topic Re: Le Creuset in Community Chat

Le Creuset

mica1 — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 13:10:03 GMT

How do you clean these pots? I can't get the stains out of the inside and also the outside. Pots this expensive should not give you so much work to clean.

Re: Le Creuset

GSPgirl — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 13:15:29 GMT

You have to buy the special Le Creuset cleaner for $25.00 and you cannot get it cheaper. No coupons anywhere apply. It’s a pain, but it does work to get nearly all the stains out. I give mine a good clean every few times I use the pan. I have used Bar Keepers Friend when I ran out of the special cleaner. It did work, but I was worried at any damage I might be causing the pan.

Re: Le Creuset

fthunt — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 13:56:23 GMT

I noticed that too with my one roaster size Le Creuset - - and wonder why David loves this line so much. I certainly don't want another piece; but love love the new line Merideth (sp) just presented. Cleanup so easy!

Re: Le Creuset

Mustang Shar — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 14:04:28 GMT

@mica1

Ive had my pieces for over 35 years. I used to use powdered dishwasher detergent. I would put a few tablespoons in the bottom, add hot tap water and soak.

I also use Barkeepers powder . Try not to get discouraged, these are wonderful pieces

Re: Le Creuset

acnuk — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 14:34:21 GMT

I have used magic eraser with success.

Re: Le Creuset

Cakers3 — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 14:38:04 GMT

Staining on enamel cookware is expected. It isn't just LeCreuset.

There are quite a few suggstions online from reputable sources such as Epicurious, Cooks Illustrated, etc.

You don't have to buy $25 cleaner.

If you have burned on food-that is a different issue, and boiling water with baking soda in the pan then letting it soak will do the trick.

I don't know about your stains on the outside of the pan? Are you talking about food stains or something else like mineral stains from your water?

Re: Le Creuset

saltysails — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 14:50:31 GMT

@mica1 wrote:
How do you clean these pots? I can't get the stains out of the inside and also the outside. Pots this expensive should not give you so much work to clean.

I spoon in some baking soda and add a little water to make a paste. Then I use a paper towel to scrub all around. All the discoloration comes right out.

Re: Le Creuset

LonestarBabs — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 15:02:24 GMT

I haven't had any problems. I just wash with regular liquid dishwashing soap, use a baking soda paste if needed. A gentle silicone ribbed scrubbie works well. Never a stain or anything burnt on. My Dutch ovens look brand new inside.

Re: Le Creuset

jackthebear — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 15:17:23 GMT

@mica1 wrote:
How do you clean these pots? I can't get the stains out of the inside and also the outside. Pots this expensive should not give you so much work to clean.

inside I have used some baking soda

and sometimes I put them in the dishwasher

Re: Le Creuset

Bascia — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 15:28:02 GMT

Could be David loves this line so much is that he gets these over expensive items as demos and gets to keep them.

They are over priced and you can get another brand that works just as well and the inside stays clean. Just use detergent like Dawn. I am finding too many of the items QVC sells are made in China at a cheap price and are being sold at a high price.

Susan Grave is one of the designers who over charges. $49.00 for tops and material for the jackets that have no living, are not stitched down. Everything is $49.99. And the quality is not that great.

Joan Rivers clothes are always finished off and are at times cheaper than Susan Graver.

Returns are terrible, shipping is out of hand. I said this before. We pay $3.00 for shipping but to send it back with the label we pay $6.95. Refunds are not good anymore.

Got too big and now quality has gone done and some of the new Host leave a lot to be desired.

Re: Le Creuset

hennypenny — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 16:11:48 GMT

I love and adore my le creuset. Some from my mother's home, and others I have bought.

A couple have a bit of discoloration inside. If I feel like it I will occasionally use some baking soda. It is no biggie. Just ignore, or clean if it bothers you.

These pots are work horses, and will outlive you.

They are made in France, not China as are others being sold.

Re: Le Creuset

chickenbutt — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 17:48:59 GMT

I wonder what is causing staining for some. I'm just curious because I've had mine for a number of years and none of them have any staining.

As for general cleaning, I just use hot water and dish soap. If something scorched a bit on the bottom I just let it soak with some hot water and dish soap for a short while and it will fall right off.

Re: Le Creuset

hennypenny — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 18:02:44 GMT

@chickenbutt, Some of mine are fifty or sixty years old, some maybe fourty.

Occasionally I see a bit of darkening of the light interior. It doesn't bother me in the least, and I don't know what causes it. I use mine for chili's, and stews and bean soups etc-braising meats etc.

I wash in good hot soapy water and know that they are clean.

If I forget to stir the beans and they scorch a bit on the bottom I use one of those nylon pad thingees to get it off. or just soak a bit.

Re: Le Creuset

mica1 — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 18:03:59 GMT

Thank you... I wanted to be sure I didn't scratch it. It is beautiful!

Re: Le Creuset

chickenbutt — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 18:04:37 GMT

Hi HennyPenny!

I was wondering if maybe some people use high heat with these pots. That might be a cause of staining.

High heat is just a bad idea and, besides, you don't even need high heat with pots that retain heat so well. I imagine when presentations are shown, that isn't information that is shared.

Re: Le Creuset

mica1 — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 18:07:24 GMT

I will give Bar Keepers a try.

Re: Le Creuset

Sooner — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 18:15:04 GMT

@chickenbutt wrote:
Hi HennyPenny!

I was wondering if maybe some people use high heat with these pots. That might be a cause of staining.

High heat is just a bad idea and, besides, you don't even need high heat with pots that retain heat so well. I imagine when presentations are shown, that isn't information that is shared.

@chickenbutt That's exactly the problem. People tend to heat these things on screaming high heat and it burns food on. They really need to be heated on no more than medium heat. They conduct heat really well.

I haven't had that problem except once when some other person cooked a meal and ruined a pot by putting on too high heat. I was not happy about that. I love this cookware! You just have to read the instruction book and follow it. They normally clean up like a dream!!!!

Re: Le Creuset

Mustang Shar — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 18:37:08 GMT

Just so there is no confusion, the pans are made in France but the ceramic ware is made in China.

Re: Le Creuset

fthunt — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 18:41:21 GMT

No screaming hot temps here. It's so large have only used it for corned beef and stew in the oven at 325 degrees. Stain is not terrible but does take some scrubbing which other pots don't.....which I really didn't expect.

Re: Le Creuset

novamc1 — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 19:02:13 GMT

The key to cooking in LC enameled cast iron without food sticking is preheating the pan a little bit before adding oil, let it heat further, and only THEN add meat or other foods to the pot.