Le Creuset—already stained
I purchased a Le Creuset dutch oven about 3 years ago and the enamel is already stained as well as the bottom of the pan. Has anyone experienced this?
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17 Comments:
Three YEARS ago? I stained mine within DAYS. Chipping would be a problem, staining is totally normal.
simon at 6:16PM on 02/13/09
Thanks for response. I was worried I did something to it. Is there anyway to keep it from staining? The LC pans are always so clean looking on the cooking shows.
JULIEG at 6:37PM on 02/13/09
I think all you need it some steel wool or one of those green scotchbrite, maybe some abrasive like ajax powder, and some elbow grease. Soaking it in hot water and dish detergent for a while before scrubbing would probably help. The thing about LC is you can get really hot with it, which means the food that splatters on it carbonizes. The hotter it gets the harder the carbon coating. Essentially, it's like the seasoning on a cast iron pan, a super hard carbon coating. It will come off. The question is, is it really worth the effort? I kinda like my stains, they are like battle scars, or the little crow's feet wrinkles around the eyes of a beautiful woman.
simon at 6:55PM on 02/13/09
Just a warning: anyone seen those Martha Stewart pans that are Le Creuset knockoffs? Save your money. I bought one about six months ago, and it's chipped all over the outside. It even left a two-inch long strip of red enamel on my burner the other day. Took me days to get it off the dang burner.
I am officially saving up for the real thing.
Kiwords at 7:03PM on 02/13/09
@Simon, doesn't LC recommend NOT using harsh abrasives? Or am I thinking of something else? Seems to me that roughing up the interior would just make it more prone to food sticking.
dbcurrie at 7:04PM on 02/13/09
NO STEEL WOOL ON YOUR LE CREUSET!!!!!
use a paste of baking soda and water. smear it on and let it sit for a day or two.
cybercita at 10:08PM on 02/13/09
The stains on the enamel just come from use, not to worry. Soak after cooking if necessary, scrub with dish soap and a Dobie scrubber; I would never dare to use a harsh abrasive on mine. The ones on the cooking shows look so clean because they're all brand new. When they use a steel spoon -- instead of a wooden one -- in the pot I want to scream. One of the reasons I no longer watch Food Network.
ride&cook at 10:14PM on 02/13/09
Can't you also use Bar Keeper's Friend? I've used that with extra-tough stains on my LC dutch oven and it's been the only thing that worked in one case.
pearl at 1:09AM on 02/14/09
If you have some staining soak the LC in hot water with LAUNDRY detergent. For those very stuck on and greasy burned on stains use laundry detergent. It is harmless to the LC and it breaks down grease wonderfully.
JerzeeTomato at 4:04AM on 02/14/09
Bar Keeper's Friend IS. THE. ANSWER. ;-)
Curlz at 11:54AM on 02/14/09
I actually just ordered some barkeepers friend to see if I can remove some scorched marks on some stainless calphalon cookwear I have. It says on the website that LC also recommends Barkeepers friend for their products, so I guess that should work!
southeasterneater at 12:11PM on 02/14/09
I am a strong believer in Barkeepers Friend. It's great on almost anything that needs it. I almost never use Brillo pads anymore. Just that and a soft cloth and some patience and elbow grease. I've also used dishwashing detergent to soak casseroles; the bleach in it helps.
lemons at 4:23PM on 02/14/09
I have several Le Creuset pots and pans- two of them belonged to my mother and they are at least 30-40 years old- good old flame colored enamel. I always use steel wool on them to no ill effect. Barkeeper's Friend is an excellent alternative but I use Brillo and they are just as good and as beautiful as ever.
deefine at 10:10PM on 02/14/09
I've put my 10 year old LC pot in the dishwasher many times and it comes out clean as a whistle with no damage to any part of it. This may sound like sacrilege to you, but it works and leaves no residue.
joannabar at 1:02AM on 02/15/09
don't buy any special cleansers or scrubby things. Just use some baking soda and your usual sponge. scrub it all over and be amazed as you rinse your pot clean.
mercuryhime at 11:49AM on 02/15/09
Shackley makes a great product called "Scour Off" that is surprisingly strong, yet not too abrasive. I haven't tried on enamel, but it works wonders on All-Clad. I use it to scrub just about everything and have never had a problem!
July at 12:05PM on 02/15/09
my enameled cast iron did stain pretty early on [ i have one Calphalon and one Lodge]. I don't feel like the finish is damaged in any way though and i love using them for stews, bread, soup, frying, almost anything. I'm sure the Le Creuset is much better quality but i don't need it. Sure the outside chips but i dont cook with the outside of the pot. spent maybe 60 on the Calphalon and 45 on the Lodge on amazon. Well worth the savings since i won't need another one for a long time.
alastor at 10:03AM on 02/17/09