How Do You Clean Enamel Cookware?

Wondering about the best way to clean a Le Creuset Dutch oven, and enameled cookware in general? Good news - it's pretty easy!

By
Cambria Bold
Cambria Bold
Cambria Bold
Cambria has over 10 years of experience as a director, editor, and writer. She has held senior editorial roles at Apartment Therapy, Kitchn, and Simply Recipes.
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Published May 07, 2020
Cambria Bold
Ask the Team
Andy Christensen

READER QUESTION: How do you clean enameled pots?

Enameled cookware – like Le Creuset's dutch oven – may seem like it requires special handling when it comes to cleaning, but it's really quite straightforward.

For everyday cleaning: Wash with dish soap, hot water, and a non-scratch scrubbing sponge or brush. Avoid steel wool or any kind of metal scrubber, as it could scratch the enamel.

For stubborn burnt spots and stains: Try one of these methods.

  1. Boil with baking soda: Fill the pot halfway with water and bring to a boil. Add two tablespoons baking soda, and let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Turn off the burner. Take a wooden spoon and scrape off any burnt bits. Rinse and wash with soap and water.
  2. Scrub with Bar Keeper's Friend: Using either the liquid version or the powdered version, pour a small amount of Bar Keeper's Friend into the enameled pot, mix with a little water, then scrub with a non-scratch scrubber. It should take those stains off pretty quick. Bar Keeper's Friend is a step up from baking soda, and I've found it works wonders on all kinds of kitchen cleaning tasks, which is why it's one of our essential cleaning tools.

~ Cambria, enameled pot enthusiast and experienced cleaner of said pots

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