Can You Put Le Creuset in the Dishwasher? Know the Answer

Having a dishwasher in your kitchen spares you from having to stand at the basin and wash dishes by hand. No more stumbling around the kitchen after a family supper.

But not all the cookware is dishwasher safe. You might be wondering can you put le Creuset in the dishwasher or not?

In this blog post, you will find the compatibility of le Creuset with the dishwasher, and things to consider before putting a le Creuset in the dishwasher.

About Le Creuset

Le Creuset is a French cookware company that has been in business since 1925. The company is best known for its Enameled cast iron cookware, especially French ovens also known as Dutch Ovens, which are used by chefs all over the world.

The company also makes other types of cookware, including skillets, casseroles, Baker’s dishes, and more.

Le Creuset’s products are known for their durability and even heat distribution, making them a favorite among home cooks and professional chefs alike.

Is Le Creuset Dishwasher Safe?

Because of its strong enameled coating and metal composition, Le Creuset cookware may be washed in the dishwasher.

However, doing so on a frequent basis might be harmful to your Le Creuset cookware.

Over time, you may notice a fading of the exterior hue. This distinction will be more pronounced with bolder or more intense hues, such as orange or red. 

The cookware will still function properly and will not be damaged; it will simply not be as appealing as it once was. 

Pans with stainless steel knobs, cast iron, or phenolic handles can be washed in the dishwasher(Source). However, it is not recommended to put pans with wooden handles in the dishwasher as this will damage the wood. 

Things to Consider before putting the Le Creuset in Dishwasher

Before placing your Le Creuset cookware in the dishwasher, there are a few things you should take into consideration. 

Thermal Shocks

Le Creuset products are made of cast iron, which is a very strong and durable material.

However, cast iron can be susceptible to thermal shock, which is when the material is suddenly exposed to extreme changes in temperature.

This can cause the enameled layers to crack or break. For this reason, it’s important to avoid placing hot Le Creuset cookware in cold water or putting cold cookware in a hot dishwasher.

If you need to clean your cookware in the dishwasher, let it cool down to room temperature first.

Collisions 

Another thing to consider is that your Le Creuset cookware may come into contact with other items in the dishwasher, which could cause it to chip or crack.

To avoid this, be sure to place your cookware on the top rack of the dishwasher and make sure that there’s plenty of space around it.

Also, avoid placing any sharp or heavy objects next to your Le Creuset in the dishwasher.

Cleaning Detergent

When choosing a cleaning detergent for your dishwasher, be sure to avoid any that are harsh or abrasive. These can damage the finish of your cookware. Le Creuset recommends using mild, liquid dishwashing soap. 

If your Le Creuset cookware has become discolored and requires significant cleaning, purchase Le Creuset Cookware cleaner to treat the problem.

This cleaning solution is specifically designed for enameled cookware and Dutch oven that cannot be cleaned with harsh liquid soaps.

Soaking 

Soaking cookware in cold water on a regular basis may lead to corrosion.  If your Le Creuset cookware is particularly dirty, you should soak it in warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes before placing it in the dishwasher. This will help to loosen any stubborn dirt or grime.

Drying

After your Le Creuset cookware has been washed in the dishwasher, it’s important to dry it thoroughly. Moisture can cause the enamel to blister and damage the cookware. Le Creuset recommends a towel to dry your cookware.

How to Clean Le Creuset?

Here is a step-by-step process for cleaning Le Creuset:

1. Remove any excess food from the surface of the cookware using a soft sponge or brush. Avoid using abrasive sponges or steel wool, as these can scratch the surface of the cookware.
2. Rinse the cookware under warm water, making sure to get rid of any remaining bits of food.
3. Fill the sink with warm, soapy water and add a few drops of dish soap. Submerge the Le Creuset cookware in the sink and allow it to soak for a few hours or overnight.
4. Use a soft sponge or brush to scrub the surface of the cookware, paying special attention to any stubborn stains or burnt-on food.
5. Rinse the cookware thoroughly under warm water to remove all of the soap suds.
6. Dry the cookware thoroughly with a clean towel.
7. If the cookware is still dirty or has a lot of stains, you may need to repeat the above process or use a commercial cookware cleaner. Be sure to follow the instructions on the cleaner carefully.
8. To remove any remaining stains or discoloration, you can also try using a paste made of equal parts water and baking soda. Apply the paste to the affected area, allow it to sit for a few hours, and then scrub with a soft sponge or brush. Rinse and dry the cookware thoroughly after using this method.

How to clean Le Creuset burnt?

To clean burnt le Creuset cookware, first, allow the pan to cool down before attempting to clean it. Then fill the pan with warm water and a few drops of dish detergent. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing with a non-abrasive sponge. If the burnt residue is still present, pour some white vinegar into the pan and let it sit for 1-2 hours before scrubbing it again. Once the pan is clean, rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly.

Does Le Creuset have a dishwasher safe symbol?

There is no universal symbol for indicating a Le Creuset product is dishwasher safe. The best way to determine whether your specific piece is dishwasher safe is to consult the product packaging or to contact Le Creuset directly.

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