How to Clean Discolored Enamel Cookware Outside? (Explained)
Cut the fresh lemons and squeeze them. Prepare a solution by mixing lemon juice and water in equal portions. Boil the lemon peels in a small amount of water. Add this water to the already prepared solution. Soak the cookware in this mixture for 20 minutes. Take the cookware out and wash it as usual.
The Author
Enameled cookware is composed of metal like iron, aluminum, or copper coated with powdered glass or ceramic material at high temperatures.
They have high demand due to their versatility and ease of use. With continued usage, they may get discolored.
In this article, I will share some tips about cleaning and keeping them safe and a few advantages of their usage.
9 ways to clean discolored enamel cookware?
Soap and water
Using soap and water is the most common remedy used in every kitchen to wash the cookware. This can also be used to clean the discolored enamel cookware.
Simply add a few drops of dishwashing soap to the hot water tub.
Mix it well and soak your cookware in it for a few minutes until all the dirt is almost removed.
Scrub the cookware gently with a cloth and wash it.
Lemon and salt
Lemon is a natural citrus fruit and highly effective in cleansing enameled cookware.
Both lemon and salt are easily available and inexpensive.
To clean discolored enamel cookware, take an appropriate amount of water in a tub, and add lemon juice and salt to it.
Heat it by placing it on a stove for a few minutes and keep stirring.
Turn off the flame and allow the mixture to stand till it is not too hot to damage the enameled cookware.
Place the discolored enameled cookware in the tub and leave for 45 minutes.
Remove the cookware from the tub and sprinkle a small amount of salt on the affected areas.
Gently scrub the cookware and then wash it using soap and water as usual.
Water and baking soda
Baking soda has been used by chefs to keep the enameled cookware shining and clean for a long time.
Baking soda can be used to clean such cookware in two ways.
The first method is to soak the cookware in warm baking soda solution for one hour and scrub the cookware gently.
The second way of cleaning the cookware is by making baking soda paste.
In this method, you will have to make baking soda paste using lukewarm water, apply it to the cookware, and scrub it.
Don’t forget to wash the cookware with soap and water as usual after following any one of these methods.
Vinegar Solution
Vinegar is found in every kitchen.
In this method, you are supposed to prepare a 50% solution of vinegar in water (by mixing an equal amount of vinegar and water.
Heat the solution on low flame for five minutes, turn off the stove and dip the cookware in the solution for 25 minutes.
Take out the cookware and wash it with soap and water. You can also scrub the cookware while washing if needed.
Water and Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide solution in water can also be used to clean the discolored enamel cookware.
Take a suitable amount of water in a tub and add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to it.
Soak the pan in a freshly prepared solution for 10 minutes. Then wash the cookware using soap and water.
Dishwashing Soap
This method is quite simple and works well in most cases. Take a piece of dishwashing soap.
Add water to the piece of soap and make a thick paste. Apply the paste to the affected areas of cookware and let it dry.
Use lukewarm water to remove the soap paste and scrub the cookware with soft hands. Wash the cookware with fresh water.
Washing Powder
It sounds strange to use washing powder to clean the cookware but some chefs choose this methodology.
You have to boil the appropriate amount of washing powder in water and dip your cookware in it for a few minutes till the stains and any other left-off material are softened.
Then you have to scrub the affected area with a soft brush carefully.
After this wash your cookware, as usual, using dishwashing soap and water.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste is a daily usage item in each house. It can also be used to make the enameled cookware free of stains.
Even if you don’t have the above-mentioned materials, though it is almost impossible, I am sure you too have toothpaste at your home.
Just like all the above remedies, this method is also quite simple.
All you have to do is to take a small amount of sterilized toothpaste on the affected areas of your enameled cookware.
After applying the toothpaste, rub the cookware with a soft brush for a few minutes, and then wash away the cookware with water.
You can repeat this process 2-3 times if needed. After this wash your cookware as your daily routine.
Water and Bleach
Bleach can also be used for cleaning enameled cookware.
Take a suitable amount of water in a tub and add one teaspoon of bleach to it.
Soak your cookware for 3-4 hours. The bleach will remove completely or at least soften the stains and debris.
Wash off the cookware with soap and fresh water. Scrub the affected area if needed.
Tips to keep your enameled cookware safe
Follow these tips to keep your enameled cookware safe and attractive for a long time.
- Always wash your cookware by hand instead of a dishwasher.
- Don’t subject your cookware to drastic temperature changes.
- Avoid heating the cookware when empty.
- Don’t use metal objects, especially those having sharp edges or tips when dealing with enameled cookware.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals for cleaning.
- Scrub gently whenever needed.
Is it safe to use enameled cookware?
Yes, it is safe to use enameled cookware to prepare your meal. The enamel coating keeps the metal from intermixing with food.
Final Thought
I hope I have effectively explained the ways of keeping the enameled cookware safe and clean.
I would like to conclude that keeping the cookware clean and using it with care is the key to keeping your cookware attractive for a long time.
Always prefer a natural cleaning agent for your cookware.
