Is this something you've seen before? If it's a Dutch Oven or some piece of enamel cookware, whether you've had them for a while, they're probably no longer as clean as they once were. Sometimes it is chipped and stained which shows no good impression and the cookware set loses its originality.

Suppose you're curious how to clean stains and discoloration from your Le Creuset Dutch oven, skillet, or other enameled cookware. Check out this simple technique for cleaning your pots and pans before changing them or heading for a life of scratched enamel! You can quickly recover your cookware with only four simple moves.

When it comes to cleaning enameled discolored cookware, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Step 1:

First of all, whenever you make a mind to clean your enamel cookware, make sure your hot pot lets it cool before immersing it in water to be washed; otherwise, thermoelectric stroke can cause enamel breaking.

Step 2: 

Soak your cookware sometimes with lukewarm water to the base of your dish for 15-20 minutes so it can remove those stubborn stains.

Step 3: 

Scrubbiest made of metal will scratch the surface. When cleaning enamel cookware, always use a fluffy sponge because scrubbiest metal will scratch the surface. Gently scrubbing the cookware, make it as it was before. 

Step 4:

You can never wash enamel cookware in the dishwasher. Some manufacturers say it's secure, but hand-washing your cookware is the best way to keep it in good shape.

tips to clean discolored enamel cookware


Method 1: Soap and water

Method 2: Baking Soda and water

Method 3: Lemon Juice and Salt 

Method 4: Dryer Sheets 

Method 5: Water and Laundry Detergent 

Method 6: Cleaning Agent 

Method 7: Water and Bleach Method 

So, let's get started !!

Related: Best Dutch Ovens For Camping

Method 1: Soap And Water

You will usually clean enamel cookware with water, dish soap, and a little elbow grease. This technique is an excellent place to start because it uses ingredients you probably already have on hand and only takes a few minutes. If this doesn't work, you should try something else.

You need:

  1. Water
  2. Dishwash soap
  3. Soft Sponge

Steps to use soap:

Step 1: You can add hot water and a teaspoon of dish soap to the cookware.

Step 2: Scrub the scratches and discoloration away with a sponge. Using a soft sponge or scrubber avoids scratching the enamel since metal or rough ones may scrape it.

Step 3: Clean the pan by rinsing it. Using a dishtowel, properly dry the dish.


It would help if you used baking soda instead of dish soap using the simmering process since it's slightly acidic, so it's ideal for removing stains. Unless you don't have to use a sponge, nylon scouring pads work well. They're challenging but gentle at the same time. Before placing the cookware, make sure it is scorched. Dampness in the pan can cause rust and corrosion, significantly if the enamel coating is cracked or chipped.

Method 2: Baking Soda And Water

A basic mixture of water and baking powder will work well on your discolored enameled cookware for an all-natural solution. Baking powder is an excellent natural product to have on hand with a variety of cleaning projects. Plus, buying in bulk saves you a lot of money.

Baking Soda And Water

You need:

  1. Water
  2. Baking Powder
  3. Spoon to stir

Steps to use Baking Soda

Step 1: Pour 4 cups of water into the cookware and turn the stove on medium.

Step 2: Add Baking powder to boiling water

Step 3: Stir water and baking powder altogether so it can dissolve.

Step 4: Wait for a few minutes and then turn off the heat.

Step 5: Using your wooden spoon, scrape out any burned pieces or stains. They'll get dislodged and float away in the sea.

Step 6: Rinse the cookware and dry it thoroughly.


If you have a bigger pot or skillet, increase the sizes. If the 4 cups of water aren't enough to reach the burned parts on the cookware's edge, add more. Be sure to up the baking soda proportions as well. Scrub sticky stains with a toothbrush; if you have an old electric toothbrush, much better. If the stain lasts, brush them with pure white vinegar and leave them for 30 minutes to dry. Wipe them clean with a sponge or rag.

Related: How to Remove Soot from Camping Cookware ?

Method 3: Lemon Juice and Salt 

Lemon juice and salt are a fantastic combination for cleaning enameled cookware, particularly if you want something natural. It's also a great way to use it if you have a few spare lemons in the fridge. Lemon is an organic reduction performance that also has sanitizing and whitening effects.

Lemon juice and salt

You need: 

  1. Lemons (3)
  2. Salt 1 Tablespoon
  3. Spoon to stir
  4. Bowl
  5. Water

Steps to use Lemon juice and salt:

Step 1: To emulsify, combine the salt and lemon juice in a dish. If you have a bigger pan, adjust the amounts.

Step 2: Now, apply the paste into discolored enamel cookware and wait about an hour 

Step 3: Scrub softly with the cloth after adding more lemon juice. 

Step 4: Rinse and dry 


Since lemon juice will irritate your hands, I suggest wearing rubber gloves. When you have bruises or wounds on your fingertips or near your nail beds, it can hurt. 

Boil some water with the lemon and salt paste for harder stains. Allow it to rest for an hour to loosen the stains and residue. Add a few teaspoons of pure white vinegar to the boiling water mixture if it doesn't function.

Method 4: Dryer Sheets 

Dryer sheets are useful for various tasks around the home, including softening clothing, catching lint, and even washing enameled cookware.

What is the mechanism behind this? The dryer sheets' ingredients, especially the conditioners, soften and cut through grease, making it easier to extract.

