How to Clean & Care for Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

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Top tips for cooking on and caring for your enamel cast iron
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Enameled cast iron Dutch ovens, sinks, and pans are all the rage these days—and it’s easy to see why! Aside from being high-quality cookware that comes in a variety of fun colors, enameled cast iron is much easier to clean and care for than traditional cast iron. Whether you’re trying to scrub out a stubborn stain or burnt-on piece of last night’s dinner, follow the steps below for a comprehensive guide to cleaning your enameled cast iron with expert advice from cleaning expert Raymond Chiu.

How to Wash an Enameled Cast Iron Pan

Use a gentle dish soap and non-abrasive sponge to remove food from the interior and exterior of the completely-cooled dish. Apply a mixture of baking soda and water to any stains and scrub gently. Rinse and dry the pan thoroughly and store it on your stovetop.

Section 1 of 5:

How to Clean Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

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  1. Set your enameled cast iron Dutch oven or pan on your stovetop to cool. Immediately washing a hot, enameled cast iron pan with cooler water can cause it to crack. [1]
    • Once the pan is cool, use a silicone or plastic scraper to remove any baked-on or burnt pieces of food.
    • Avoid using steel wool or metal scrapers that can create small scratches in the enamel.
  2. Cleaning expert Raymond Chiu recommends washing the pan with “warm water and dish soap [and] scrubbing gently with a sponge or soft cloth.” Remember to clean the exterior and bottom of your pan as well. [2]
    • Although your enameled cast iron dishware may be marketed as dishwasher safe, it’s recommended that you hand wash it. [3]
    • Harsh dishwasher detergents can wear away at the enamel finish and compromise the durability of your pan.
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Section 2 of 5:

How to Remove Stains & Stuck-on Food from Enameled Cast Iron

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  1. Sprinkle a small amount of dry baking soda onto a dampened dishcloth. Gently scrub your enameled cast iron pan with the dishcloth. If dry-scrubbing with baking soda doesn’t remove the baked-on food from your dishware, add 2 cups (470 mL) of water and ¼ cup (50g) baking soda to the enameled cast iron pan. [4]
    • Heat the baking soda and water mixture on the stove until boiling.
    • Wait for the water to cool before removing the food with a plastic or silicone scraper.
    • Alternatively, fill the pan with warm, soapy water and allow it to soak for several hours before attempting to scrape off the food. [5]
    • Baking soda is a great option for removing food stains from enamelware , explains house cleaning professional Raymond Chiu, “because it’s abrasive enough to remove tough marks from enamel, but not enough to damage the material.”
  2. Cleaning expert Raymond Chiu says, “Make a mixture of baking soda and warm water so it forms a thick paste. Use a soft-bristled brush to apply the mixture onto the area and scrub out the stains from the enamel.”
    • Chiu advises to “rinse the enamel using water [and] if the stains are still there, use a magic eraser to clean the stains.”
    • “Simply dampen the eraser with water and squeeze out any excess liquid,” instructs Chiu, then “rub the area with the item. Be careful with the eraser as it may be too abrasive on the enamel.”
    • Once you’ve removed the stains, rinse the pan and thoroughly dry it before storing it properly.
  3. Create a paste of coarse kosher salt and tepid water. Coat the enamel cookware with the salt paste. Gently scrub the interior of the dish with a soft bristle scrub brush to remove the stains. [6]
  4. After removing any food burned onto the enameled cast iron, pour the hydrogen peroxide so it’s at least 1 ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) deep in the pan. [7]
    • Add ¼ cup (50g) of baking soda and heat the pan on the stove until the mixture starts to bubble.
    • Remove the pan from the stovetop and let it soak until cool. Then, clean the pan with warm, soapy water.
  5. Mix a solution of 3 tablespoons (44 mL) chlorine bleach to 1 US quart (0.95 L) water. Pour the solution into your enamel cookware and let it soak for 2 to 3 hours. [8]
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Section 3 of 5:

How to Store Enameled Cast Iron Cookware

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  1. Make sure the pan is completely dry before putting it away or setting it aside after washing. Use pot protectors to prevent any chipping or moisture build-up, or place a kitchen towel between the cookware and its lid. [9]
    • If you have extra burners you don’t use regularly, that’s the easiest place to leave your cast iron Dutch oven or pan.
    • Alternatively, you can store your enamel cookware in any cool and dry place.
    • If you want to marinate something or store leftovers, you can leave the food in your enameled cast iron pan and place it in the fridge for a few days.
Section 4 of 5:

