How to easily clean enameled cast iron cookware to keep it in great shape for many years to come!
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It’s no secret that some of the absolute best flavors are brought out from cooking with cast iron cookware. While cast iron is very well known for this reason, it is also well known for being a little bit of a hassle to take care of, at least that seems to be the case with traditional cast iron. On the other hand, enameled cast iron cookware upkeep is a little bit different. Not only is the outer appearance more appealing to the eye, but thanks to its shiny porcelain glaze, food is way less likely to stick to the pan compared to the traditional cast iron pans. Plus, in a lot of ways, enameled cast iron cookware is easier to take care of, even when it comes to dealing with stuck- on food residue.
First of all, enameled cast iron does not require seasoning for upkeep, ever! It can also be hand washed pretty easily with dish soap, warm water, and a nylon scrub brush along with your other cookware and dishes. Even though most enameled cast iron cookware is actually labeled as dishwasher safe, it is highly recommended to only hand wash the cookware to help preserve its original appearance and to lower the chances of chipping it. The enamel porcelain glaze can be pretty delicate and susceptible to accidental chipping.
To help you keep your beautiful, shiny cookware looking great for many years to come while battling tough food residue, here is how to safely and easily clean tough messes from enameled cast iron cookware!
To easily clean enameled cast iron cookware all you need is some vinegar, baking soda, and a nylon scrub brush. Just pour the vinegar and baking soda on the dirty pan and let sit for 10 minutes. Scrub the pan with the nylon brush, then rinse and wipe clean.
Enameled Cast Iron Cleaning Equipment
As far as cleaning equipment goes, you only need one nifty kitchen tool for this easy pan cleaning task. What is this single common kitchen tool used to battle stubborn food residue, you may ask? Simply a:
Cleaning Materials for Enameled Cast Iron
I have some more good news for you! You don’t have to break out those elbow- length rubber gloves or harsh chemical cleaners to easily remove stuck- on food residue from the enamel coated cookware. The only cleaning materials you do need are:
- 1 ½ cup Vinegar
- ½ cup Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
Measurement Tip:
If you need to adjust these measurements based on cookware size or mess, just remember to use about 1 part baking soda to 4 parts vinegar.
How to Easily Clean Enameled Cast Iron Cookware
Before we actually get down to the scrubbing bit, let me quickly remind you to always let the cookware cool completely, or at least come to room temperature, before cleaning it. Unintentionally using cool liquid on a hot pan can result in thermal shock which can cause the enameled surface to crack. Once your pan has properly cooled though, it’s time to get down to business.
- First, gather up the cleaning materials and scrub brush. Appropriately measure out the vinegar and baking soda.
- Next, pour the vinegar into the dirty pan, then sprinkle in the baking soda.
- Let the vinegar and baking soda mix sit in the pan and work its magic for 10 minutes.
- Then, scrub the grime away using a nylon kitchen scrub brush. Safely discard the used cleaning mixture when finished scrubbing.
- Finally, rinse the enameled cookware with warm, soapy water or wipe clean.
- Dry the pan with a towel or paper towel and store it away for next time.
Tips for Cleaning and Cooking with Enameled Cast Iron Cookware:
- Always refrain from using metal utensils or scrub pads on enameled cookware. Metal will scratch or potentially chip the porcelain enamel.
- Daily clean: The best way for everyday light cleaning is with warm water, dish soap, and a nylon brush or a sponge. Always wipe the cookware dry with a towel or paper towel before storing.
- If you need extra scrub power for really stubborn messes, stick to using nylon pads or scrapers to remove tough food residue.
- Cast iron cookware takes longer to heat up and cool off than other cookware. To help prevent food from sticking to the pan in the first place, preheat the pan slowly over medium heat and opt for using a cooking oil or spray on the pan.
- When it comes time to flip cooking food, resist the urge to flip the food before it is actually ready. If the food feels like it is sticking to the surface of the pan, let it cook some more until it easily releases.
- To keep from dulling the enamel gloss, be wary of citrus juices, citrus- based cleaners, and citrus- based dishwasher detergents. Though, it will not harm the enamel exactly, it will dull the beautiful, shiny appearance.
- Staining can occur naturally if you’re regularly cooking with enameled cast iron. To battle deep food stains, try using an enamel cookware cleaner.
How to clean enameled cast iron cookware
Equipment
Instructions
- First, gather up the cleaning materials and scrub brush. Appropriately measure out the vinegar and baking soda.
- Next, pour the vinegar into the dirty pan, then sprinkle in the baking soda.
- Let the vinegar and baking soda mix sit in the pan and work its magic for 10 minutes.
- Then, scrub the grime away using a nylon kitchen scrub brush. Safely discard the used cleaning mixture when finished scrubbing.
- Finally, rinse the enameled cookware with warm, soapy water or wipe clean.
- Dry the pan with a towel or paper towel and store it away for next time.
Video
Notes
Will this method also work on my Carway pans? I am worried that I will scratch them. Thanks.
I still need to try this on Carway pans. I think as long as you use the soft part of the brush, you shouldn’t scratch the pan.