Cooking with ceramic and enameled pans is easy—and cleanup can be, too, if you know what to do. Much like cast-iron skillets, these kinds of pans can be tricky to clean if you’re not using the right approach. Whether you're dealing with surprise stains or stuck-on food that won’t budge, what’s most important? “Removing stuck-on food from ceramic and enameled surfaces requires a combination of gentle persuasion and patience,” says Isabella Flores, a cleaning expert and professional organizer at Sparkly Maid San Diego. She adds that “hand-washing each pan the right way, every single time, is probably the greatest contributor to extending the useful service-life of these pans.”
So, what is the right way to clean ceramic and enameled pans? Hint: If you’ve been scrubbing, step away from the brush! Harsh cleaners and tools can damage the surface of your pans and shorten their lifespan. The good news is, with a few simple habit tweaks, you can get them sparkling clean without causing any harm. We chatted with Flores to get the best tips on how to clean ceramic or enameled pans and keep your cookware in top shape. Keep reading to find out what actually works, what to avoid, and how to keep your pans looking like new.
The Best Way to Clean Ceramic or Enameled Pans
Before you even think about soap or scrubbing, Flores says the most important step happens first: “The number one precautionary measure when cleaning ceramic or enameled pans is to allow them to cool down to room temperature prior to adding any type of cleaning solution,” she says. “Adding cold water rapidly to a hot pan can create ‘thermal shock,’ a rapid change in temperature that can lead to cracking, chipping or warping of the enameled surface.”
Once your pan is cooled, cleaning is simple and straightforward. Flores recommends filling it with warm water, adding a few drops of mild dish soap, and gently wiping the surface with a soft sponge. She also notes that hand-washing every time is key—even if a pan is labeled “dishwasher-safe.” “Frequent exposure to high-temperature washes and caustic detergents will continue to erode the ceramic or enamel coating until it eventually fails,” she explains.
How to Remove Stuck-on Food or Stains
When food won’t budge, it can be tempting to scrub, but Flores warns against this. Her go-to approach is to soak the pan with warm water and baking soda, then bring it to a low boil on the stovetop for five to 10 minutes to help lift residue. For stronger stains or oil buildup, she recommends using a mixture of equal parts baking soda and vinegar to loosen debris without damaging the surface. Once the pan cools down, you can easily wipe away any residue with a soft sponge.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Ceramic or Enameled Pans
We all want to choose the best cleaning products for our cookware, but certain ones can do more harm than good, even when they’re marketed as safe or gentle. Flores warns against using any bleach- or citrus-based cleaners. "Any product containing bleach (sodium hypochlorite) can break down the coating on ceramic and enameled surfaces, compromising the surface finish,” she says. “Additionally, citrus-based cleaners or any product containing citric acid can dull the exterior finish of enameled cookware.”
She also points out that buildup from cooking spray can create long-term issues, explaining that they “will quickly build up on the ceramic surface…forming an unremovable film that compromises the non-stick performance of the pan.” Instead, she recommends sticking with small amounts of oil or butter when cooking and avoiding harsh cleaners altogether.
“Maintaining longevity with ceramic and enameled cookware revolves around implementing just a few routine practices each and every time these pans are used,” Flores says. Treat your pans right, and they’ll reward you for years to come.
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
