Le Creuset is a brand of cookware that is no less known. This renowned brand produces beautiful enameled cast-iron cookware that is versatile and durable.
Le Creuset is loved by home cooks, and they want to add it to their cookware collection to make their cooking easy and add beauty to their kitchen as well.
Owning a Le Creuset is a source of pride in itself, and it is loved by everyone who has it, but the question that troubles the users is- is Le Creuset Dishwasher safe?
There are tough stains that remain after cooking in it, and cleaning that tough stains becomes a headache.
Here we will answer your question in this article which has been troubling you for a long time.
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How To Clean Le Creuset in the Dishwasher?
Le Creuset cookware is made up of cast iron enamel coating of different beautiful colors.
It is considered safe to wash it in the dishwasher. It is also a microwave, refrigerator, oven, and broiler safe.
This cookware being durable with easy cooking, saves your washing time if you are lazy to too busy to clean it.
You just have to put it in your dishwasher, and it will do its job, and your Le Creuset cookware will come out completely clean.
Avoid putting it directly into the dishwasher after cooking when it is still hot; let it cool down before washing it.
There are times when your food may get burnt or stick to the cookware, and if you put them in the dishwasher, you will see that the stains did not come out well and it is still dirty.
In this case, a single wash cycle is not enough; you have to wash it in multiple cycles to get it entirely cleaned up.
All the Le Creuset cookware with stainless steel and phenolic handles or knobs are dishwasher safe.
However, it is noticed that regular washing of the cookware in the dishwasher may damage and fade its beautiful color, especially the vibrant ones like orange.
But this will not alter the performance of the pans; it will work the same way as it was working earlier.
It is just that it will not remain as attractive and attention-grabbing as it was before.
There is Le Creuset cookware with wooden handles as well.
It is suggested not to put it in the dishwasher as it will ruin the wooden handles. Though all the Le Creuset cookware is dishwasher safe, it is recommended to hand wash it for its long life.
Hand Washing Le Creuset Cookware
It is mentioned that Le Creuset cookware is dishwasher safe, but if you want to retain its beauty and long life, hand washing is the solution.
After your cooking is done, let the temperature of the cookware normalize before washing it.
When the cookware cools down, put some liquid soap or mild detergent and scrub it with a soft-bristled brush or sponge.
When all the stains are scrubbed, rinse them with warm water. For tough stains, soak the pan or pot in warm water with liquid soap.
Let it stay in it for a while, and then scrub it with a sponge and rinse it. Another method to try is to put one teaspoon of bleaching solution in a pint of water.
Mix it and pour in the cookware, and let it soak for two to three hours. This solution helps all the stains to come out easily when you scrub it with a soft sponge or brush and rinse it.
If this soaking method also does not work, you do not need to worry; there is a solution to this as well.
Try to simmer water with a small amount of liquid soap or baking soda at a low flame.
Let the temperature of the water cool down, then scrub it and rinse it with warm water. Your pan or pot will be cleaned without any spots or stains.
You should never soak a hot pan or pot in cold water as the enamel coating in it may get cracked or chipped. Your favorite Le Creuset may get damaged and will not be left useless for further use.
Precautions to Save the Le Creuset Enamel Coating
Le Creuset has an enamel coating which makes them beautiful but retaining its beauty is difficult.
But with some precautions, it will become easier to save your Le Creuset from damage and save you some money for getting a new one.
Some of those precautions are given below:
A. Cleaning Cookware Before First Use
It is recommended to wash the Le Creuset cookware before you use it for cooking for the first time. Use warm water and mild detergent to remove any dirt on it.
B. Use of Correct Utensil on the Surface
It is very important to know that you cannot use any metallic spatula or spoon on the enamel coating of Le Creuset cookware. There is a high risk of the surface getting scratched with it.
This will damage your pan, and you may need to buy a new one. To avoid this, always use a wooden, nylon, or silicone spatula to retain the smooth surface.
C. Do Not Leave a Dirty Pan to Dry
You should wash the dirty pan as soon as it cools down after cooking. Never leave the dirty pan for a long period, as the food residue will dry out, making it hard for you to clean.
You may have to put extra effort and invest more time which can be saved if washed soon after your cooking is done.
D. Avoid Using Abrasive Cleaners
Avoid rubbing the pans or pots with steel wool or other hard scrubbers, as they may damage the cookware.
It may also scrape the coating, which can affect your smooth cooking experience with Le Creuset.
Also, always use mild liquid soap or detergent and a soft sponge or soft scrubbers for cleaning. Harmful soap may also result in damaged cookware.
E. Completely Dry the Cookware
After washing is done, do not forget to dry it completely before putting it in the kitchen cabinet. Leave it somewhere to dry naturally, or wipe it with a clean cloth.
There is a chance that it will get rusted if it is put back when it is still damp.
F. Careful Storing of Le Creuset Cookware
The Le Creuset cookware has a chance to get scratched by other utensils while you store them in your kitchen.
It is better to store them separately by keeping a distance between them.
There might be some lack of space, and you need to store them in that small corner; there is a solution to this as well.
You can use pot protectors, which come with your new Le Creuset cookware.
They are inserted between two pots and between a pot and lid to avoid scratches and damage.
G. Maintaining Ideal Cooking Temperature
The Le Creuset cast-iron surface makes them heat resistant.
They do not need high temperatures for cooking or heating food. Always use medium to low heat to cook your delicious food.
This temperature is suitable for getting the best results. High heat tends to stick or burn your food which may end in a ruined surface.
High temperature is recommended for boiling water or cooking anything which involves water like boiling potatoes or eggs etc.
H. Loosened Handles or Knobs
The handles and knobs of the vessel and lids may get loose with regular use. You have to be careful with them as they may result in some accidents.
The handles and knobs may get detached with a loosened screw when you hold them while cooking, and the cookware may fall.
This may be dangerous, and you may burn yourself in this accident.
You should regularly check them and tighten them to avoid such accidents.
Can Le Creuset Re-enamel?
Despite taking all the preventive measures, you might get a bit unlucky, and your Le Creuset cookware enamel may get damaged, or maybe your cookware is a bit old, and with regular use, its enamel may get chipped or scraped.
You may think that it’s time to say goodbye to your Le Creuset and spend your money to get a new one.
If you do not know, it is possible to get your Le Creuset cookware re-enameled.
This is going to be less expensive than getting a new one.
The company professional will completely repair your ruined cookware and make it new again with a smooth finish.
Conclusion
To conclude, Le Creuset is popular for its quality. With proper care and maintenance, you can keep them new and preserve their beauty.
It is claimed that Le Creuset cookware is dishwasher safe. It is preferable to hand wash them if you want them with you for a long period.
Le Creuset is hygienic and does not absorb the odor or flavor on its surface.
It upgrades your cooking abilities, so you will not find it difficult to invest your time and dedication to clean and maintain your cookware.
With the use of proper technique, it will be easy to clean both inside and outside and keep its lustrous finish intact for a lifetime.
