topic Re: how do you remove stains from Le Creuset? in Kitchen

how do you remove stains from Le Creuset?

MariotaMurielle — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 00:16:27 GMT

I have some older Le Creuset pots that have become discolored inside and I just can't get the stains out. I never cook with high heat in them. I've used Bar Keepers Friend and something made specifically for Le Creuset to no avail.

although I've read that you should never use a steel wool pad, I admit that I did try that and it didn't help either.

does anyone have some tried and true tips?

Re: how do you remove stains from Le Creuset?

patbz — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 05:24:41 GMT

Fill pot full of water, add dish washer tab, heat to boiling and let cool. Otherwise email Le Creuset and ask.

Re: how do you remove stains from Le Creuset?

MoonieBaby — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 00:30:35 GMT

E A R T H B R I T E - the stuff is MAGIC when it comes to stains. HSN sells it.

B I O C L E A N E R - the stuff is also pretty MAGICAL when it comes to stains.

Q sells it.

Re: how do you remove stains from Le Creuset?

Othereeeen — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 00:30:55 GMT

You might try the original Easy Off Oven cleaner spray.

After all, MOST oven interiors are enamel-coated steel panels, and that product is made for that.

Warm the pot up before using the spray. I would take the pot outside,or into the garage, and put it on some sheets of newspaper and spray it. Let it sit a while, then rinse or wipe as you would your oven interior.

Try not to inhale the vapors. Establish which way the wind is blowing so you don't get blowback of the spray into your face!!! ( use your Covid mask for protection!!)

It's already stained.

You tried Barkeeps Friend, Steel wool, scrubbing, soaking, and they didn't work.

So in my opinion you can't hurt it.

Of course READ the instructions on the can of Easy Off, just in case,and use rubber gloves. That stuff is made to dissolve baked on grease and fat and that's basically what your skin is made of!!!! I have burns on my forearms from using oven cleaner years and years ago...

Make sure you get the ORIGINAL Easy Off.

Good luck!!!

What did you cook or burn in it that it stained like that?

Re: how do you remove stains from Le Creuset?

Toot1920 — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 00:33:59 GMT

This is from the Le Creuset Lover's Facebook page. They say use the yellow capped oven cleaner. Others have used baking soda and hot water and letting it sit.

Re: how do you remove stains from Le Creuset?

shoekitty — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 04:47:44 GMT

Barkeepers friend and a product by Le Crueset works well. I have had one incident of burning that never came out no matter what I did. It was small, thank God. I have alwayfound if I saute and cook things that leave a burnt glaze, I put water in right away and deglaze.. my LC is just too heavy for my burners. Many ranges tell you not to use them. As the weight and size can damage cooktops. I think LC is best with a gas stove. JMHO my next kitchen will have one

Re: how do you remove stains from Le Creuset?

MariotaMurielle — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 00:46:24 GMT

thanks for the suggestions everyone.

@Othereeeen, nothing burned, but I made vegetable beef soup in this pot today so I guess those spots on the bottom were caused by the pieces of meat.

in a couple of my other pots the whole bottom has become light brown.

they're all about 15-20 years old, so maybe that's just what happens over time.

Re: how do you remove stains from Le Creuset?

Kachina624 — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 04:36:53 GMT

I think I'd just consider it "distressed" like a fine antique and live with it.

Re: how do you remove stains from Le Creuset?

MariotaMurielle — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 05:37:30 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:
I think I'd just consider it "distressed" like a fine antique and live with it.

@Kachina624, I seem to be saying that about a lot of things lately, and I'm doing fine with them just the way they are.

maybe I shouldn't focus so much on the form, but rather the function. these pots have served me well for decades. they may not look as pretty as they used to but as long as they're clean and still serve their purpose, I will be happy.

much like myself

Re: how do you remove stains from Le Creuset?

Flatbush — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 06:27:23 GMT

How about trying to pour an inch or so of bleach in the bottom of the pot. Leave in for 15 minutes or so. Rinse well. If this doesn't take it off, I don't think anything

will. JMHO.

