware & bakeware, you'll never look back
- America's Trusted Cleaning Products Since 1882: Trusted by homeowners and professionals for over 100 years, we are proud to offer a wide range of home cleaning supplies that are tough on stains and gentle on surfaces to help keep your home looking pristine
Rank #3
- Bar Keepers Friend Cookware Cleanser & Polish is a stainless steel cleaner and degreaser for pots, pans, and bakeware; This product's powerful grease remover cuts through oil, baked on food, mineral deposits, and rust stains; Safe for use on all stainless steel cookware, including All-Clad stainless steel pots and pans, and glass lids; This versatile cleaner is also safe to use for cleaning stainless steel sinks, porcelain sinks, steel grills, and other surfaces
- Remove stains, tarnish, rust & lime
- BKF products clean without bleach- better for stainless steel
- Clean cookware, kitchen & bathroom surfaces
Rank #2
- 2-piece set includes: 3.25" Nylon Brush Kitchen Product, Cerise with Enameled Cast Iron 8.45 fl. oz. Cookware Cleaner
- Nylon Brush; Perfect to clean between ridges in grill pan; Dishwasher Safe
- Bottle Size: 8.45 fluid ounces (250ml); Simply apply cleaner, rinse with water, and wipe clean
- Works on both sand-interior and matte black interior
- Environmental-friendly; Made in France
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