restoring burnt Le Crueset
For 3 days or 4, I've been using vinegar and baking soda to try to salvage my soup pot, a Le Crueset which I've used for several years. The other day it was left at home alone cooking beans with too little water for quite a long time. Before the bean tragedy, the enamel was already worn off the bottom. (I have people in my house who might use a metal spoon when I'm not looking.)
The vinegar and baking soda have done all they can do for me. Next I've tried bleach.
It looks almost the same as it did before, not great but almost; but the smell of burning is deeply committed to this dear soup kettle.
It's my favorite cooking thing and I can't afford to buy another one. They're $100-150 even at the off-price stores.
Can this pot be saved?
Thanks for caring,
Stephanie
-
EdBakesBread
Jan 22, 2011 07:35 AM
Stephanie:
3 Words: Easy-Off Oven Cleaner.
That may be 4 words depending upon hyphenation... :)
It will take multiple applications. but I think you'll be pleased with the results. Spray on.. wait 30 minutes... wipe... repeat....
-
-
Chemicalkinetics
Jan 21, 2011 04:00 PM
Recently, I used Bar Keeper's Friend to clean my enameled cast iron Dutch Oven and it worked quiet well.
That said and all, I am not 100% sure what you meant by "the enamel was already worn off the bottom". If it is really worn off, you just have to buy another one.
›1 Reply-
re: Chemicalkinetics
Jay F
Jan 21, 2011 04:16 PM
It may be the case that the enamel has become so dark, it _looks_ as if you've scraped clear through to the bare iron. Try the suggestions above. I recommend wearing gloves with such a thick paste of BKF. If it gets in your eyes or mouth, it can be irritating. Also, I use Dobie pads on Le Creuset, not anything stronger. Don't use steel wool.
-
-
-
What about Bar Keeper's Friend? I use the powder.
