Le Creuset – Cleaning Tips – for Cast Iron Pans

On most occasions your pans will be very easy to clean with hot soapy water and a dish brush or soft sponge.
Burnt, or dried on food, can be a little more difficult to remove.
You will need to soak your pan before attempting to clean it.

Please remember – food will become burnt on to your pan when the cooking temperature is too high, the food is left on the heat for too long, or the liquid in the pan is allowed to dry out. It is not usually a fault in the pan.
Try adjusting your cooking techniques next time.

Having said that, some food items stick. This is particulary true of meats, when your are trying to brown them.
Unfortunately, using non stick pans for this job is not neccessarily the answer. It is notoriously difficult to brown meats in a non stick pan.

If you need to soak your pan it is important to remember that cast iron does not respond well to heat shocks.
Always  allow your pan to cool a little and then add hot water. Never add cold water to a hot pan!!

Before You Start

• first of all – you must let your pan cool down.
• if you need to soak your pan for a while – please don’t add cold water to a hot pan!
• it may crack if you do, or the enamel may become damaged.

Cleaning Le Creuset Cast Iron Pans – by Hand

• use hot soapy water and a washing up brush or soft sponge

• don’t use metal scouring pads
• don’t use abrasive cleaning produts
• don’t leave your pan to drain – dry it immediately
• otherwise it may leach rust around the rim
• this is easy to remove and will not have damaged your pan

• don’t attempt to scrub off burnt on food
• just leave the pan to soak for a while – say 15 – 20 miniutes
• then clean as normal

• finally – rinse and dry immediately with a soft cloth

Cleaning Le Creuset Cast Iron Pans – in a Dishwasher

• most Le Creuset cast iron can be washed in a dishwasher
• (check your consumer leaflet if you have one)
• however, regular use of a dishwasher is not recommended
• modern dishwashers operate at high temperatures
• and the latest dishwasher powders are quite abrasive
• over time this may result in the dulling of your enamel surface
• (this comment also applies to other brands )

• make sure that the dishwashing cycle is complete, before removing your pans
• this will ensure that your pans are completely dry
• if you remove your pans earlier – please dry them immediately

• don’t wash Le Creuset pans with wooden handles in a diswasher
• don’t wash Le Creuset pans with a non stick lining in a dishwasher

• most new Le Cresuet frying pans and grill pans have an enamelled interior and can be washed in a dishwasher

Le Creuset Cast Iron Pans – Storing for Later Use

• store Le Creuset cast iron pans in a dry area
• preferably on a low shelf – cast iron is quite heavy

Cleaning Le Creuset Cast Iron pans – Other Comments

• don’t attempt to scrub your pan, or use harsh abrasive cleaners
• leave your pan to soak – 15 to 20 minutes should do it
• some cooks add washing up liquid to the soaking water
• others recommend bicarbonate of soda or cream of tartar
• for very stubborn deposits some  cooks heat up the filled pan for a while
• then fit the lid and allow it to cool down – and soak – away from the heat

A Series of Silver Trail Marks Inside Your Pan

• this may occur if you use metal implements
• your pan is not damaged in any way
• if you wish, you may remove these lines with Le Creuset’s own cleaner

Rust Leaching From the Rim

• this is rare and usually happens when the pan has not been dried immediately
• just rinse to remove and dry immediately

The Interior of Black Enamelled Pans is Turning Brown

• some frying pans, grillpans and woks have smooth black enamel interior
• this may turn brown

• this is not a fault – it’s a patina developing on your pan
• over time it will build up
• and increase the non stick characteristics of your pan
• don’t try to remove it!

• don’t try to build up a patina on casseroles and other pans with a cream enamel interior
• you must wash these pans carefully to remove all  oil deposits

In Brief

• don’t scrub, don’t use abrasive products
• soak if neccessary
• be careful not to add cold water to a hot pan
• remember – only some Le Creuset Pans can be washed in a dishwasher
• hand washing is always best
• dry completely and store carefully

Cleaning Cast Iron Pans – Remember to Finish The Job!!

• You must remove all food deposits from your pan before using it again.

• If you fail to do this – leftover deposits will act a focus for further sticking.

• (ps – this applies to all pans – any manufacturer – any material)

Le Creuset Cast Iron Pans – You Can See Our Full Range Here