How to Clean Porcelain Enamel Cast-Iron Cookware

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By C.M. Mackenzie
eHow Contributing Writer

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Porcelain enamel over cast-iron cookware has been around for a long time, and for good reason. This kind of cookware has many benefits. It is durable, it does not rust, it spreads heat evenly over the surface, making it perfect for slow cooking. In addition, the slick finish means foods don't stick as easily as they can on bare iron or metal pots and pans. The porcelain enamel finish also has another quality that makes it a favorite amongst many cooks---it is easy to clean.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Dish washing liquid
Soft sponges
Dish towel

Step 1

Fill your sink with warm---not hot---water, adding regular dish washing liquid while the faucet is still running. Place the cookware into the water.
Step 2

Let the cookware soak for a few minutes. Note that you cannot wisely do this with bare cast-iron cookware. The porcelain finish keeps water from the iron and, therefore, prevents rusting.
Step 3

Wash the inside areas of the cookware with a soapy, wet sponge. Then, wash the handles and the outside of the cookware.
Step 4

Drain the sink and run warm water. Rinse the cookware under this stream of warm water.
Step 5

Dry the cookware off with a dish towel or let it air dry. Unlike un-enameled cast-iron cookware, air drying won't harm these types of dishes.

Tips & Warnings

Although porcelain enamel cast-iron cookware is somewhat non-stick, you'll significantly cut your washing time if you wash them soon after use, rather than allowing food to sit in them. If the enamel on this cookware is chipped, exposing the underlying iron, that area may rust if exposed to water for too long---avoid soaking it in this case.
Never put hot cast-iron, whether porcelain enamel coated or not, into water---cool it down before washing. The cast-iron can (and probably will) crack otherwise, destroying the cookware. Although this kind of cookware does resist scratches, you should still avoid using abrasive cleaners or steel wool on porcelain finishes.