How to Clean an Enamel Pan

Enamel pans are great for cooking. They’re sturdy, long-lasting, and easy to clean. Enameled cast iron cookware has become popular over the last few years because of its many benefits like even heat distribution and its ability to retain heat well.

 It’s also non-reactive so your food will taste the same no matter what kind of pan you use! 

However, enameled cast iron cookware must be properly cared for to ensure it lasts as long as possible. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cleaning and maintaining your enamel pans: how often do I need to clean? What if my enamel pan gets rusty? 

There are several options when it comes to cleaning your enamel pan like boiling it, soaking it in a paste, and scrubbing it with a nylon scrub brush. 

How Do You Clean an Enamel Pan?

You’ll find that most of our enamel cookware is marked as dishwasher safe, but it’s best to hand wash it anyway. Hand washing will help your enameled cast iron cookware last generations into the future.

For Regular Cleaning

For regular cleaning, you’ll want to use hot water and soap. A non-abrasive sponge or cloth is ideal for this task much like other nonstick pans. 

Things You’ll Need

• Dish soap
• Nylon scrubber sponge
• Pan scraper (silicone)
• Dishtowel

Steps

1. Always let your cookware cool down entirely before you try to clean it. Why? If you put a hot pan in colder water you’re looking at the possibility of thermal shock. It’s not a good combination and can cause your enamel to crack, defeating its purpose. 
2. Using hot water and dish soap scrub out your pot. Don’t be tempted to use a heavy, abrasive sponge or steel wool. These are too abrasive and can scratch the enamel.
3. Use the silicone scraper to get off stubborn food. The silicone is safe. If you think it will be a tough wash, don’t hesitate to soak the pan in warm soapy water first. 
4. Rinse with clean, warm water. Make sure to use your dish towel and thoroughly dry the pan before storing it again. 

For Burnt Spots

Everyone burns dinner at least once, if it was your turn in the enamel pot, don’t fret. There’s a simple and quick way to bring your pot back to its bright glory.

Things You’ll Need

• Water
• 2 tablespoons Baking soda

Steps

1. Fill your pot with enough water that all the burnt on food is covered.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Once the water begins to boil add a couple of tablespoons of baking soda and stir, gently.
4. After it simmers for a few minutes, feel free to use your wooden or silicone spoon to nudge the stuck bits off gently. The mess should release from the pot as it simmers
5. Rinse the pot with warm water and dry it with a soft towel.

For Stubborn Stains

There comes a time in the lives of all enamel cookware aficionados where the stains simply start to build. There’s an easy way to get rid of them though.

Things You’ll Need

• Baking soda
• Hydrogen peroxide

Steps

1. Fill your pot with about a ½ inch of hydrogen peroxide. Add in ¼ cup of baking soda and then place on your stovetop over high heat. You’re going to bring this mixture to a boil. 
2. When your mixture gets all foamy, turn off the heat. You’ll want to let it sit for about 10 minutes.
3. Empty out the baking soda mix and rinse with water. Now, you’ll want to scrub out your pot. You can scrub as normal like the above instructions or you can try a Magic Eraser sponge, extra power for those really tough stains. 

A Paste for Stubborn Stains

Sometimes they need a good soak and scrub, but you don’t want to be too abrasive when it comes to cleaning enamel cookware.

Things You’ll Need

• Baking soda
• Water
• Small bowl
• Soft sponge

Steps

1. In the small bowl, you’re going to mix baking soda with a little water to form a thick paste. 
2. Using a soft sponge, apply this paste to your pot. If the stains are bad, consider letting this soak overnight. 
3. Scrub the paste into those stains with a circular motion. Baking soda is slightly abrasive, so the paste will help remove the stains without damaging the enamel. 
4. Once the stains are gone, rinse with warm water and dry with a towel. 

What are Some Tips When Using an Enamel Pan?

When Cooking

• Don’t use metal utensils. Instead choose utensils made of wood, silicone, or heat-resistant plastic.
• Resist the temptation to knock your cooking utensils on the edge of the pan.
• Handheld beaters, especially with metal blades should not be used in your enamel pot.
• Do not cut anything inside your enamel pot

When Cleaning

• Watch out for thermal shock. Don’t place your hot pan in cold water or fill a hot pan with cold water.
• Avoid scouring agents or abrasive detergents as you could damage the enamel
• No metal sponges or steel wool. Abrasive scrubbers can damage the enamel

When Storing

• Store in a dry place away from steam
• Make sure your pan is fully dry before placing it in storage
• If you want to stack your enamel cookware, use pot and pan protectors to decrease potential damage to the enamel
• Check your handles and knobs regularly and tighten when needed.

FAQs

Can you clean enamel with vinegar?

For stuck-on stains, vinegar is a good solution. After using your baking soda paste and letting it sit overnight, spray on some vinegar to cause the chemical reaction. Once it foams up, use a sponge to wipe it away. 

How can I make my enamel shiny again?

After scrubbing with soap and water, use Bar Keeper’s friend. It comes in a liquid or powdered version. 

Does bleach damage enamel pans?

You shouldn’t do it often, but you can use a bleach solution for really stubborn stains. Make a solution of one part bleach to three parts water and let it sit overnight. 

Conclusion

Enamel cast iron cookware is relatively easy to clean when you know what to do. Don’t be afraid to cook up a pot of your favorite french onion soup just because it might stain your pot!

A little bit of dish soap and baking soda will clean it up in no time, with little elbow grease on your end.