How to clean and care for your enamel cast iron cookware?

No matter if you inherited enameled cast iron cookware or just bought a new set for yourself, learning how to clean and care for this cookware will help it last for decades. While most enameled cast iron cookware is technically dishwasher-safe, if you want it to last for as long as possible, hand-washing is best.

HOW TO CLEAN?

1.Let the pot cool down completely. If you put a hot enamel pot in cold water, the dramatic change in temperature can cause thermal shock and crack the enamel.

2.Once cool, wash the pot with warm water and dish soap, using a scrubber sponge. Remember that don't use a metal sponge or steel wool, because they can scratch the surface.

3.To remove any stuck-on food, grab a silicone pan scraper, which won’t harm the enamel. You can also soak the pot in warm soapy water before scrubbing if you have a really big mess.  

4.Rinse and dry the pan thoroughly before putting it away.

5.To remove stubborn stains: It’s fine to soak your enameled cast iron cookware in warm water and dish soap; You can also add a generous sprinkling of baking soda to the soaking water or add it to a little water and use it as a scrub. Just remember to always let the cookware come to room temperature before cleaning it; Adding cold water to a hot pan or soaking it in a sinkful of cool water can result in thermal shock which has the potential to crack the enameled surface. If food is really stubborn, add dish soap and water and cook it on low heat until it releases. And definitely avoid metal scouring pads at all costs, which will scratch the surface and remove the protective enamel. Or in a small bowl, mix baking soda with water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to the pan with a soft sponge and rub in a circular motion. This mix is mildly abrasive, so it will remove the stains, but without harming the enamel. Once the stains disappear, rinse the pan and dry thoroughly. The pan should look brand-new.

HOW TO STORE

Enameled cast iron pots require less maintenance than traditional black cast iron, so just keep them clean and dry. Try not to bang metal utensils on the rim. Take care when lifting and moving the pots and pans and removing and replacing the lids so you don’t inadvertently bang them and cause chips or cracks.

HOW TO MAINTAIN

Use it on any kitchen stovetops including induction, it’s also oven safe to 500°F (260°C).

To prevent scratching ceramic or glass cooktops, or damaging your cookware bottoms, never slide enameled cast iron around, so lift to move your enameled cast iron cookware.

Preheat with a little butter, oil, or water each time you cook for easier cleanup later.

Use on low to medium heat. Cast iron has excellent heat retention and performs best when heated and cooled gradually, it rarely requires a high heat.