How To Clean And Care For Enameled Cast Iron Cookware
Scrub with caution.
Chances are you probably have an enameled cast-iron pot, pan, or Dutch oven sitting in your kitchen cabinets, but do you know how to clean enameled cast iron? Whether you treated yourself to a colorful collection from Le Creuset, or inherited your grandma's tried-and-true enameled cast iron pot, you need to know how to take care of it to ensure that it outlasts your days in the kitchen. It should come as no shock that keeping that signature cream-colored finish takes work and just a little bit of TLC. And besides your cast-iron skillet, an enameled cast-iron Dutch oven is one of the most trusty kitchen staples to have on hand.
Here are a few simple steps for how to clean enameled cast iron:
1. Let the cookware completely cool.
This step is essential. Just as with any pot or pan fresh from the oven, you don't want a burst of steam to erupt when your sink water hits the piping-hot vessel. Letting the enameled cast iron cool also ensures that you won't crack the enamel with a drastic temperature change.
2. Use mild dish soap and a soft nylon sponge.
Although most enameled cast irons are dishwasher safe, it's best not to put them in the dishwasher because doing so could dull the shine of the enamel. For the same reason, you also don't want to use any bleach products or harsh cleaning products on your enameled cast iron. A nylon sponge is recommended to avoid scratching the enamel.
3. Use a silicone pot scraper to clean.
Stubborn bits of food always seem to find their way onto all of our pots and pans. We know it's tempting to go to town with a reliable metal brush or scrub pad, but for the love of good cookware, don't do it on your enameled cast iron. Metal scrubs can easily scratch and chip your enameled cast iron, which in the long run won't have a major effect on the functionality, but it won't look nearly as pretty. If you do need a little extra reinforcement when cleaning off a pot, you can buy a silicone pot scraper in the kitchen section of most stores or online.
4. Rinse and dry for storage.
Now that your enameled cast iron is squeaky clean, simply give it one last rinse and dry it off thoroughly with a soft towel. Don't let your pan air-dry. Make sure it is completely dry before storing. When you store it, be sure that you don't stack any other dishes on top of it. Stacking could also scratch or chip the enamel. If you want to prevent loud clanging of the pot and lid every time you pick it up, you can buy pot protectors, which slide on the lip of the pot.
5. Get rid of stains.
Keep in mind that some staining may happen as you continue to use the pot, which is nothing to be ashamed of. It means you're getting good use out of a kitchen staple. If you want to remove staining, you can make a paste of baking soda and water and use the same soft sponge to rub the paste in a circular motion on the pot. The paste is slightly more abrasive than the sponge, but won't scrape or damage your pot.
6. Clean the pan's exterior.
When cooking, splashes and spills are bound to occur and some of that is likely to get on your enameled cast iron pot or pan. Make sure to clean the outside and bottom of the pot when you wash it. For stubborn stains on the pan’s bottom, use the baking soda paste mentioned above.
7. Clean your pan regularly.
You should clean your enamelware pan thoroughly after every use. Make sure to use silicone tools to scrape food bits from the pan, and wash with a dishcloth or soft sponge in soapy water.
Now that you know how to clean enameled cast iron, you're off to the races to see how many recipes you can make using it. You might as well consider your enameled cast-iron Dutch oven your future contribution to the family heirloom collection.
Silicone Pan Scraper
BUY IT: $7.59; amazon.com
Bid farewell to stuck-on bits. The plastic handle on these Silicone Pan Scrapers makes them easier to hold, and you can hang them in a convenient place near your sink.
Lodge Enameled Cast Iron and Stoneware Care Kit
BUY IT: $30; amazon.com
Lodge Cast Iron offers this kit as the ultimate care guide on how to clean enameled cast iron. It includes pot protectors, a silicone pot scraper, a cleaning solution, and a scrub brush.
Le Creuset Cast Iron Cookware Cleaner
BUY IT: $26; lecreuset.com
If you're really looking to pull out all the stops to get out scratches on your enameled cast iron, customers swear by this Le Creuset cleaner and protector.
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