If you love cooking, you probably know that dutch ovens are one of the most versatile cooking pieces in any kitchen. They can be used both on the stovetop and in the oven. Some models are even suitable for a campfire! Their many uses include making soups and stews, simmering pasta and other sauces, braising meats, baking bread, as well as a serving pot. They come in a variety of sizes and always have a tight-fitting lid. The biggest sizes of dutch ovens can hold a whole turkey.
Depending on the type of dutch oven that you have, the price may vary, as well as the materials they are made from. Originally, dutch ovens are made of seasoned cast iron. Nowadays, however, the most common type of dutch oven you can find is enameled cast iron. You can also find them made of aluminium with non-stick interior coating, stainless steel, and ceramic stoneware – in general, heavy, durable materials. This is why, with proper cleaning and maintenance, a dutch oven can last for generations. The method you should use depends on the materials your pot is made from.
As with all kitchenware, you should clean your dutch oven after every use. Most solid cast iron ones do not need to be scrubbed every time, however, the interior should be wiped clean.

Cleaning an enameled cast iron dutch oven

Most cooks say that this type of dutch oven is the best. It is generally easier to clean, thanks to its enamel coating.
1. Clean the exterior and lid – Grab a soft, non-abrasive sponge and dip it in dry baking powder and gently scrub all splatters and baked-on foods. Do not forget to tackle the underside of the lid as well.
2. Clean the enamel interior – Enamel is usually easy to clean. You can use hot water and regular dishwashing liquid. For some stuck-on food particles, use a non-metallic scraper to loosen them. If you do not want to scrub it, fill the pot with hot water, add a few drops of dishwashing liquid and let it soak for several hours. As a last resort, use some baking soda and a soft sponge to scrub away the remaining food.
3. Use a microfiber cloth to dry the dutch oven to prevent water spots.
Extra tips:
• Do not use steel wool or metal scrapes to clean the interior since they may cause scratches on the enamel surface.
• Avoid banging the pot on sharp edges, since the enamel can chip.

Cleaning a cast iron dutch oven (use this for both indoor and outdoor use dutch ovens).

1. Wipe clean – When the pot is cool enough to handle but still warm, grab a paper towel and wipe away food residue from the inside, outside, and the lid.
If your cast iron dutch oven is properly seasoned, this may be the only cleaning step you should take.
2. Remove foods and residue – If there is any baked-on food residue on the inside of the pot or it feels oily, use some dishwashing liquid and a non-abrasive sponge to get rid of it. If the food remains, use a non0abrasive plastic scraper to remove it. It is important to never leave your iron cast dutch oven to soak in water since it can rust.
3. Rinse and dry – Rinse the dutch oven in hot water, then use a microfiber cloth to dry its whole surface. Do not leave it to air dry to prevent rusting if the cast iron. To make sure it is completely dry, place it on a stovetop and heat it up. Let it cool down before storing it away.
4. Reseason the cast iron if needed – After cleaning, add ½ teaspoon to the inside of your cast iron dutch oven. Use paper towels to evenly distribute the oil all over the surface of the interior of your dutch oven. Keep rubbing until the oil is completely absorbed.

Cleaning stainless steel dutch ovens

1. Wash the pot in hot, soapy water. Dry right after to prevent water spots.
2. Remove stuck-on food – If there is baked-on food residue on the inside of your stainless steel dutch pot, use a baking soda boil to get rid of it. Pour 3-4 cups of water into the dutch pot and bring the solution to a boil. Keep it boiling for a minute, let it cool down, then wash the pot as usual.

Cleaning a ceramic dutch oven

1. Wash with hot water and dishwashing liquid. Avoid citrus-based products since they may dull the glossy finish of the ceramic surface.
2. Get rid of food residue – If there is any baked-on food residue stuck to the inside of your ceramic dutch oven, let it soak in the hot soapy solution, then use a nylon scrubber to remove the food. Do not use metal scrapers or steel wool to prevent damage.