Care Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

How to Care your Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

Use this simple routine after every use to keep your cookware clean and looking brand-new.

Step 1: Let It Cool

For your safety and the longevity of your cookware, let it cool completely before cleaning it. Plunging a hot enameled cast iron pan into a sink of water can cause cracks.

Step 2: Scrape Away Food Bits

Use a silicone or plastic scraper to loosen food bits stuck to the pan.

Step 3: Wash in Warm Soapy Water

Wash the cookware in warm soapy water using a non-abrasive sponge or dishcloth.

Step 4: Clean the Rim

If the exposed lip of the cookware looks a bit rusty, clean the area with a baking soda paste. To prevent the rust from returning, season the lip by placing a few drops of vegetable oil on a paper towel and then rubbing it along the rim.

Step 5: Tackle Stuck-on Food

If burned-on food just won’t budge, here are three ways to remove it:    

A:Dry-scrub with baking soda. Sprinkle a damp dishcloth with a bit of dry baking soda and then scrub the area. The baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive to lift the food without harming the enameled finish.

B:Wet-scrub with baking soda. Add 2 cups water and ¼ cup baking soda to the pan, place it on the stovetop, and then heat until boiling. Allow the water to cool, and then use a plastic scraper to remove the food.

C:Soak it off. Fill the pan with warm soapy water, allow it to soak for several hours, and then use a plastic scraper to remove the stuck-on food.

How to Remove Stubborn Stains

Proper routine cleaning helps prevent stains, but some foods—like tomato sauce, beets, and burned sugar—tend to be stubborn. Here are three methods to get rid of stubborn stains:

Use baking soda. In a small bowl, mix baking soda with water to form a thick paste. Apply 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.

Try hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach that lightens stains. Once you've removed any burned food, pour enough hydrogen peroxide into the cookware to cover the bottom at least ½-inch deep. Add ¼ cup baking soda and heat the cookware on the stovetop until the mixture begins to bubble. Remove the pan from the heat, let it soak until cool, and then wash as usual.

Soak in chlorine bleach. Mix 3 tablespoons chlorine bleach into 1 quart water. Pour the mixture into the cookware and allow it to soak for 2 to 3 hours. Pour out the solution and wash the cookware in warm soapy water.