Kitchen

[MariotaMurielle]

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?

[patbz]

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

[MoonieBaby]

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

or 

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

Q sells it.

[Othereeeen]

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?

[Toot1920]

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. 

[shoekitty]

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

[MariotaMurielle]

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.

[Kachina624]

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

[MariotaMurielle]

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@Kachina624 wrote:

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

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@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

[Flatbush]

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.