Any tips? Cleaning enamel inside Le Creuset dutch ovens.

[Paper Roses]

I have 2 enamel over Iron dutch ovens that used for years with great results. Since my husband died, I no longer use them. No need to do the same type of cooking.

We have a local 'Garage Sale' site and I want to sell these pans. The Le Creuset pans seem to be in great demand at about $25.00 each. I could use the $$ so I will list them.

The insides are discolored from use and I have tried BarKeepers Friend to lighten the discoloration with no luck. Since I'd like them to look the best I can do, I would like to know if anyone here has any ideas. There is no burned on food, just brownish stains. I have been all over the internet looking and there are so many conflicting solutions. What do you think I should try?

Any ideas would be appreciated.

[elleng]

1. Good question, to which I have no answer,

but same issues. I have a few old Le Creuset pieces, and haven't used them for some time. Not ready to dispose of them, but would be good to know how to clean them up.

[hlthe2b]

2. well, to the extent one can extrapolate from other stained ceramic or enamel on metal items....

I'd try soaking in white vinegar first....

If that doesn't do it, try a borax paste... (Borax can still be purchased as a laundry detergent under the old 20 mule team brand.

[Major Nikon]

3. Household bleach

Pour about a cup of bleach inside the pot, brush the sides to coat, and then put the lid on. After about an hour brush again and rinse.

[skepticscott]

4. Yep

That's what works...enough to get them presentable, anyway.

But a smart cookie would grab them in a heartbeat for $25, no matter what they looked like...

[GreatGazoo]

7. I agree. Depending on the size they should go for more

I would think at least $40 for anything over 4 quarts.

Here is one at 3.5 quarts that will go above $60:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Le-Creuset-Cast-Iron-Round-Dutch-Oven-22-Red-w-Lid-Made-In-France-2973-/171746721419?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27fce6fe8b

[hippywife]

5. Not sure where you are, but...

if they probably weren't so expensive to ship due to their weight, I'd buy one from you...stains and all.

But I would try a paste of baking soda and white vinegar, first. Bleach second.

My condolences for the loss of your husband.

[Paper Roses]

6. Thanks to you all for your input. I tried the bleach..and soaked them for about 8 hours.

The pans look much better now. There is still a slight discoloration on the bottoms but they look great. Maybe if I soaked them longer they would look better but the result was so good that I figured that it was enough.Appreciate the advice.

I filled the pans to almost the top, added about a half cup of bleach. Covered them and let them sit.