How to clean enameled cast iron – our kitchen editor shares tips to avoid chipping, damage and discoloration

There's no denying that enameled cast iron pots and pans have become one of the most coveted kitchen pieces among chefs and aspiring home cooks alike, with a desirability that spans generations. But, how do you clean them?

Not only are they incredibly heavy, they're also surprisingly fragile and remarkably breakable – and after making the hefty investment, a smashed or scratched pan is the last thing you'll be wanting.

Luckily, our very own kitchen editor, appliance expert and trained chef, Lydia Hayman is on hand to share her cleaning tips for enameled cast iron kitchenware that lasts for years to come.

How to clean enameled cast iron without damaging it

Asides from being (usually) beautifully and boldly colored, and looking gorgeous in any kitchen ideas, cast iron and enamel cast iron kitchenware actually differ, impacting how to effective clean them.

Lydia explains, 'Both are fantastic for heat retention, and are excellent non-toxic cookware options. The difference is enameled cast iron has a glossy porcelain coating fused to the surface. This offers three advantages – it doesn't need seasoning, it resists rust, and it's a bit easier to clean than bare cast iron.

'Sometimes, it can even be suitable for your best dishwasher, depending on the brand. However, on the whole, enamel requires gentle care to avoid scratching, staining, or chipping.'

1. Allow the pan to cool down

Much like cleaning stainless steel pans and non-stick pans, and really any cookware, it's important to let enameled cast iron cool before starting to clean it.

Our kitchen editor Lydia explains, 'Plunging a hot pan into cold water can cause the enamel to crack from thermal shock,' which is a mistake to avoid when cleaning kitchenware.

2. Leave the pan to soak

Once cooled, Lydia recommends soaking your pot for around 15-20 minutes, as advised by Le Creuset, before getting your sponges out. 'This is a simple way to remove stuck-on food without harming the enamel,' she says.

Any longer, though, and the water will begin to cool and go greasy, warns Jessica Samson, cleaning expert at The Maids, making it harder to clean again, especially when cleaning a burnt pot.

Opt to soak in warm water rather than cold, and you can add a few drops of gentle dish soap, such as the Method Clemetine Dish Soap available at Walmart, for some preliminary grime fighting, too.

3. Wash with a sponge

After soaking, use a gentle brush or sponge, such as the METUUTER Kitchen Sponges available at Amazon, with a mild dish soap and warm water to remove residue, explains Lydia.

She says, 'Le Creuset also sell an enamel cleaner, called Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Cookware Cleaner available on Amazon, which I haven’t tried, but it’s supposed to revive your dull pans and rescue them from discoloration if you use it every once in a while – it has some glowing reviews on Amazon!

'If there's stuck-on food, resist the temptation to use metal scourers or harsh cleaners, as they could damage the surface.'

Instead, suggests Jade Piper, operations manager at BetterCleans, a silicone or wooden utensil can be used to gently pry away any stuck-on food, to avoid scratching the surface, just as you would when cleaning a cast iron skillet.

It goes without saying, but you should also handle your enameled cast iron with care, says Petya Holevich, house cleaning expert and supervisor at Fantastic Services. ‘Handle enameled cast iron with care to prevent chipping. Dropping or banging the cookware can lead to chips in the enamel, affecting both its appearance and functionality.

'This can also occur if you store your enameled cast iron pans incorrectly, too. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of enameled cast iron as this can lead to chipping or cracking.’

We recommend Pot and Pan Protectors available at Amazon or a sensible and customizable pan storage solution. Solved content editor Chiana tried a peg board solution for her messy pots and pans and was so impressed, she's buying more for other mess hot-spots around her home. She described the Umbra Peggy organizer, available at Umbra as a 'God-send'.

4. Use baking soda on stubborn stains

Enameled cast iron, especially in light colors, has a tendency to hold onto stains, particularly when cooking with tomatoes and other heavily colored ingredients. Cleaning expert Jade Piper, suggests cleaning with baking soda to help lift stains without harsh abrasives.

She says, 'For light stains, create a paste by mixing baking soda with water. Apply it and gently rub with a soft cloth (such as the HOMEXCEL Microfiber Cleaning Cloth available at Amazon) then rinse thoroughly. If there are mineral deposits or discoloration, soak it for at least 30 minutes in a solution made of equal parts white vinegar and water. You can also try cleaning with lemon juice if you need some extra brightening power,’ she adds.

5. Dry

Finally, let your enameled cast iron dry thoroughly, 'so that the enamel lasts a long time,' says H&G kitchen editor and trained chef Lydia Hayman, before putting them away. This is best done by hand drying to remove water spots.

Luckily, Gen La Rocca, professional chef, owner, and recipe developer behind Two Cloves Kitchen, says, 'Unlike traditional cast iron, enameled cast iron doesn’t need seasoning,' so you can skip that step entirely.

If you are cleaning cast iron cookware, our guide on how to season a cast iron pan has expert tips to make the process easy.

FAQs

How do you get burn marks off the outside of enameled cast iron?

When removing burn marks from the exterior of your cast iron pan, you can use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to form a rough paste. Apply this to the burned surface and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes before rubbing off with a damp cloth, repeating these steps as needed.

In dire cases, you can turn to cleaning with The Pink Stuff and a slightly more abrasive brush, but be warned that this may scratch the surface, and should be tested on an inconspicuous spot first to test for damage.

'The beauty of enamel cast iron is the even heat retention, which is perfect for browning meat and slow-cooking rich flavors,' says Lydia. 'I have an enormous Staub Cocotte, which I love using for dishes like chilli con carne or boeuf bourguignon. It can withstand very high temperatures, so you can transition from stove to oven easily.'

Once they're spotless and sparkling, why not organize your pots and pans like a pro.