I’ve had this Dutch oven for almost 10 years now, and it was gifted to me, used, probably for at least another decade or so before me, what can I do for it? Is it time to retire it? If so what is everyone’s favorite brand, as I don’t remember what this one was. Thanks in advance 🫶🏻
This thing still has lots of stews and roast to cook.
What are you trying to do for it? That’s how enamel gets over time when it’s well used and well loved. Just keep using it. It isn’t dirty, it’s just aged. It’s like patina for enamel. It’s easily got another 20+ years in it.
Edit: enamel, not ceramic. It was late 😅
Anything to save it honestly, it’s one of my favorites to use and I want it to have the longest life possible, I just don’t want to damage it more by trying things to clean it
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this pot, keep cooking in it.
There was minor enamel damage when I got it, and now it’s just getting hard to see, and I’d like to monitor it so that way I know how close it’s getting to the actual cast iron
sometimes it can be difficult to see in a picture, but I (like most of the folks responding) don't see any "damage". Are you talking about the fine lines? That's typical and if it's still nice and smooth you're fine. If you can feel cracks, or if you can feel damaged areas in the enamel then it may be time to replace it.
The discoloration is normal and natural. You may be able to get some out using Bar Keeper's Friend, but I wouldn't waste the effort. I have a Lodge enameled cast iron Dutch oven I've had for years and use a lot from fall to spring. It's used on the stove top and in the oven. I was able to keep it "spotless" for a long time, but eventually I started getting areas that I couldn't clean back to white, and I stopped trying.
Lodge is good at a decent price. Le Creuset and Staub are other brands but are much more expensive than a Lodge. 6 quart Lodge enameled Dutch Oven is currently running about $99. Staub 5 quart is $249, and Le Creuset 5.5 quart is $335. Just so you have the info.
There isn't a single thing wrong with this pot. Enamel just does this. There's NOTHING to be done but to use it.
There is nothing to be cleaned. It’s just a reaction with the enamel over time.
Pour 5% white vinegar in it and let it sit over night. You'll never get it all but it will help. I've also had luck with diluted bleach. As a public service announcement: DO NOT MIX THOSE TWO.
Now I'm gonna.
With mine I put about 2 tablespoons of OxiClean powder in some water and heated it up in the pot for about 30 minutes. Not boiling just below a simmer. Didn't come out 100% but it helped.
This is why I came to ask for advice because everything I read said to scrub it with abrasives, the enamel is definitely wearing thin in some places, but I’m not ready to give her up, it was the first pan I got for my apartment when I was 19
If you try my recommended method let me know how it goes please.
It’s fine
Glass cooktop cleaner. It’s identical to the Le Creuset cleaning solution for a fraction of the price. I only use it when the staining gets really bad and it makes my pots look brand new. I use with a scrub daddy.
U dont need harsh abrasives. In most cases whatever you cook in it, whenever its done use dish soap and a rag. If stuff is caked put it on the stove with water, heat up and use a wooden spoon to scrap the same way u would when u add wine to deglaze a sauce.
Here’s a Insta video. But super simple, boil about 4-5 cups of water, add baking soda, boil for another few minutes, let cool a bit, empty and hit with a scrub daddy. Or leave over night to get deep scunge off they say. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJwm6wRO76l/?igsh=ajYwZW5xdW5uZ2R6
You can try simmering in water and baking soda or washing soda, but usually once they're scorched like this, they don't go back.
Edit: The scorching does not affect their cooking ability in the least.
Bring water to a boil, drop some baking soda in. Let it cool and clean with soft Magic eraser. It’s never gonna be perfect. Just enjoy it
Looks just about broke in
If you’re really concerned, use some Barkeeper’s Friend
If it’s just discoloration in the texture of the ceramic: super hot water and a few denture cleaning tablets to loosen it, then a light scrub to wipe it out. You may have to do this multiple times.
When you see someone bust a pot like this out of the cabinet, you know it’s going to be good.
This makes me happy, she’s our winter pot pretty much
Bar keepers friend cleaner. It will 100% remove that stubborn stain and look like new again
that thing is golden until the enamel starts flaking off,, but pro tip, ALDI sells an enamel cast iron pot like this for $30 that compares to the name brands that sell for over $100, I just bought one and its fantastic.
When mine got like this, I filled it up with hot water and poured in a cup of bleach. Then, just let it set over night. No scrubbing, no harsh abrasives and by morning, it looked brand new.
Baking soda and a dry sponge and a little water
Try oven cleaner and let it sit for a bit
Looks good to me
Help for what? That’s just fine. You have years and years left and it will get worse.