{"id":30302,"date":"2021-10-13T07:44:54","date_gmt":"2021-10-13T07:44:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ceramiccookwarehub.com\/?p=30302"},"modified":"2022-09-05T03:19:38","modified_gmt":"2022-09-05T03:19:38","slug":"how-to-clean-enameled-cast-iron","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ceramiccookwarehub.com\/how-to-clean-enameled-cast-iron\/","title":{"rendered":"Enameled Cast Iron Care"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Are your enameled cast iron pots and pans stained or discolored? They perform fine but they look a tad unsightly and you want to avoid chipping them, right? Here’s how to care for enameled cast iron cookware and options on how to remove the staining.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Enameled
Caring for enameled cast iron so it continues to look great and perform well<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

Caring for enameled cast iron<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Caring for enameled cast iron involves proper use, cleaning, storing, and restoring these great looking pots and pans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One main care approach with these when you’re using them is to avoid metal utensils. You’ll find if you do use metal, you’ll have these gray marks and a compromised surface that attracts further staining. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another is to avoid high flames. You might find exposure to high flames will scorch the exterior of your pan and you may find it hard to restore it to its original beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to clean enameled cast iron<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

How to clean enameled cast iron is pretty straightforward…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2705 <\/em><\/strong><\/mark>Let the pot or pan cool first<\/strong> — so you don’t risk ruining the enamel through thermal shock. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2705<\/strong><\/mark> <\/em>It’s best to hand wash<\/strong> with warm soapy water and a stiff nylon brush. Use a bamboo or plastic scraper on the food residue and it should come away easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

X<\/strong><\/mark> Never immerse a hot pan or pot.<\/em> If food is stuck, add some water (after it’s cooled) and let soak for 15 mins<\/strong> or so. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

X<\/mark><\/strong> Don’t use<\/em> metal scourers or metal scrapers on enameled cast iron or you risk leaving marks<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"how
Use non-abrasive scrapers, like this one shown, which comes in Lodge’s enameled cast iron care kit<\/a>
available at Amazon <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Storing enameled cookware<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You need to store these properly or you risk chipping the enamel and exposing the black cast iron beneath. Avoid stacking the pots and pans, but if you have limited space then use pan protectors that do a good job of preventing unnecessary marks and chips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"16pcs
Pan Protectors<\/a>
Available at Amazon <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Restoring — removing discoloration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the biggest care factors with enameled cast iron is the staining it tends to get. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why does enameled cast iron stain?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The enamel cooking surface of enameled cast iron wears and dulls with use over time, especially with frequent use of dishwasher, abrasive cleaners, and metal utensils. The surface becomes porous. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carbon residue or coloring from foods settles in the micro pores and stains the once lustrous finish of the cookware. Heat will burn oils and fats that remain on the outside after washing — why it’s important to take proper care when washing and drying to remove residue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What you should know: Your enameled cookware will stain — expect it . Manufacturers say it won’t interfere with your cookware’s performance. But for look’s sake, you might want to remove the stain…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s look at ways you can fix stained<\/em> enamelled cast iron.<\/strong>..<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’ll find various sources list vinegar, baking soda, bleach, or Bar Keepers Friend as the best way to clean stained<\/strong> enameled cast iron cookware. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using everyday pantry items<\/a> like vinegar, baking soda, and salt is convenient and often cheap when cleaning things in the kitchen<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bar Keepers Friend<\/a><\/strong> is a commercial product that I find has many uses inside and outside the house and is a worthwhile purchase overall. You could also opt for the care kit by Lodge, which mentioned further down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are ways to clean stained enameled cast iron<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"how<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Using vinegar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As a first ‘go-to’ for how to clean enameled cast iron with vinegar, try diluting it in a splash of water and wipe the cookware with a cloth soaked in this solution. Make sure to rinse properly and dry before storing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vinegar will make the product shine but it may not remove persistent staining. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using baking soda<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To use baking soda to clean enameled cast iron: Dampen a cloth with water and then dab it into some baking soda. Rub the enameled surface with this cloth in light circular motions, focusing on the stained area. Rinse well and dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"ARM
For scratchless cleaning <\/strong><\/a>
available at Amazon <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

For more stubborn baked-on food<\/strong>, partly fill the pot or pan with water and add baking soda. <\/p>\n\n\n\n