Le Creuset Pans: Clean, Green, And Non-Toxic?

Le Creuset pans are made of enameled cast iron, which is non-stick, easy to clean, and comes in a variety of colours. While they are technically dishwasher-safe, hand-washing is recommended to extend their lifespan. To clean a Le Creuset pan, let it cool, scrape away food bits, wash in warm soapy water, and clean the rim with baking soda. For stuck-on food, dry scrub or wet scrub with baking soda, or soak the pan in warm soapy water. For stubborn stains, use a baking soda paste, hydrogen peroxide, or a chlorine bleach soak. Avoid using steel wool or metal scrapers, banging the pan on sharp edges, cleaning a hot pan, and air-drying.

Le Creuset's own cleaning solution

To use it, simply apply the cleaner, rinse with water, and wipe clean. It works on both sand-interior and matte black interior cast iron cookware surfaces. It safely removes heat stains, discolouration, grit, and grime from cast iron cookware while preserving and enhancing the shine of the enamel.

Some customers have expressed that the cleaner works great on their Le Creuset cookware and is the best product to remove stains. However, others have said that it didn't clean ingrained stains as well as they would have liked, and that it is a small bottle for the price.

Baking soda and water

Step 1: Fill the Pan with Water

Partially fill your Le Creuset pan with water. The amount of water will depend on the size of your pan and the severity of the stains. For a small pan with light stains, a few cups of water may be sufficient. For a larger pan with heavy stains, fill the pan about halfway with water.

Step 2: Add Baking Soda

Add a generous amount of baking soda to the water in your pan. There is no exact measurement, but aim for a ratio of about 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda per quart of water. You can always add more baking soda if needed.

Step 3: Bring the Solution to a Boil

Place your pan on the stovetop and turn the heat to medium. Allow the water to come to a gentle boil. Do not let it boil vigorously, as this may cause the solution to overflow.

Step 4: Simmer the Solution

Once the solution reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for several minutes. This step helps to activate the cleaning power of the baking soda. The baking soda will react with the water, releasing carbon dioxide gas and forming a basic solution that can effectively dissolve burnt-on carbon deposits.

Step 5: Scrub the Pan

After simmering the solution for a few minutes, turn off the heat and allow the pan to cool down. Once it is cool enough to handle, use a stiff-bristled brush or a nylon scrubber to gently scrub the inside of the pan. Avoid using abrasive scrubbing pads or steel wool, as these can damage the enamel coating.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

After scrubbing the pan, carefully pour out the baking soda solution. Rinse the pan with hot water to remove any remaining residue. Finally, wipe the pan dry with a clean cloth or towel.

Additional Tips:

• Repeat the process if necessary. For heavily soiled pans, you may need to repeat the above steps multiple times to completely remove all the stains.
• For stubborn stains, you can let the baking soda and water solution soak in the pan overnight before scrubbing.
• If you want to add some extra cleaning power, you can include a few tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice to the baking soda and water solution. However, avoid using vinegar if you have already tried boiling the pan with baking soda, as vinegar will neutralize the baking soda, reducing its effectiveness.
• Always be cautious when handling hot water and cleaning solutions. Wear gloves and protective eyewear if necessary.

Hydrogen peroxide and water

To clean your Le Creuset pans with hydrogen peroxide and water, follow these steps:

• Pour about half an inch of hydrogen peroxide into the pan.
• Add one to two teaspoons of baking soda.
• Heat the mixture until it starts to bubble. The heat is necessary to start the reaction.
• Simmer for about 10 minutes.
• Use a green scrub brush and a wooden spoon to remove the residue.
• Repeat as needed.

This method is effective at removing carbon buildup without damaging the enamel coating of your Le Creuset pans. It is important to note that this method is not recommended for cast-iron pans, as it may damage the seasoning.

Bleach and water

For a diluted bleach and water solution, add one teaspoon of bleach to two cups of water. Soak the pan in this solution overnight or for up to two days. After soaking, thoroughly wash the pan with hot soapy water and paper towels. Rinse the pan and wash again with warm soapy water, then rinse with warm water and dry it.

As bleach is toxic, it is important to ensure that the pan is thoroughly washed and rinsed after soaking. To be extra cautious, some people choose to simmer canned tomato sauce in the pan after cleaning to ease their minds about any potential bleach residue. This extra step should be done on low heat to avoid burning the pan again.

While bleach and water can effectively remove stains, it may result in the dulling of the enamel with excessive use. Therefore, it is recommended to use this method sparingly and try other cleaning approaches first, such as the boil water method, baking soda paste, or specialised cleaning products.

Soaking in warm soapy water

Le Creuset pans are made of enameled cast iron, which makes them non-stick and easier to clean. However, it's important to follow certain steps to ensure they are cleaned properly and without damage. Firstly, always let the pan cool down completely before cleaning it. Filling a hot pan with cold water can cause cracks. If there are food residues, fill the pan with warm water and let it soak for 15 to 20 minutes before washing. You can also add some dish soap to the warm water to help loosen any stuck-on food.

For stuck-on food that won't budge, there are a few methods you can try. Firstly, you can dry-scrub with baking soda by sprinkling a damp dishcloth with baking soda and scrubbing the area. Alternatively, you can try a wet scrub with baking soda by adding 2 cups of water and 1/4 cup of baking soda to the pan, boiling it, and then using a plastic scraper to remove the food once the water has cooled.

If your pan has a particularly stubborn stain, you can try using a baking soda paste. Mix baking soda with water to form a thick paste, apply it to the pan, and rub in a circular motion with a soft sponge. This will remove the stain without harming the enamel. Once the stain is gone, be sure to rinse and dry the pan thoroughly.

Another option for removing stains is to use hydrogen peroxide, a mild bleach. After removing any burned food, pour enough hydrogen peroxide into the pan to cover the bottom by at least 1/2 inch. Add 1/4 cup of baking soda and heat the pan until the mixture begins to bubble. Then, remove it from the heat and let it soak until cool before washing as usual.

While some people recommend using bleach to clean Le Creuset pans, this can be dangerous. Combining bleach and vinegar produces chlorine gas, which can cause coughing, breathing problems, and burning, watery eyes. Even boiling bleach can be hazardous, as it releases chlorine gas which can cause severe chemical burns to the lungs. Therefore, it is best to avoid using bleach to clean your Le Creuset pans.

Frequently asked questions