How to clean an enamel pot?

1. Basic Cleaning (for daily light soiling)

- Cool down first：Never rinse or clean the enamel pot immediately after cooking while it’s still hot. Sudden temperature changes can cause the enamel layer to crack or peel. Let the pot cool naturally to room temperature.

- Gentle scrubbing：Pour warm water into the pot and add a small amount of mild neutral dish soap (avoid strong alkaline or acidic cleaners). Use a soft sponge, silicone brush, or non-abrasive cloth to wipe the inner and outer surfaces of the pot gently. Focus on areas with food residue, and avoid scrubbing vigorously to prevent scratching the enamel.

- Rinse and dry thoroughly：Rinse the pot with clean warm water to remove all soap residue. Then, dry the pot completely with a soft towel or place it on a low-heat stove for a few minutes to evaporate any remaining moisture (this prevents the cast iron base from rusting).

2. Removing stubborn stains and burnt-on food

- Soaking method：For caked-on food or light burnt stains, fill the pot with warm water and let it soak for 30 minutes to 2 hours (or overnight for heavy stains). The softened residue can then be easily wiped away with a soft sponge.

- Baking soda paste：Mix baking soda with a little warm water to make a thick paste. Apply the paste to the stained areas, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft brush and rinse thoroughly. Baking soda is mild and non-abrasive, so it won’t damage the enamel.

-Vinegar and baking soda (for tough stains)：First, pour a small amount of white vinegar into the pot and heat it gently (do not boil) for 5-10 minutes to loosen mineral deposits or stubborn stains. Then, turn off the heat, add a spoonful of baking soda (it will fizz, which helps lift stains), let it cool, and scrub and rinse as usual. Note that this method should not be used frequently on black enamel pots, as prolonged contact with acid may affect the seasoned layer.

- Lemon and salt (for light discoloration)：Cut a lemon in half, dip the cut side in coarse salt, and rub the discolored areas of the pot. The mild acidity of lemon and the gentle abrasion of salt can remove surface discoloration without scratching the enamel.

3. Things to avoid during cleaning

- Do not use abrasive tools：Never use steel wool, wire brushes, or hard scouring pads, as they will scratch the enamel layer and expose the underlying cast iron, leading to rust and further damage.

- Avoid strong chemicals：Stay away from bleach, chlorine-based cleaners, and harsh abrasive powders (such as metal polish or strong degreasers). These can corrode or discolor the enamel.

- Do not soak for too long：While soaking helps remove stains, prolonged soaking (more than 24 hours) can seep into tiny cracks in the enamel (if any) and cause rust on the cast iron base.