Over time, the bottom of a Le Creuset pan or pot can become stained from cooking. But don’t worry, you can clean it easily.
Read on to find out how.
Contents
- How to Clean the Bottom of a Le Creuset Pan or Pot
- Other Cleaning Options for your Le Creuset Pan or Pot
- How to Keep Your Le Creuset Cookware from Burning on the Bottom
- How to Clean the Bottom of a Le Creuset Cast Iron Skillet
- Cleaning the Outside of your Le Creuset Pan
- How Often Should You Clean Your Le Creuset Pot or Pan?
How to Clean the Bottom of a Le Creuset Pan or Pot
Our approach will be to use either baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, oven cleaner, or bleach for cleaning the bottom of a Le Creuset pan.
1. Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
Le Creuset is a company that makes high-quality cookware that’s a great alternative to traditional nonstick pans.
However, their products are expensive so it’s especially important to take care of them by cleaning and seasoning them properly. One way to clean the bottom of a Le Creuset pan or pot is to use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.
For this method, you’ll need to do the following:
- First, boil hydrogen peroxide in the burnt pan. The hydrogen peroxide should cover half an inch of the pan.
- Next, add one or half a tablespoon of baking soda.
- Cover and let it sit for an hour, then scrub until clean.
Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidizer and baking soda is mildly abrasive, making this method effective. Repeat several times for tougher stains.
2. Oven Cleaner
Le Creuset doesn’t recommend cleaning the bottom of a Le Creuset pan with oven cleaner. Instead, they recommend using a cast iron cleaner or baking soda.
If you decide to use oven cleaner:
- Be sure to wear gloves and that the room is well ventilated.
- Next, spray the inside of the pan with oven cleaner and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Lastly, wipe a damp cloth to clean it off.
3. Bleach
Bleach is a fantastic household cleaner but honestly, it shouldn’t be used for cleaning the bottom of your Le Creuset pan or pot. Bleach can strip your cast iron cookware’s finish, causing damage.
But if you’re adamant about using bleach, here’s how to do so:
- Fill your pot with a mixture of water and bleach. The proportion should be one cup of bleach for every liter of water.
- Boil for 10 minutes to remove stubborn burnt food and stains.
- Lastly, drain the water and rinse your pot. Avoid putting your cast iron cookware in the dishwasher and make sure the bleach doesn’t damage the finish.
Other Cleaning Options for your Le Creuset Pan or Pot
If the options above don’t work you’ve still got some other ways to tackle it.
Baking soda and vinegar
The first option is baking soda and vinegar. Baking soda and vinegar is a popular choice for many homeowners as it’s a natural way to clean without using harsh chemicals.
- Mix equal parts baking soda and vinegar, apply to the affected area, and scrub with a soft sponge.
- Use warm water for tougher stains.
Iron cookware cleaner
The best option is to use a cast iron cookware cleaner. Cast iron cookware cleaner cleans pots and pans without damaging the finish.
Follow the directions on the package and your Le Creuset will be good as new in no time!
How to Keep Your Le Creuset Cookware from Burning on the Bottom
We’ve seen how you can clean a burnt Le Creuset pan, but how do you prevent it from burning in the first place? Here are three ways to avoid burning your lovely Le Creuset cookware:
1. Use Low to Medium Heat
Always use low to medium heat when cooking with Le Creuset. The cookware is made of cast iron which means it takes longer to heat up and cool down than other materials.
You will burn your food and pan if you use excessive heat.
2. Use Plenty of Cooking Oil
A coating of cooking oil at the bottom of the pan will protect it from burning. The more oil you use, the better. It’s also essential for keeping your Le Creuset seasoned.
3. Don’t Leave the Pot or Pan Unattended
Le Creuset cookware is some of the best in the world, but even the best can have issues if you don’t use it properly. One of the main problems people have is leaving their Le Creuset pot or pan unattended while it’s cooking.
This can lead to burning and it’s not something the warranty will cover.
Make sure you never leave your Le Creuset cookware unattended while on the stove. You’ll be glad you did, and your food will taste better too!
How to Clean the Bottom of a Le Creuset Cast Iron Skillet
Le Creuset cast iron skillets are made for rustic home cooking but that doesn’t mean they’re exempt from the usual hand-wash cleaning rules.
Le Creuset cast iron skillets need more care than a standard non-stick skillet because of their porous nature so you’ll want to avoid abrasive cleaners and scouring pads.
Here’s how to clean the bottom of a Le Creuset cast iron skillet:
- Start by gently scrubbing it with a stiff brush or spoon to remove any food or debris.
- Next, fill the skillet with hot water and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. You can also add a little dish soap to the water to help break down any stuck-on food or grease.
- After soaking, use a clean towel or paper towel to wipe away any remaining residue before drying and storing your skillet.
Cleaning the Outside of your Le Creuset Pan
There are two ways to clean the outside of a Le Creuset pan.
1. Using Scale Remover
The French cookware manufacturer is best known for its high-quality enameled cast iron pans and pots. Le Creuset enamel can withstand high temperatures and resist scratches and chipping.
However, Le Creuset pans can develop a build-up of cooked-on food and grease over time which can be challenging to remove.
One way to clean a Le Creuset pan is to use a scale remover. Scale removers are harsh chemicals that one should use with care but can be great for removing tough build-ups.
To use a scale remover, apply the product to the affected area and scrub with a non-abrasive pad or brush. Then, rinse the pan thoroughly with hot water and soap to remove residual chemicals.
2. Using Oven Cleaner
One way to clean a Le Creuset grill pan is to use oven cleaner as follows:
- First, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Next, spray the Le Creuset grill pan with oven cleaner and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, wipe off the oven cleaner with a damp cloth.
- Finally, rinse the Le Creuset grill pan with water and dry it with a clean towel.
This method will clean the Le Creuset grill pan without damaging the enamel coating.
How Often Should You Clean Your Le Creuset Pot or Pan?
While there is no strict rule, you should try to keep your Le Creuset pots and pans clean as often as possible. The more often you clean them the longer they’ll last.
The best way to clean your Le Creuset pot or pan is to scrub it with mild soap and warm water. Be careful not to use too much force as this can cause scratches.
After cleaning the bottom of a Le Creuset pan you should rinse it thoroughly and dry it with a towel. You should also season your cookware according to the manufacturer’s instructions.