Re: how do you remove stains from Le Creuset?

beach-mom — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 06:28:38 GMT

@MariotaMurielle - I agree with @Kachina624. DH gave me a set as a wedding present. My Dutch oven has been well used throughout the years. There was evidence of the chili, stews, soups, etc. I'd made since DH and I were newlyweds. I was always gentle with my cleaning, but about 10 years ago decided I wanted it spotless. I had tried Le Creuset's cleaner, boiling baking soda, etc. So I decided to take it in to a local reputable cookware store where they carried Le Creuset. The SA looked at my pot, smiled and said something like, "This pot has a history. You must be a good cook. Why would you want to erase that?" I decided she was right. My pan is still well used and spends most of its time on a back burner instead of the cabinet !

Re: how do you remove stains from Le Creuset?

grandma petes — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 09:53:33 GMT

I use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser....works everytime.👍

Re: how do you remove stains from Le Creuset?

novamc1 — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 16:08:09 GMT

Here's something I'd do if you haven't tried it already.......

A heavy dose of baking soda set in hot water overnight.

I buy Arm & Hammer baking soda in huge bags at Costco and use genereous amounts of it on tiled shower floors and the stainless kitchen sink.

Use enough to make a paste with a little water added, and it becomes a fairly effective (and harmless nonscratching) scrubber for lots of things.

Also am a fan of Mr. Clean Magic Eraser......works in a few seconds on cookware after soaking and scrubbing still sometimes doesn't get it all clean.

You can get a box of them at Costco. I sometimes cut them up in smaller pieces and they seem to last forever. Much more effective than the much-heralded "Scrub Daddy" sponges that seem fall apart after a few uses.

Re: how do you remove stains from Le Creuset?

suzyQ3 — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 16:21:03 GMT

Consider it patina and move on. . Seriously, I don't think that it's worth your time and energy. No one is going to see it but you.

Re: how do you remove stains from Le Creuset?

CelticCrafter — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 17:26:55 GMT

It means it's been loved!

As long as you know it's clean that's all that matters.

Re: how do you remove stains from Le Creuset?

house_cat — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 17:41:08 GMT

I use BarKeeper's Friend, but you can always try my mom's tried and true trick - cook a pot of tomato sauce.

It works like magic!

Re: how do you remove stains from Le Creuset?

MariotaMurielle — Sat, 31 Oct 2020 02:24:12 GMT

here's a follow up on my Le Creuset stain situation.

just out of curiosity I decided try again. I wanted to use what I already had on hand rather buying something.

I used baking soda. it did ok, but not much. it did wonders for my sink, though.

I filled the pot with water and added a few tablespoons of bleach, then just let it sit for 6 hours.

this is the result.

thanks to everyone for the suggestions.

Re: how do you remove stains from Le Creuset?

Nonametoday — Sat, 31 Oct 2020 02:31:52 GMT

@MariotaMurielle wrote:
thanks for the suggestions everyone.

@Othereeeen, nothing burned, but I made vegetable beef soup in this pot today so I guess those spots on the bottom were caused by the pieces of meat.
in a couple of my other pots the whole bottom has become light brown.
they're all about 15-20 years old, so maybe that's just what happens over time.

@MariotaMurielle Did you put any kind of legumes in it? I find legumes did that to my Corning Ware. I can no longer use Corning Ware, iron skilllet or Le Creuset as I have a glass-top range and it is recommended neither of those is used. However, I did use my Corning Ware once with legumes and it left a similar stain. I cannot get it out/off. I have tried everything but Easy Off which I don't use AT ALL. It is too caustic for my use.

Re: how do you remove stains from Le Creuset?

Nonametoday — Sat, 31 Oct 2020 02:32:20 GMT

@Kachina624 wrote:
I think I'd just consider it "distressed" like a fine antique and live with it.

@Kachina624 Yes, a patina for a fine heirloom and go with it. I agree.

Re: how do you remove stains from Le Creuset?

depglass — Sat, 31 Oct 2020 13:10:34 GMT

I don't have stains in mine. How? I never brown anything in them. I brown whatever in a non-stick pan first. After I've made my meal I soak it in the sink overnight if food is stuck to the sides and bottom. Then it goes into the dishwasher. I also use this method in one of my slow cookers with a metal insert. Brown the meat in something else and prolong the life of the insert.

My personal opinion is all of this abrasive powder and steel wool is taking off the surface of the enamel and making future stains harder to remove.