Re: how do you remove stains from Le Creuset?

Boehm Collector · ‎03-09-2010

@MoonieBaby do you mean the Earth Brite All Natural Clay Cleaner Non-Toxic Biodegradable on Amazon??

noodleann · ‎06-10-2015

@MariotaMurielle wrote:
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.

Congratulations! And a cheap solution free of elbow grease--great!

I've filed this away in case my Le Creuset develops a visible history that I'd like to erase, too.

MariotaMurielle · ‎03-10-2010

@Nonametoday wrote:
@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.

@Nonametoday, I did put butter beans in it but as far as I know they didn't stick to the bottom. if you saw my before pic, I think some of the stains were from the cubed pieces of meat. I'm happy with the results, but I think (as someone else mentioned) I have already somewhat damaged the surface by using a steel wool pad and an abrasive cleaner.

“All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well.” St. Julian of Norwich

ahoymate · ‎05-30-2010

@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.

I hear you! I've tried everything: Comet, Bar Keeper's Friend, bleach, Brillo pads all to no avial. I emailed Le Creuset and am waiting a reply. Mine are about that old & well used.

I suggest you email Le Creuset & see what the experts have to say.

Monketoes · ‎03-10-2010

T@MariotaMurielle wrote:
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 erdid try that and it didn't help either.
does anyone have some tried and true tips?

Try some polident denture tablets and let soak!

novamc1 · ‎07-02-2015

OP said she had used steel wool at one time on her stained pot. This probably removed the glossy surface of the interior enamel.

I got rid of a heavily-used LC pot after that glossy surface had probably been ruined by the one or two times that I subjected it to harsh dishwasher detergent.

I never really could get the stains out after that and vowed never to mistreat expensive LC again! No harsh scrubbing pads and no dishwasher!!

I still recommend trying everything possible to clean the stains if the pot is still well-used and loved. It's no doubt still useful even in as-is condition.