cleaning Le Creuset ?

I have a neighbour with a truly grotty Le Creuset roasting pan. Unlike the dutch ovens, the roasting pans seem to get lovely, baked on grime that never seems to scrub off, especially if you haven't been particularly diligent in cleaning as you go (and therefore the oil and grease just keeps rebaking onto the pan each time you use it). Any suggestions from this wise and knowledgeable group ? They've tried JIF.

Thanks, Celia

I've had my Le Cruset pans and Dutch Ovens for just under three months now and they clean up like a dream. After they have cooled a bit, I put Dawn dish detergent in the pan and soak with hot water. Everything comes right off. If this is years of built up grime, I'd give Le Cruset a call and see what they suggest, or visit their website. Le Cruset makes a cleaner/polisher for their pans, but I have not had to use it yet.

I have a neighbour with a truly grotty Le Creuset roasting pan. Unlike the dutch ovens, the roasting pans seem to get lovely, baked on grime that never seems to scrub off, especially if you haven't been particularly diligent in cleaning it as you go (and therefore the oil and grease just keeps rebaking onto the pan each time you use it). Any suggestions from this wise and knowledgeable group ? They've tried JIF.

Thanks, Celia

I'm not sure if it is the way to go, but when this happens to my grilling pan I fill it with water, some soap, then simmer it for ten minutes. This usually gets the gunk out.

Best,
Joe

Thank you both, but this pan is well and truly past that stage. I was thinking more in terms of oven cleaner or bleach, to be honest...

It still works, it just gets grottier and grottier...

Celia

Oxalic acid.

There's a mild abrasive powder with oxalic acid added to it called "Bar Keepers Friend," widely available in the US. There might be an antipodal equivalent. The stuff works miraculously on baked-on grease, even the stuff that's halfway toward becoming diamond. If not, see if you can get some oxalic acid, mix it with some water, do an overnight soak, then scrub with a brush.

Oxalic acid.

You're a handy guy to have around!

That's what all the girls say.

If the pan is enameled (and probably is) then you could try some stuff called Gunk. It's an engine cleaner. Just be sure to rinse the pan really, really well after cleaning. That should do it.

rwj

Cool ! I'll pass the suggestions on, thank you ! It really does call for those sorts of measure...

Cheers, Celia

Never tried this but could you put it in an oven and run it through the oven cleaning cycle?

What about loads of baking soda and just enough water, over night?

I have no problem loading my body with Jungle Juice (100% Deet) or getting covered in Naval Jelly Rust Remover, but I would try everything else before going all out with what might pit my pans.

Best,
Joe

I have no problem loading my body with Jungle Juice (100% Deet) or getting covered in Navel Jelly Rust Remover, but I would try everything else before going all out with what might pit my pans.

Joe, there are times, even after all these years of reading your posts and chatting to you, when you still scare me. Do I want to ask what Navel Jelly Rust Remover is ? Frankly, it's pretty gross when the jelly in your navel has been there so long that it rusts...ugh...



They've tried the baking soda soak, matey, thank you though. I think they're considering Stuart's oxalic acid. Or maybe buying a new pan...

Celia