If you’re lucky enough to own one of these gorgeous, high-performing pieces of cookware, you better treat it right. Fortunately, Le Creuset’s enameled cast iron Dutch ovens are famously easy to clean—provided you know what not to do. Read on for a couple precautionary notes, plus a basic cleaning method, courtesy of Le Creuset.
- Do not attempt to clean your le Creuset Dutch oven while it’s still hot. You might be inclined to stick your Dutch oven in the sink and fill it with cold water for a soak as soon as you’ve used it, but that’s a big mistake. Per the manufacturer, exposing a Le Creuset Dutch oven to cold water while it’s still piping hot can cause the enamel to crack due to thermal shock. As such, it’s advised that you always let the Dutch oven cool completely before you clean it.
- Steer clear of abrasive sponges and scrub brushes. Le Creuset Dutch ovens are naturally non-stick, thanks to their enamel coating. Although food may still get crusted on, it should be easy to remove after a good soak (once completely cooled, of course) and a light scrub with a non-abrasive sponge. Resist the urge to use steel wool, scouring pads or other abrasive materials when cleaning your Dutch oven, as these are liable to scratch the enamel and, unlike the burnt bits of last night’s casserole, that damage is permanent.
Now that we’ve covered the two big no-nos, here’s what you can do to get your Le Creuset squeaky clean. (Note: Le Creuset’s enameled cast iron is dishwasher safe, but the brand advises against using your trusty kitchen appliance on the regular, as this will dull its glossy and oh-so-pretty surface over time.)