How to clean and care for enamelled cast iron
Enamelled cast iron casseroles from Le Creuset, Descoware and Cousances turn up at op shops and are worth snapping up. They don't need seasoning, just the right cleaning.
By the Junkie team
Step by step
Step 1: Check the enamel
Look inside for chips, crazing or rust spots. Small chips on the outside or rim are fine for cooking. Chips on the cooking surface mean display only.
Step 2: Soak off stains
Fill with warm water and two tablespoons of baking soda, or a scoop of oxygen stain remover. Leave it overnight.
Step 3: Simmer stubborn marks
For brown stains, simmer the baking soda water gently for 10 minutes and nudge the marks with a wooden spoon.
Step 4: Scrub gently
Use a soft sponge, not steel wool or scourers, which scratch the enamel.
Step 5: Look after the rim
The bare black rim and the underside of the lid can rust. Dry them well and wipe them with a little oil.
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