Re: My lazy way to clean Le Creuset

sfnative · ‎03-10-2010

I worked in "Macy's Cellar," when that's what they called the better class of kitchenware and gourmet foods some years ago. Our best sellers were Kitchen Aid and Le Creuset. People literally traveled from all points of the world to drop into our department and purchase a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer. One customer who stands out was one of King Faisal's son's, a Prince. He arrived with an entourage just to purchase a mixer. This doesn't count the number of actresses in town (SF) doing stints at the various theatres. When Ingmar Bergman arrived with her daughter, I just about melted. By far, my favorite and most gracious customer, ever. And, yes, she came to purchase a Kitchen Aide Stand Mixer. It was rather an exciting department in which to work.

So, on to the Le Creuset. We had a factory rep arrive one day to provide an in-service. His bottom line regarding cleaning was first off never use SOS or any abrasive pad or material. He did say that toothpaste was OK, after a good hot soapy soak. And, he recommended using a toothbrush with the toothpaste (which he indicated is a great product to use on silver is you're in a pinch - been using it that way ever since).

That's about it.

mimomof4 · ‎03-08-2018

@house_cat wrote:
@depglass

I've never had a mess inside my LC pots that didn't come right off after an overnight soak.

The problem I have is with the little specks that get baked on the outsides of the vessels. I received a new piece this week, which inspired me to give my three older pieces a thorough cleaning. I had to really rub and scrub with a microfiber cloth and baking soda to get rid of the specks. However, some of it is simply baked on and there's nothing I can do to restore them completely. I guess I'll have to consider it to be "patina" and get over it.

If anyone knows a trick, please pass it along. Thank you.

@house_cat I use EarthBrite cleaner on mine. Just cleaned the bottom of my Braiser this weekend. Looks as good as new.

As a side note I don't think I would ever put my Le Creuset pans in the Dishwasher. An overnight soak is the most that is every necessary.

house_cat · ‎03-09-2010

@mimomof4

Do you know if EarthBrite is better than the Bio cleaner sold on QVC? Bio cleaner did absolutely nothing for me.

~ house cat ~

mimomof4 · ‎03-08-2018

@house_cat wrote:
@mimomof4

Do you know if EarthBrite is better than the Bio cleaner sold on QVC? Bio cleaner did absolutely nothing for me.

@house_cat I've never tried Bio Cleaner. I purchased the Earth Brite from HSN. I use it for cleaning my sink and the outside of my pans. I see the Bio cleaner comes with Microfiber cloths. The Earth Brite came with a sponge similar in look to Scrub Daddy's. I think its the sponge which is the trick. I don't think a Microfiber cloth would work at all.

This weekend when I cleaned the bottom of my Braiser it looked like the bottom of your pan but now looks good as new and didn't take a ton of time and scrubbing. Its the pan I use almost every day so it get a lot of use.