Let the cookware cool, soak it in warm soapy water, then loosen stubborn residue with a baking-soda-and-water method approved by your cookware’s maker. Use a soft sponge or nylon brush—not metal—and never pour cold water into a hot pot. These steps help lift burnt food while protecting the enamel.
Start with a cool pot and a warm-water soak
- Let the cookware cool completely. Do not put cold water into or over hot enamel; a sudden temperature change can damage it. Le Creuset’s care guidance warns against thermal shock.
- Cover the burnt area with warm water and dish soap. Soak for about 15–20 minutes, as Le Creuset suggests, or longer if needed. STAUB advises soaking stuck-on food and says an overnight soak is an option. Le Creuset’s cleaning guidance and STAUB’s maintenance instructions provide these approaches.
After soaking, try lifting the softened food with a soft sponge or brush. If it does not release easily, do not scrape harder; move to the baking-soda method below.
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For stubborn burnt food, use your maker’s baking-soda method
Manufacturer instructions differ, so choose the method that matches your cookware rather than treating the quantities as one universal recipe.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors| Cookware guidance | Method for stuck-on food |
|---|---|
| Le Creuset | Add one or two tablespoons of baking soda to warm water in the cookware and simmer for about 8–10 minutes. |
| Lodge | Boil two cups of water with four tablespoons of baking soda for a few minutes. |
| STAUB | Soak in boiling water with two or three spoonfuls of baking soda for a few minutes. |
- Follow the method for your brand and do not leave the cookware unattended while heating.
- Let the water and pot cool before draining.
- Wash gently with dish soap and a soft sponge, soft brush, or suitable nylon tool. Rinse well and dry thoroughly.
What not to use on the enamel
- Avoid metal scouring pads and metal brushes. STAUB specifically warns against them; Le Creuset recommends nylon or soft pads and brushes for stubborn residue.
- Do not attack the food with hard scraping. Let soaking and gentle cleaning do the work.
- Avoid harsh abrasives. If food remains stuck, repeat the soak or use the appropriate baking-soda method rather than escalating to a more aggressive scrubber.
Le Creuset’s Canadian care and use page also recommends gentle cleaning and gradual heating.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR NEW GO-TO ENAMELED CAST IRON CLEANER: The Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Cleaner will keep your enamel cast iron pans looking and cooking its best for generations. This gentle cleanser is entirely bleach and dye-free and specially designed to clean enameled cast iron, inside and out.
- HOW TO CLEAN ENAMEL CAST IRON COOKWARE: Step 1. Wash your cast iron cookware by hand, using a small amount of the Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Cleaner (for stubborn, stuck-on food, simmer water for 3-5 minutes. Use a pan scraper after the pan has cooled. Step 2. Dry promptly and thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. Step 3. Rub a light layer of Seasoning Spray onto the surface of your cookware. Use a paper towel to wipe the surface until no oil residue remains.
- FAMILY-OWNED: Lodge is more than just a business; it is a family. The Lodge family founded the company in 1896, and they still own it today. From environmental responsibility to community development, their heads and hearts are rooted in America. Lodge products are made in the USA with non-toxic, PFOA & PTFE free material.
If the food is gone but a mark remains
A discoloration that remains after the residue is removed may be a stain rather than burnt food. Lodge notes that stains are expected with enameled cookware and do not affect performance. Its care guidance names Lodge Enamel Cleaner or another ceramic cleaner, used according to that cleaner’s directions.
Le Creuset recommends its Cast Iron Cookware Cleaner for tough stains, oil residue, and marks; its cleaning article also mentions Bar Keepers Friend or a paste of baking soda and water. These are manufacturer-specific suggestions, not blanket approval for every enamel finish. Check your cookware maker’s care instructions before using a cleaner, and follow the product label.
Rank #2
- Bottle Size: 8. 45 fluid ounces (250ml)
- Made in France
- Simply apply cleaner, rinse with water, and wipe clean
- Works on both sand-interior and matte black interior
Rinse, dry, and prevent the next burnt-on mess
Dry the whole piece before storing
Rinse away soap and cleaning residue, then dry the interior, exterior, and rim fully. Damp storage is discouraged in Le Creuset’s care guidance. Lodge notes that moisture or insufficient drying around the rim can lead to rust deposits there.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 2-piece set includes: 3.25" Nylon Brush Kitchen Product, Cerise with Enameled Cast Iron 8.45 fl. oz. Cookware Cleaner
- Nylon Brush; Perfect to clean between ridges in grill pan; Dishwasher Safe
- Bottle Size: 8.45 fluid ounces (250ml); Simply apply cleaner, rinse with water, and wipe clean
- Works on both sand-interior and matte black interior
- Environmental-friendly; Made in France
Rank #4
- Clean & Restore Surfaces: This cast iron cleaner removes pot marks, rust and other blemishes to clean and restore enameled cast iron surfaces
- Nonabrasive Cleaner: Premium formula restores shine of enameled cast iron surfaces
- Kitchen & Bathroom Cleaner: This 8oz squeeze bottle can be used as both a kitchen and bathroom cleaner
- Please note: May be used on other branded enameled cast iron surfaces, however testing in an inconspicuous area first is recommended
Rank #3
- YOUR NEW GO-TO ENAMELED CAST IRON CARE KIT: The Lodge 5 Piece Care Kit has all the essentials to use and care for your cast iron cookware. The set includes a 11oz Cleaner, Black Pan Scraper, Scrub Brush, Package of Pot Protectors, and Use & Care Booklet. This care kit will keep your enameled cast iron and stoneware pans looking and cooking its best for generations.
- HOW TO CLEAN ENAMEL CAST IRON COOKWARE: Step 1. Wash your cast iron cookware by hand, using a small amount of the Lodge Enameled Cast Iron and Stoneware Cleaner (for stubborn, stuck-on food, simmer water for 3-5 minutes. Use a pan scraper after the pan has cooled. Step 2. Dry promptly and thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. Step 3. Rub a light layer of Seasoning Spray onto the surface of your cookware. Use a paper towel to wipe the surface until no oil residue remains.
- FAMILY-OWNED: Lodge is more than just a business; it is a family. The Lodge family founded the company in 1896, and they still own it today. From environmental responsibility to community development, their heads and hearts are rooted in America. Lodge products are made in the USA with non-toxic, PFOA & PTFE free material.
Use gentler heat when cooking
Le Creuset identifies overheating as a common reason food sticks and recommends low or medium heat. Its guidance also links high heat with sticky oil or fat residue. Cast iron retains heat efficiently, so gradual heating helps avoid overheating and sticking.
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