How to Clean a Dutch Oven So It Lasts for Years

A Dutch oven is one of the most versatile pieces of cookware in your arsenal. Great for soups, stews, casseroles, and beyond, these pans can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, and even as serveware. Using your Dutch oven to its full potential means frequently having to clean it, and because Dutch ovens are typically made from cast or enameled cast iron, they require a special type of care. 

Learning how to clean your Dutch oven properly will ensure it lasts for years. We turned to a professional chef and a cleaning scientist to find out the best way to care for cast iron and enameled cast iron Dutch ovens to keep them performing perfectly meal after meal.

Materials

Keep these materials on hand when cleaning a Dutch oven.

• Sea salt
• Water
• Dish soap
• Cooking oil
• Baking soda
• Non-scratch sponge
• Microfiber towel

How to Clean a Cast-Iron Dutch Oven

Cast iron tends to rust when not cared for properly, so it’s important to clean a cast-iron Dutch oven carefully. “The first step in cleaning should always be allowing your pan to completely cool down to avoid thermal shock,” says Derek Finocchiaro, resident chef at All Clad.

1. Once the pan is cool, coat the base with some coarse sea salt.
2. Use a microfiber towel or sponge to scrub the interior of the pan to remove any stuck-on food.
3. Rinse the pan thoroughly with hot water.
4. Dry completely with a microfiber towel.
5. Season the pan using a small amount of cooking oil, rubbing it into the cast iron with a paper towel.

How to Clean an Enameled Cast-Iron Dutch Oven

Cleaning an enameled cast-iron Dutch oven is a bit more straightforward than cleaning a fully cast-iron one. For this, all you need is water and dishwashing detergent, says Morgan Eberhard, a senior scientist and science educator in NA Home Care at P&G.

1. Once the pan is cool, use a non-scratch sponge and scrub clean with hot water and a gentle dishwashing liquid.
2. Rinse the Dutch oven thoroughly with hot water.
3. Dry it completely with a microfiber towel.

How to Clean a Burnt Dutch Oven 

If your Dutch oven has burnt-on food residue, it will require extra elbow grease to make it gleam again. All you need is some baking soda and hot water, says Finocchiaro.

1. In the pan, bring 4 cups of water to boil.
2. Reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes.
3. Gently use a wooden spoon to remove the stains in the pot.
4. Rinse the Dutch oven thoroughly with hot water.
5. Dry it completely with a microfiber towel.

How to Clean a Stained Dutch Oven

More often than not, stains on an enameled cast iron Dutch oven are purely cosmetic and have no impact on its performance. Eberhard recommends leaving them be for the most part, but if they're bothering you, the baking soda method above can also be effective at lifting stains from a Dutch oven.

What to Avoid When Cleaning a Dutch Oven 

Even with the best intentions, it’s possible to accidentally damage your Dutch oven while cleaning it.

• Harsh cleaners or detergents: To ensure your pan remains in good condition, avoid using any harsh cleaners or detergents, like bleach, that could potentially damage its surface and/or exterior.
• Steel scrubbers: Avoid using any steel wool or steel scouring pads, which can scratch the surface of your pan, says Finocchiaro. Opt for a soft sponge or washcloth instead. 
• Soaking in water: Never let your entire Dutch oven soak in water any longer than necessary, especially if yours is made from cast iron, as it can cause rust to form, says Eberhard.

Tips for Making Your Dutch Oven Last Longer

Dutch ovens are typically built to last, and with proper care, you’ll have yours for many years. Here are some helpful tips to keep your pan in optimal condition:

• Review your pan’s instructions before its first use.
• Stick to gentle soaps and mild detergents when cleaning, says Finocchiaro.
• Clean your pan right after using it to prevent rusting or damage. “Leftover food residue can slowly ruin a Dutch oven over time,” says Eberhard.
• Use a soft sponge or washcloth to clean the interior and exterior to prevent scratching.
• Always dry your Dutch oven completely after washing to prevent rusting or damage.