How to Clean Le Creuset Cookware the Right Way

Le Creuset makes some seriously covetable cookware, and since the price tag on these pieces is pretty steep, you’d be wise to keep ‘em in good enough condition to pass onto the next generation. Here’s everything you need to know about how to clean Le Creuset cookware so it performs well and sits pretty for years to come.

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.)

1. Let the Dutch oven cool completely.
2. Fill the Dutch oven with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. (If you’ve got burnt or crusted on bits to tackle, let it soak long enough for the offending food particles to soften before you proceed to the next step.)
3. Use a soft sponge to wipe away any leftover food or grease from the Dutch oven.
4. Rinse well to remove any soapy residue.
5. Dry the Dutch oven thoroughly with a non-abrasive dish cloth before putting it away.

That curry you made was delicious—but, boy, can turmeric stain. Fear not: Le Creuset makes a highly effective cleaner that’s specifically designed to safely remove stains from their enamel cookware. Simply use the cleaner according to the instructions on the bottle as soon as you notice staining, and your Dutch oven will be good as new. (Note: The longer the stain sits, the harder it will be to remove, so time is of the essence.)

Don’t want to spring for the brand name stuff? No worries. There’s a DIY method that will rid any Le Creuset enameled cookware of sticky grease residue, stubborn bits of food and (most) unsightly stains. Here’s what to do: