How to Clean Enameled Cast Iron

Learn the best tips on how to clean enameled cast iron cookware with just a few simple steps. Durable and timeless as cast iron, cleaning enameled cast iron will help it last for decades.

How to Clean Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

I recently added a brand-new Le Creuset enameled dutch oven and Cast Iron Signature Braiser to my cast iron cookware collection. After years of using a traditional black cast-iron skillet and dutch oven, I was excited to try cast-iron cookware with an enameled coating.

The best thing about enameled cookware is that it is easy to cook with and doesn’t require seasoning. Food won’t react to the enamel as it does with black cast iron; best of all, they are incredibly easy to clean!

Here’s the easiest way to clean Le Creuset cookware, including an enameled cast iron dutch oven. Proper care and cleaning of the cookware will help keep them looking beautiful in your kitchen for years to come.

Here are some valuable resources to keep in mind when cooking with cast iron cookware:

Kitchen Tools You May Need

Enameled cast iron cookware is not hard to clean. While many brands are dishwasher-safe, it’s recommended that you always hand wash the bottoms and lids. To get started, you will need the following:

Cleaning Enameled cast Iron Cookware – VIDEO

How to Clean Enameled Cast Iron

Cleaning your enameled cast iron pots or dutch oven is simple. The best way to clean enameled cast iron for everyday cleaning is hot water, dish soap, and a wooden dish brush. Then, wipe the piece dry with a kitchen towel before storing away.

However, for burnt food or stubborn, tough stains, here is what you need to know.

1. Let the Pan Cool

First. Let the hot pan cool completely at room temperature for at least 15 minutes. Letting the enameled cast iron cool ensures you won’t crack the enamel.

If you put a hot enamel pan in cold water, the drastic temperature change will cause the enamel to crack.

Food Stuck on Enameled Cast Iron Skillet

2. Soak in Warm Water

Fill the pan with warm water and several squirts of dish soap. Let the cookware soak for about 15 minutes. If the burnt-on food is stuck on the bottom of the pan, add dish soap and water and cook it on low heat until it releases.

3. Use a Pot Scraper

To remove stuck-on food, use a pot scraper or a wooden spoon to scrape away the residue; remove as much food residue as possible without applying force or rubbing too hard.

4. Rinse

Once you have the majority of the food residue scrapped off, empty the pot of the residue and water. Leave the skillet wet.

5. Add Bar Keepers Friends

Apply a sprinkling of Bar Keepers Friends to the inside of the pan. Using the wooden dish scrubber, rub in a circular motion, blending the powder and water to create a paste. This blend is mildly abrasive, so it will remove the stains without harming the enamel.

Follow the same procedure with the skillet’s bottom, sides, and handles.

6. Wash and Rinse

Finish by washing the enameled cast iron cookware with dish soap and rinsing with clean water.

Using a wooden dish scrubber to clean enameled cast iron

7. Store the Clean Enameled Cast Iron

Once the enameled cast iron is cleaned, dry it with a linen kitchen towel or paper towel. Then, it is ready to be stored for future use. To prevent scratches or chips on the enamel, don’t stack any other dishes on top of it.

Click HERE to see how I store my cast iron cookware.

Cleaning Tips for Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

Although enameled cast iron is dishwasher safe, it is best to hand wash them to protect the enamel and keep them looking beautiful for generations to come.

Always let the pan cool before placing it in water. Not allowing the pan to cool can cause thermal shock, causing the enamel to crack.

Do not use bleach products, harsh chemicals, or abrasive cleaners, as they can dull the shine of the enamel.

Never use abrasive metal scouring pads or steel wool on the enameled surface, as it can easily scratch and chip your enameled cast iron. A wooden dish scrubber or sponge is recommended to avoid scratching the enamel.

If you do not have Bar Keepers Friend, you can add a sprinkling of baking soda to the water and make a baking soda-water paste to scrub the stained area.

For stubborn burnt-on stains or food residue, you can soak the enameled pan overnight with water in the bottom of the pot.

How Do You Remove Stains From Enameled Cast Iron?

Rub the cookware’s surface with the cleaner recommended above or another certified enamel cookware cleaner. Scrub with a wooden dish scrubber which should help remove the stains.

Can You Soak Enameled Cast Iron?

Yes, you can soak enameled cast iron. If you have significantly stubborn stuck-on food or stains that are not coming off the enamel, then it’s completely acceptable to leave the enameled cast iron cookware to soak.

How to Clean Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven?

Hand wash with warm soapy water and a wooden dish scrubber. For stuck-on food use, Bar Keepers Friend or a baking soda paste to remove the residue or stains.

How to Clean Enameled Cast Iron Outside?

Hand washing with warm soapy water and a soft scrub brush is suggested to maintain the cookware’s original appearance. Avoid using citrus-based cleaners as they can dull the outer gloss on the cookware.

Can Enamel Cast Iron Chip?

Enameled cast iron can chip and crack. Therefore, be gentle in how it is handled, don’t use metal utensils or stack the cookware on top of each other.

The best thing about cast iron with an enamel coating is its easy cleaning. Unlike traditional cast iron pans, you can use warm water, dish soap, a non-abrasive cleaner, and a wooden dish brush to clean enameled cast iron.

Keeping your enameled cast iron clean is essential in caring for your cookware. With proper care, it can last many through many years of use and become a treasured family heirloom.