Le Creuset cleaning

[Stevie]

Last weekend I cooked a meal that really caramelized more than I expected it would in my french oven. It never got over medium heat and I let the pan cool then soaked it in the sink for about 30 minutes before using a wooden spatula to scrape it off under water. Would it have worked to leave the pan on the stove and bring water to a boil to dissolve it instead?

 

[RPCookin]

Someone slap me if I'm wrong, but I think that it's still better to deglaze a pot on the stove even if you aren't making a sauce from the drippings. Is that right, or am I all wet as usual... ??

 

[ironchef]

Like RP said, the best way is to clean the bottom is to deglaze it. If the dish does not call for it, I just put the pan in the sink with hot water and dish soap, let it sit and it comes off without even using an abrasive scrubber.

 

[Andy M.]

Also, put some water in the dirty pot and boil it for a few minutes. Let it cool and it will clean up fine. I have also had success using Barkeepers Friend for stubborn stains.

 

[Stevie]

Thanks for your response. I did end up using Bar Keepers friend and it worked great. Next time I'll boil it then.

 

[Andy M.]

BKF is indispensible the way I cook! Glad you got the LeC back to normal.