You need: 

  1. Dryer sheets
  2. Dishwashing soap 
  3. Brush
  4. Water

Steps to Use Dryer Sheets:

Step 1: Add dishwashing soap into your cookware 

Step 2: Add some warm water

Step 3: Use a brush and gently mix water with soap

Step 4: Submerge the dryer sheet almost in the cookware filled with water 

Step 5: Now wait for few hours

Step 6: Take the dryer layer from the dryer. Stains, mud, grease, and grime to be removed. Remove the remaining grit with the soft brush.

Step 7: Wash cookware and dry it. 


You don't want to use dryer sheets because they contain harsh chemicals. Wash the cookware a couple of times to make sure it's perfectly safe.

To conserve time, leave it overnight. In the morning, the pan will be ready to use.

Related: Best Calphalon Cookware Set

Method 5: Water and Laundry Detergent 

Are there stubborn burned parts on your enameled cookware? You can clean enamel cookware with only water and a natural laundry detergent. Water chemical detergent made up of specially designed enzymes to remove tough stains from garments, but it is also healthy and useful on enameled cookware.

You need: 

  • Water
  • Liquid natural laundry detergent
  • Dishwashing soap
  • Sponge

Steps to use Water and Laundry Detergent

Step 1: Pour water into the cookware.

Step 2: Let water get boiled

Step 3: Now, take a spoon and add Liquid natural laundry detergent, mix well and turn off the heat

Step 4: Wait for five minutes

Step 5: Brush the cookware with a sponge to see the marks and discoloration go away.

Step 6: Wash with water. Let it dry.


This tip is only applicable to enameled cookware. Do not use this method on stainless steel or non-stick cookware. And make sure to properly clean out the washing detergent solution. When you cook again, you don't want any signs of detergent in the pan. To be as clean as possible, use a natural laundry detergent.

Water and Laundry Detergent

Method 6: Cleaning Agent 

If the above approaches don't get your enameled cookware clean enough, I suggest using a commercial cleaning agent designed especially for enameled cookware. These cleaners are inexpensive and guaranteed to produce sparkling results.

You need

  • Cleaning agent: (Any)
  • Dishwashing soap 
  • Cloth
  • Water

Steps to use Cleaning Agent

Step 1: Soak the fabric in warm water and blot the marks and discolored areas with it

Step 2: Apply cleaning agent on the stained areas

Step 3: Scrub with the cloth firmly

Step 4: Allow the cleanser to stay on the stain for about 10 minutes for rough stains. Often read the instructions on the bottle because the manufacturer can prescribe more or less time.

Step 6: Rinse, wash and dry cookware


Always read the manufacturer's instructions before using any product. Just use a cleaner that says it's suitable for enamel on the label. Ensure that the cleaner is fully water-soluble so that it does not stick to the cookware.

If you're going to soak it for 10 minutes on the cookware, try it first in an inconspicuous place to make sure it won't hurt or smear the enamel. For rough stains and scratches, Le Creuset recommends using their branded cleaner if you have an enameled pot or skillet.

Method 7: Water and Bleach Method 

Enamel cookware may be cleaned with water and bleach to remove stains and discoloration. However, this can only be used as a last resort because it can harm the enamel. If you go for this form, I wouldn't do it more than once a year.

You need: 

  • Bleach
  • Sponge
  • Hand rubber gloves
  • Water
  • Dish soap

Steps to use Water and Bleach Method

Step 1: Fill the cookware halfway with water and then with bleach. To make a pint of water, use one teaspoon per pint of water. If required, increase the amounts while maintaining the ratio.

Step 2: Let it soak for overnight

Step 3: Wipe the cookware with a towel or cloth when wearing rubber gloves. Some dirt, grime, or stains can come off easily.

Step 4: Rinse with warm water and let it thoroughly dry.


Before attempting this process, try the others. They are more stable. Do not mix water with bleach in a 50:50 ratio, just follow the above-mentioned ratios. After using this process, rinse your cookware many times. You don't want to contaminate the diet with leftover bleach.

Related: Best Korean Rice Cooker

Preventative Measures

  • It's always easier to avoid marks and discoloration than it is to remove them. Here are a few helpful hints for keeping your enameled cookware in good shape.
  • After each use, give it a fast wash. If you leave dirty cookware out for hours, stains will form. Enable the cookware to cool completely before washing it with water and light dishwashing powder.
  • To protect the enamel and keep foods from sticking, use oil, butter, or a cooking spray before preparing.
  • When the cookware is empty, do not heat it.
  • Extreme temperature fluctuations should be avoided.
  • High heat can only be used for liquid-heavy meals like soups and stews.
  • Clean the cookware with a warm brush or rag. Scrub with a non-metallic scrubbing tool to avoid scratching or damaging the cooking board.
  • When preparing cookware, don't stack it. During storage, cover the surface with a pot protector or a dish towel.
  • Often make sure that the cookware is fully dry before using it.
  • Use caution when using metal utensils.

Final thoughts

One of the biggest benefits of enameled cookware is how convenient it is to scrub. However, stains and discoloration can accumulate over time.

The most straightforward approach to deal with scratched and discolored enameled cookware is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. You can avoid or mitigate stains and discoloration by following careful maintenance and cooking techniques.

If your cookware does get dusty or stained, use some of the techniques we discussed in this post. Although each of these methods is effective on its own, I strongly advise you to begin with Method 1. Dish soap, warm water, and a little elbow grease will usually return enamel cookware to its original state.

If Method 1 doesn't work, use one of the other options, based on the available supplies. Method 7 can only be used as a last resort, despite the fact that it is totally secure as long as you thoroughly rinse. Have all of these strategies worked for you? Leave a note below on your encounter.

I hope you find this information useful.