Enamel cookware is popular because of its durable finish and easy-to-clean properties. Even so, spills and messes can happen, leaving behind stubborn stains. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to remove these unsightly blemishes and restore your cookware to its former glory. So, how to remove stains from enamel cookware
It can be tough to remove food stains from your enamel cookware due to different foods’ fat- and oil-based nature. A few ways to complete this task will require no special tools and, in many cases, no scrubbing.
How To Remove Stains From Enamel Cookware
Some methods of removing these stubborn stains may take patience, while others only need a simple splash of water or a bit of baking soda. Be sure to use caution and carefully test your jawline before attempting any methods involving abrasive cleaners or chemicals. Here are some steps you can take to remove stains from Enamel Cookware:
Rubbing Alcohol:
Rubbing alcohol is one of the best methods for removing stains from your enamel cookware, but it won’t work for every type of stain. To use this technique:
- Fill a small bowl with warm water and one tablespoon of rubbing alcohol.
- Dip a clean cloth into the mixture and wipe food stains on all sides of the cookware.
- Be careful not to soak the enamel as that can cause damage. If you notice your food particles are still stained after trying this method, try scrubbing them with baking soda instead.
Baking Soda:
An easy and inexpensive way to remove stains from your enamel cookware is by sprinkling some baking soda over the affected area. Wipe your cookware with a damp cloth and rinse as many times as you need to remove all stains. To prolong the life of your enamel, be sure to dry it thoroughly after washing and heat-protecting it before each use. Milk, coffee, and tea can stain your enamel, so avoid these and other foods with acidic ingredients.
Citric Acid Solution:
Many have successfully removed stains from their enamel cookware using a citric acid solution. Add one part water and one part white vinegar to a bowl, then add several drops of citric acid and stir. Make sure your enamel cookware is clean before trying this method. Place some solutions into the affected areas, scrub with a clean cloth, then rinse and dry. Be sure not to use an abrasive cleaner as those can scratch your enamel’s surface.
Safety Reminders:
To avoid scratches on your cookware surface, only use soft sponges or cloths when cleaning enameled cast iron pots, pans, or non-abrasive cleaners. Always hand-wash these items with warm water for best results.
Ensure you hand-dry your cookware after washing to guard against rust and mold.
Do not place enameled cast iron pans in the dishwasher or run them through the self-cleaning cycle on your oven. Hand-washing is the only way to keep your enameled cast iron in good condition for years to come.
How do you clean discolored enamel cookware?
When something like tomato sauce splatters your enamel cookware, it can leave very noticeable stains. You mustn’t let these stains dry out, or they will be difficult to remove. Immediately after it happens, you should wipe off the enamel with a damp, warm cloth to remove some of the stains. Once the area has dried completely, scrub the stained area with a soft sponge or brush and warm soapy water.
Soak your scrubbing brush in hot water before using it so that the hot water will soften and dissolve some of the grime. You may also use baking soda for gentle scrubbing or toothpaste for stubborn stains. After scrubbing the stain, rinse the area well and dry it before continuing. Try using a damp paper towel to rub over the stain.
However, this method should be repeated only if the stain remains after scrubbing with a sponge or brush. You might even want to use a vinegar-based cleaner for stubborn stains on your boot or enamel cookware utensils and remove rust from cast iron.
For easier cleaning, you can get some oven cleaner and spray it onto your discolored stains but make sure that you leave it there for 10 minutes before washing it off with warm water.
Since these stains may be difficult to remove, replacing your discolored enamel cookware with a new one is better. However, it may be quite a pain to do so in this situation.
Can you bleach enamel cookware?
Some people ask about the possibility of baking soda, lemon juice, or bleaching cream or powder to clean their enamel cookware. Unfortunately, this is not a good idea since these materials react with your cookware’s enamel pores and leave bad stains.
Even if you should use natural lemon juice to clean the stains, it is more likely that the stain will reappear faster than it ever did before. Bleaching cream and powder can also damage your cookware as they contain extremely strong acids which break down enamel in many cases.
For safe and effective cleaning, you should use the quick and simple method described above.
Why are my enamel cookware cleaning pots or pans chipping or flaking?
It is hard to believe that something as delicate as enameled cast iron cookware can be damaged in such a way, but this is possible due to improper care and cooking processes being applied. As mentioned above, it is essential that you don’t use abrasive cleaners on your linings or professional oils in your recipes and that you hand-wash them with warm water and soap.
The most common cause of chipping enamel flaking outside your pot or other cooking utensils is excessive high heat. If you burn your enamel by over-flashing it and the pot or pan has been lying in a hot oven, the oils in the food that’s been cooked in it are likely to melt and combine with the enamel, using up some of its protective properties. Flames or excessive heat can also cause this kind of damage. Furthermore, if enamel pots begin to crack or chip before their full lifetime, this is possible due to incorrect cooking temperatures or handling.
What causes my enameled cast iron surface to rust?
You should know that all cast iron cookware eventually develops some rust on its surface over time. This rate will depend on how often the cookware is used and cleaned. Although rusting won’t affect the cooking process, it indicates that your enameled cast iron surface is damaged by acid and hot liquids.
If a good protective layer of seasoning has been applied to your enameled cast iron surface, then this type of damage should be kept to a minimum. To properly maintain your enameled cast iron surfaces, they can be easily cleaned with mild soap and warm water or scrubbed with baking soda, water, or vinegar solutions. You mustn’t use abrasives when cleaning these utensils as this will cause scratches on their surface, leading to rust.
How do you remove stains from the enameled dutch oven?
If you’ve come home to a stained enameled dutch oven with a black ring around its lid, you may have put hot sauce or something similar in it. To remove this, use a rag and water and blot up the stains. Sponges or other hard clothes can also be used. After finishing the stains, wash your cookware thoroughly and wipe away any remaining food residue by rubbing the surface with a clean cotton cloth until you think things are free of all dirt, grease, and food particles before drying.
Conclusion
To guard against rust, ensure all utensils that contact your enamel pots and pans are also made of cast iron or another nonstick material like glass or silicone. Avoid using abrasive materials such as steel wool, scouring pads, and sharp scrapers when cleaning your enameled cast iron items.
