Learn how to clean an enamel dutch oven with baking soda. It will get rid of any stains and stuck on food without ruining your pot.
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The one item from my kitchen that has stuck with me the longest is my honey gold Le Creuset enameled cast iron dutch oven. I’ve had it for 15 years now. I call it “OT” – Old and trusted. It’s been with me as I taught myself to cook, survived 12 moves, and gets used every single time I make my Nana’s Sunday Gravy.
Over the years, it’s also started to show signs of aging.
The interior gets blackened when I sear something in the pot and stains happen after simmering a pot of sauce on the stove all day.
What you need to clean a dutch oven
You’ll need three items to clean your enameled cast iron dutch oven:
- Baking Soda
- Dishwashing Liquid
- Non-Abrasive Sponge
Simple, really. I think you’ll already have these items on hand.
How do you clean an enameled cast iron Dutch oven?
Step 1
Bring water to a boil
- Fill your dutch oven with enough warm water to cover the staining/stuck on bits.
- Bring it to a boil.
Step 2
Add baking soda
- Add in a few spoonfuls of baking soda.
Step 3
Scrape with wooden spoon
- Scrape up any blackened bits and food residue using a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Once the pot is mostly clean, pour the water out and use an abrasive sponge and a bit of dish soap to give it a final polish.
- At this point, you may notice that there are still some burnt on bits. If so, can repeat the process. This should get rid of any final remaining stains.
How do you get brown stains out of a dutch oven?
If you’ve got a real challenge on your hands, try making a paste mixture of dish soap and baking soda. Spread that onto your enameled cast iron dutch oven and let it sit overnight.
The next morning, add a few drops of water and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any remaining scorched bits. Then rinse the paste from the pot using a non-abrasive sponge and dish soap to polish things off.
How do I clean the exterior of my enamel dutch oven?
- Make a paste of dish soap and baking soda. Rub that over the outside of your pot to clean up any stains, then rinse.
With these tips, you should have a bright and shiny enameled dutch oven that is ready for its next 15 years of use….
Note: The above information is how to clean a Le Creuset dutch oven. If you are cleaning a cast iron dutch oven (without enamel) you will want to follow the steps below.
What is the best way to clean a cast iron dutch oven?
- Fill your cast iron pot with enough water to cover the staining/stuck on bits.
- Bring it to a boil.
- Scrape up any blackened bits using a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Once the pot is mostly clean, pour the water out and use an abrasive sponge to give it a final polish.
- Dry the pot by placing it back on a hot burner until all the water has evaporated.
- Oil: Add a coat of vegetable oil to your pot using a clean paper towel.
Full Recipe
How to Clean a Dutch Oven
Equipment
Ingredients
- Baking Soda
- Dish Soap
- Abrasive Sponge
Instructions
- Fill your dutch oven with enough water to cover the staining/stuck on bits.
- Bring it to a boil.
- Add in a few spoonfuls of baking soda.
- Scrape up any blackened bits using a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Once the pot is mostly clean, pour the water out and use an abrasive sponge and a bit of dish soap to give it a final polish.
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