As the Household Advice Editor, I’m used to all kinds of cleaning dilemmas coming from distressed colleagues. From clumpy puffer jackets to cluttered shoes and smelly bathrooms, I’ve heard it all. One colleague had a particularly tough challenge this week; a burnt casserole pot.
Of course, GH has a standard solution for cleaning a burnt pot involving washing up liquid and bicarb, but judging by the extent of what was burnt; sausage and lentil casserole I believe, it was going to need something a bit stronger. Here I break down the last resort cleaning method for burnt cast iron casserole pots.
Note: This method relates to enamelled cast iron, such as Le Creuset. The patina on traditional exposed cast iron would be damaged by this method and should not be used.
How to clean a burnt cast iron pan
Step one – If needed, soak the pan before removing any excess food, but take care not to scratch or damage the enamel surface by prying away residue. A silicone spatula or wooden spoon is safer to use than a knife, which can scratch.
Step two – Half-fill with warm water, then place on the hob.
Step three – Drop one dishwasher tablet into the water and turn the hob onto a low heat until it starts to simmer. Turn on the extractor fan and open a window to help ventilate the moisture and smell.
Step four – Leave to simmer with the lid off for up to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it to make sure it stays at a simmer and doesn’t boil over.
Step five – Switch off the heat and once cool enough to handle, pour away most of the solution, leaving a little behind. Then scrub the pot clean with a nylon scrubbing brush, such as Lakeland’s Tough Scrub Washing Up Brush. Do not immediately fill a hot pot with cold water. The sudden change in temperature could crack the enamel.
GHI Tip: Do not use metallic chainmail scrubbers or scourers on enamelled cast iron, such as Le Creuset. This will scratch and damage the surface.
Repeat as needed, although my colleague found that one session was more than enough! The cast iron pot was restored with a quick scrub afterwards.
How to clean the underside of your cast iron pan
If the underside of your Le Creuset pot has seen better days, there are ways to restore it and remove scorch marks. It sounds simple, but a bicarb paste mixed with a couple of drops of washing up liquid is all you need. Both will help to cut through any grease.
Apply the paste to the marks on the base and sides (and anywhere inside the water didn’t reach), then scrub away. It might need a bit of elbow grease and a repeat application, but the scorch marks will flake away. Bicarb paste on its own will cut through scorch marks too - I used this method on my Le Creuset Griddle and it looked like new again after about 20 minutes of scrubbing!
Tips to avoid burning food in your cast iron pan
- Make sure your pot is sat centrally on the hob for even heat distribution.
- Avoid using high heats as you cook for better control.
- Stir regularly to rotate the food.
- Keep an eye on liquid levels so it doesn’t evaporate.
- Consider cooking dishes with longer cooking times in the oven instead; the indirect heat is less likely to catch the food.
According to Emma Franklin, GH’s Cookery Editor: “For traditional cast iron, before you use it the first time follow any instructions about seasoning: this is a heating and oiling process that helps seal the surface of the cast iron. NB. Enamelled cast iron like Le Creuset doesn't typically need this.”
The best casserole pots for frying
STAUB STAUB Cast Iron Cocotte, Round, 24 cm
