Marianne Martinez
Stains on your enamel Dutch pan? Don't worry, it's a common issue with a few simple solutions. Firstly, it's important to note that you should avoid using high heat when cooking with enamel and always use oil or cooking spray to prevent food from baking onto the pan. To remove slight stains, begin by letting the pan cool, then wash it with warm soapy water and a nylon scrub brush. For persistent stains, you can try a mixture of household bleach and water, or a paste made from baking soda and water. Alternatively, you can fill the pan with water, bring it to a boil, and add baking soda, using a wooden spoon to scrape off the burnt bits. For tough stains, you can also try using Bar Keepers Friend, a paste made from baking soda and dish soap, or even denture cleaner. With these tips, your enamel Dutch pan will be looking good as new!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Let the pan cool |
| Step 2 | Hand wash with warm soapy water and a nylon scrub brush |
| Step 3 | Rub the surface with a damp cloth and Lodge Enamel Cleaner or another ceramic cleaner |
| Step 4 | For persistent stains, soak the interior of the cookware for 2-3 hours with a mixture of 3 tablespoons of household bleach per quart of water |
| Step 5 | For baked-on food, boil 2 cups of water and 4 tablespoons of baking soda for a few minutes. Then use a pan scraper to loosen the food |
| Alternative methods | Toothpaste scrubbed with a toothbrush, lemon juice scrubbed with salt, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide boiled together, Bar Keepers Friend and a scrubby sponge, baking soda and water boiled together |
What You'll Learn
Bleach and water
- Ensure your pan is cool: Before you begin cleaning, it is important to let your enamel Dutch pan cool down completely. This is crucial, as a sudden change in temperature can cause the enamel to crack.
- Hand wash with warm soapy water: Fill your pan with warm water and add a mild dish soap. Use a soft nylon sponge or a nylon scrub brush to gently wash the pan and preserve the cookware's original appearance. Avoid using metal utensils or harsh scrubbers, as they can scratch or chip the enamel.
- Prepare a bleach and water solution: In a separate container, create a solution of bleach and water. The recommended ratio is 3 tablespoons of household bleach per quart of water. Mix them well.
- Soak the interior of the pan: After cleaning and removing any lighter stains, pour the bleach and water solution into the pan. Let the pan soak for 2-3 hours.
- Rinse and dry: After soaking, thoroughly rinse the pan with warm water to remove any residue. Dry the pan completely before storing it.
It is important to note that while bleach and water can be effective for removing stains, it may not completely restore the original colour of the enamel. Additionally, always use caution when working with bleach and follow the manufacturer's instructions for dilution and safety.
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Baking soda and water
To begin, place your pan on the stove and pour in enough water to cover the affected area. For a standard-sized pan, four cups of water should suffice, but you can adjust this amount accordingly. Turn the burner to medium heat and wait for the water to reach a rolling boil.
Once the water is bubbling away, add two tablespoons of baking soda. Use a wooden spoon to carefully stir the mixture, ensuring the baking soda is fully dissolved. Allow the solution to simmer gently for a few minutes. You should soon see bits of food beginning to loosen and rise from the bottom of the pan.
After a few minutes of simmering, use a wooden spoon or a pan scraper to gently nudge any remaining burned-on bits. Avoid using metal utensils as these may damage the enamel surface. The baking soda and water solution will have loosened the residue, making it easy to remove without the need for vigorous scrubbing.
Finally, pour the solution down the drain and give the pan a thorough rinse with warm water. You may notice a chalky residue left behind by the baking soda, so be sure to wash with a mild dish soap and hot water to restore the pan to its former glory.
This method is a simple, cost-effective way to remove even the most stubborn stains from your enamel cookware, leaving it looking brand new.
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Bar Keepers Friend
To use Bar Keepers Friend on an enameled cast iron pan, first, rinse the pan with water and leave it wet. Then, sprinkle a tablespoon of the powder on the bottom of the pan. Using a soft, damp sponge, scrub in a circular motion, applying pressure and using friction to remove stuck-on bits. Rinse the pan with warm, soapy water, and dry with a soft cloth or paper towel. Repeat the process on the sides of the pan, and then the handle.
For tough areas of the pan, make a paste with Bar Keepers Friend and leave it to sit for up to 30 minutes. You can also use steel wool for very blackened pans, but be sure to switch to a soft sponge or rag afterward. It is important to note that you should not let Bar Keepers Friend sit on the surface of the pan for longer than a minute. While the product is safe for use on pots and pans, it is recommended to wear kitchen gloves to protect your skin, as the powder is abrasive.
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Lemon juice and salt
To use this method, wait for the pan to cool, then cut a lemon in half, dip the cut side into coarse salt, and use it to scour the pan. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons of extra salt to help as needed. However, the harder you scrub, the more lemon juice will be released from the lemon, which can make it difficult to get the smaller bits off the pan.
It is important to note that hands with any cuts on them will not fare well with the salt and lemon juice.
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Toothpaste
This method will likely brighten the bottom of the pan, but it may not remove burnt-on food pieces. It is a good method to try if your pan is clean but stained, or if the inside corners of the pan are stained.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several methods to remove stains from an enamel Dutch pan. Firstly, you should let the pan cool, then hand wash it with warm soapy water and a nylon scrub brush. For persistent stains, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water, or a ceramic cleaner. For more stubborn stains, you can soak the pan for 2-3 hours with a mixture of 3 tablespoons of household bleach per quart of water.
You should avoid using citrus juices and citrus-based cleaners, including some dishwasher detergents, as they can dull the exterior gloss.
To avoid stains when cooking, always use oil or cooking spray and never preheat the pan without oil or water. It is also recommended to use low-to-medium heat when cooking on the stove.
Alternative methods to remove stains include using toothpaste, lemon juice and salt, or Bar Keepers Friend and a scrubby sponge.