Cooking with Enameled Cast Iron

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  1. If you use it on the stove, place it on the burner that’s the closest size to your pan. Cook on medium heat for best results and to prevent burning your pan or any cooked-on food from sticking to the bottom. [10]
    • If you bake your enameled pan in the oven, limit the temperature to 500 °C (932 °F) maximum.
    • It’s okay to preheat the pan empty in the oven. However, if you use it on the stovetop, pour in a spoonful of oil as it preheats.
  2. Use wooden, silicone, or nylon utensils to cook with. Metal dishware can scrape or scratch the enamel and expose the cast iron underneath. [11]
    • If serving food straight from your cookware, make sure to use a trivet before placing the dutch oven or pan directly on your table.
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Section 5 of 5:

What is enameled cast iron?

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  1. The enamel coating creates a non-porous finish that prevents the cast iron underneath from rusting. It also makes the cookware easier to wash and evenly conducts heat to cook your meals to perfection. [12]
    • Regular cast iron, on the other hand, is porous. You must care for a cast iron pan according to specific instructions, including not using dish soap and seasoning it after each wash.
    • Over time, however, the seasoning on regular cast iron can add to the flavor and complexity of the dishes you cook in it.
    • Regular cast iron is also non-stick, unlike enameled cast iron.
    • However, enameled cast iron pans and Dutch ovens are easier to maintain and ideal for braises, stews, and sauces.
  2. Enameled cast iron pans and Dutch ovens are easily cleaned with a sponge and dish soap. These pans are also incredibly durable and aren’t damaged by acidic or alkaline foods like citrus, tomatoes, and wine.
    • High-quality enameled cast iron cookware can also be considered a heritage piece.
    • Because they’re made to be strong and long-lasting, they can be passed down through generations if properly cared for. [13]
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Join the Discussion...

Best way to clean cast iron skillet w/o ruining seasoning?
WikiGiraffeTamer977
51
WikiGiraffeTamer977
I got a cast-iron pan for my birthday and I've been getting really into cooking with it, but I'm scared of ruining it! I've heard water can ruin... Read More
WikiGladeWhisperer977
WikiGladeWhisperer977
Use hot water and a non-abrasive brush or a sponge and just gently scrub away food residue. Honestly I sometimes go weeks without washing my pan... Read More
WikiAxolotlWatcher104
WikiAxolotlWatcher104
You really don't want to wash cast iron with soap. It removes the seasoning and then you have reseason it by applying a thin layer of oil and hea... Read More
See all 8 Replies and
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      • It’s normal for enameled cookware to become slightly stained over time—this minor staining will not affect its performance.
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      • Avoid careless handling of your cast iron pan, such as banging it against sharp edges or other pans. If the enamel chips, the cast iron may be exposed, making your cookware more susceptible to rust.
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      • Clean enameled cast iron each time you cook with it.
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about cleaning, check out our in-depth interview with Raymond Chiu .

      References

      1. ↑ https://edition.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/home/how-to-clean-enamel-cookware
      2. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/tools-test-kitchen/article/how-to-clean-dutch-oven
      3. ↑ https://edition.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/home/how-to-clean-enamel-cookware
      4. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/tools-test-kitchen/article/how-to-clean-dutch-oven
      5. ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-clean-stained-enameled-cast-iron-pot-article
      6. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/how-to-clean-cast-iron-skillet/
      7. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/best-method-cleaning-dutch-ovens-23064164
      8. ↑ https://alexandracooks.com/2019/03/21/how-to-clean-your-le-creuset-pots-and-pans/
      9. ↑ https://thegourmetinsider.com/cookware-how-to-store-cookware/
      1. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/10-things-to-know-before-using-your-new-dutch-oven-253154
      2. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/10-things-to-know-before-using-your-new-dutch-oven-253154
      3. ↑ https://chatelaine.com/food/kitchen-tips/difference-cast-iron-cookware/
      4. ↑ https://nourishedkitchen.com/enameled-cast-iron-cookware/

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