Enamel Pan Care: Cleaning Tips For Sparkling Cookware

Enamel pans are beloved by home chefs for their functionality and beauty, but they can be expensive, so it's important to know how to care for them properly. Enameled cast-iron cookware has a porcelain enamel coating that is smoother and easier to clean than uncoated cast-iron cookware. However, it's important to avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as these can damage the enamel. For everyday cleaning, simply wash your enamel pan with dish soap, hot water, and a non-scratch scrubbing sponge or brush. For more stubborn burnt spots and stains, there are several effective methods you can try, including boiling with baking soda, scrubbing with Bar Keeper's Friend, or using a mild bleach like hydrogen peroxide or chlorine bleach.

Use baking soda and water

Baking soda is a great tool to get rid of spots, stains, and even scratches from an enamel pan. It is easily available, cheap, and a universal cleaner. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your enamel pans with baking soda and water:

Step 1: Boil Water

Add water to your enamel pan, making sure to cover all the burnt and discolored areas. Turn on the stove and increase the temperature until the water is boiling.

Step 2: Add Baking Soda

Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add two tablespoons of baking soda. Use a long plastic spoon to stir the mixture, as a metal spoon may burn your hand.

Step 3: Simmer

After adding the baking soda, let the mixture simmer for a few minutes. During this time, the baking soda will react with the water, forming a foamy solution that will help lift away grease and stains.

Step 4: Scrape and Rinse

Use a wooden spoon to gently nudge and scrape away the burned-on bits from the pan. You will notice that the stains will release into the water, floating alongside the burned bits. Pour out the baking soda and water solution, then rinse the pan with warm water.

Step 5: Dry

After rinsing, wipe the pan dry with a clean cloth or towel. Your enamel pan should now be shiny and stain-free!

Additional Tips:

• For a more intensive cleaning, especially for stubborn stains, create a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water. Apply this paste to the stains and let it sit for several hours before rinsing and washing the pan as usual.
• To remove tough, burned-on food, add 1/4 cup of baking soda to the pan with water and bring it to a boil. Once the water has cooled, use a plastic scraper or non-stick-safe nylon brush to remove the food residue.
• Always be gentle when cleaning enamel pans to avoid chipping the coating. Avoid using hard utensils or applying too much pressure.
• Baking soda is a great natural alternative to harsh chemical cleaners and is safe to use on enamel pans.

By following these steps, your enamel pans will be looking brand new in no time!

Try hydrogen peroxide

To clean enamel pans with hydrogen peroxide, you will need to combine it with baking soda. The baking soda will help to hold the hydrogen peroxide in place over the stains. First, make a paste by mixing the two ingredients. Then, spread the paste over the stained areas of the pan. Allow the paste to sit for 20 to 30 minutes. Finally, scrub the pan with a sponge, rag, or paper towel to remove the stains. For more stubborn stains, you can use a copper or metal scrubber and apply a bit of elbow grease. If some areas of staining persist, simply reapply the paste and let it sit again before scrubbing.

Another method for cleaning enamel pans with hydrogen peroxide is to place the pan on the stove and add a 1/2 inch of hydrogen peroxide and a 1/4 cup of baking soda to the bottom. Turn the stove on high and bring the mixture to a boil. When it gets foamy, turn off the heat and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This will loosen any crusted-on food and start to lift stubborn stains. After 10 minutes, empty the pan and rinse it with water. For extra cleaning power, use a wet Magic Eraser to scrub the bottom and sides of the pan.

Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to clean baking sheets. Simply sprinkle an even layer of baking soda over the baking sheet, spray the baking soda generously with hydrogen peroxide, and let the mixture sit overnight. The next day, scrape off the paste and wash the baking sheet clean.

Avoid abrasive cleaners

Enameled cast-iron cookware has a porcelain enamel coating that is smoother and easier to clean than uncoated cast-iron cookware. However, it's important to avoid using abrasive cleaners on enamel pans as they can damage the enameling. Instead, use mild dishwashing liquids and soft natural or nylon brushes or sponges to wash your enamel pans.

When it comes to washing up liquid, "you want to avoid abrasive cleaners," says Adam Blank, a senior vice president of merchandising at Sur La Table. He recommends using "common mild dishwashing liquids" for your enamel pans.

As for cleaning tools, Blank says to "avoid anything abrasive like a scouring pad or metal sponge" as these can damage the enameling. Instead, he suggests using soft natural or nylon brushes or sponges for a gentle clean. Nate Collier, the director of marketing communications for Le Creuset, agrees, saying that "a brush can be useful for removing small food deposits" and that "a paste of baking soda and water comes in handy for cleaning tough stains, oil residue, and marks."

So, when cleaning your enamel pans, steer clear of abrasive sponges and cleaners, and opt for mild cleaning products and soft, non-abrasive tools to keep your pans in tip-top condition.

Soak in chlorine bleach

To clean enamel pans with chlorine bleach, it is important to first check the manufacturer's care instructions to ensure that bleach will not damage the surface of the pan.

Next, fill your sink with hot to warm water, making sure it is not so hot that it will burn your skin. Add two tablespoons of chlorine bleach to the water and mix it thoroughly with a pair of sturdy rubber kitchen gloves.

Then, lower the pan into the water and clean it with a soft washcloth or plastic scrubber. It is important to only immerse one pan at a time, as some pans may tarnish if allowed to soak too long in the bleach solution.

Finally, rinse the pan completely and allow it to air dry.

An alternative method is to fill the pan with water and bleach, using one cup of bleach for every liter of water. Bring this mixture to a boil for 10 minutes, being sure to use regular chlorine bleach.

Dry with a soft towel

Drying your enamel pans with a soft towel is an important step in the cleaning process. After you have washed your pan with a non-abrasive sponge or dishcloth, rinsed it with warm water, and inspected it to ensure all burnt-on food has been removed, you should dry it with a soft towel. This step is crucial as it ensures your pan is thoroughly dried and prevents water spots from forming. It is also important to dry enamel pans with a soft towel to avoid scratching the enamel surface.

Using a soft towel to dry your enamel pans is a gentle and effective way to absorb any remaining water droplets, helping to maintain the condition of your cookware. The soft texture of the towel is key to preserving the integrity of the enamel coating. A soft towel is less likely to cause scratches or damage to the pan's surface, which can occur when using more abrasive materials.

Additionally, a soft towel can help maintain the vibrancy of the pan's colour. Enamel cookware is known for its colourful exterior, and by using a soft towel to dry the pan, you can avoid dulling the colour or causing discolouration.

It is also worth noting that you should avoid air-drying enamel pans. Properly drying your pan with a soft towel helps to prevent water spots and ensures your cookware is ready for immediate use or storage.

When choosing a soft towel for drying your enamel pans, opt for a lint-free and absorbent option, such as a flour sack dish towel or a microfiber cloth. These types of towels are designed to absorb water efficiently and leave a streak-free finish.

In summary, drying your enamel pans with a soft towel is an essential step in the cleaning process. It helps to maintain the condition and appearance of your cookware by preventing scratches, preserving the enamel coating, and maintaining the colour. By choosing a suitable soft towel and thoroughly drying your pans, you can ensure your enamel cookware remains in optimal condition.

Frequently asked questions