How to Clean Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

So, let’s break that down properly, because once you understand how enamel cast iron cookware works, cleaning it really becomes super simple.

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There are different types of enamel and they need to be treated differently

Le Creuset has a different type of enamel on its cast-iron Dutch ovens and its skillets. One is cream in color, the other black. The cream enamel should always have oil in it prior to turning on the heat. While neither enameled pot is suitable for direct high temperatures, the black enamel can go to a higher heat, making it a perfect choice for steaks. Instead of oiling the pan, you’ll get a better result if you oil the foods you are cooking instead. For example, oil your steak before placing it in the pan; don’t oil the pan. Because of this, you can use a stronger pot brush to clean a black interior enamel pan than you would use with the cream finish. 

How to clean enameled cast iron (step by step)

Everyday cleaning

The BEST way to clean cast iron is with warm water, dish soap, and a non-abrasive pot brush. Here’s how…

1. Make sure your pot or pan has completely cooled before cleaning.
   
2. Add a small amount of hot water along with some dish soap – If you have any stuck-on food, you may need to soak your pan for 20 minutes or so prior to cleaning. Really stuck on bits, may require the pan to be heated on low heat with a little water and detergent to help remove the baked-on food bits or soaked overnight.|
   
3. Clean the bottom of the pot with a soft sponge or non-abrasive pot brush.
   
4. Dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.

How to clean burnt enameled cast iron

If something’s really stuck on, don’t reach for a harsh scrubber. You’ll be surprised what a soak and a boil with a little baking soda will do. Try this…

1. Add water and a tablespoon of baking soda.
2. Bring it to a gentle simmer for 5–10 minutes.
3. Let it cool slightly.
4. Use a wooden spoon to gently lift the residue

Let the pot do all the work, as aggressive scrubbing will only damage the enamel.

Why this cleaning method works

Enameled cast iron doesn’t have a non-stick coating, so it relies on heat and surface tension rather than a non-stick finish. When you simmer water with baking soda, it helps loosen stuck-on food without damaging the enamel. That’s why it works so much better than scrubbing, as you’re lifting the residue gently, rather than forcing it off.

My cookware is stained. What do I do?

Well, this one is totally up to you. Personally, I love a good red wine stain on my enameled cast-iron pots. I take it as a sign that your pans are loved with years of use. It’s love and flavor, you might say! If stubborn stains bother you, Le Creuset has a pots and pans cleaner which can help. It’s a cream cleanser that is applied to the pot and rubbed in a circular motion to remove tough stains and maintain the enamel surface. 

How to remove stains from enameled cast iron

If you prefer a cleaner look:

• Use a baking soda paste for light stains
• Simmer baking soda and water for deeper stains
• Use a gentle enamel-safe cleaner (like Le Creuset’s Pots and Pans cleaner) if needed

And honestly? A little staining is completely normal — it doesn’t affect how your cookware performs.

How to clean the outside of my enameled Dutch oven

Can I pop it in the dishwasher?

It depends on the brand. All of Le Creuset & Staub’s cast iron cookware is dishwasher safe, provided it doesn’t have a timber handle. However,  it is recommended you don’t dishwash skillets with black enamel as it will strip any patina that has developed with use – handwashing is always preferable. Ideally, to best maintain any enamel cast iron, handwashing is always the best option, which will keep your cookware looking better for longer. Over time, constant dishwasher use may cause enamel to dull in color and lose its durability.

Q&A’s

Can I use steel wool?
If you take anything away from this post, remember this… Steel wool belongs in the garage or laundry, NOT the kitchen. Steel wool can destroy good cookware in the blink of an eye. I’ve never used it in the kitchen, but I have seen firsthand the damage it can do. Please, please, please, throw it away, or find a new home for it. Steel and enamel do not mix. The same goes for metal utensils. Use them on your BBQ grill instead.

I’ve seen people clean burnt-on food with lemon and rock salt. Will this work?
It probably will; however, rock salt is quite abrasive, so you will damage the enamel finish in the process.

What about cleaning with bleach?
No, no, no! Please stay away from all of these “tips”. All they will do is destroy the enameled surface.

“I think my enameled Dutch oven is beyond repair. The base is black! I forgot to turn off the heat after serving up a stew and left it on for a couple of hours! What do I do?“
Have faith! I once did this and was picking burnt rice off the bottom of my enamel pot for a week. Try boiling soapy water in it for 20 minutes at a time, and while it’s boiling, try gently scraping the burnt food with a wooden spoon. If there is hope, black bits will start lifting and rising to the surface. I had to do this multiple times before my pot was usable again, so be patient. If the black bits don’t lift off, then yes, it’s probably beyond repair. My condolences.

What sort of cooking utensils should I use on my enameled cookware so I don’t ruin them?
Silicon, wooden, or nylon utensils are best for most cooking surfaces. I tend to favor nylon purely because they are heat resistant to higher temperatures than silicon, as well as being dishwasher safe.

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