My pan has some dark patches between the ridges. Can anyone tell me if its possible to damage the surface of this pan by cleaning it wrong? Thanks!
129191
You shouldn't be able to. The coating on this pan is baked on; I scrub mine pretty hard when I clean it. Since it's cast iron, the only way you *could* (not likely) damage it is if you somehow removed the coating on the ridges. If you did, you would be exposing the bare cast iron underneath. A simple test would be to soak the pan in water for some time then dump the water out and let it air dry. If you see rust anywhere, you have an issue. Again, I really can't imagine that's the case though, and you may just have some baked-on debris between the ridges.
342498
I've used a product called "Bar Keepers Friend" on mine. The only discoloration I notice is on the bottoms occasionally and also the rivets on the inside of the pan. The rivets don't ever seem to clean and shine up like new, however, the bottom can be polished up with the above product. It's only a couple bucks...it's a powder that you make a paste with a little water. Rub the paste on the bottom of the pan and let it sit 15 minutes or so and then rub off. Works like a charm! I've had these pans for several years and love them despite the rivets not recovering from a lot of use. Hope that helps!
489581
I usually soak the pan in hot soapy water and use a vegetable brush to clean mine. The other suggestions that people have offered sound good, too. If you continue to have problems, contact Le Creuset for additional ideas.
1922825
I clean it as I do any other of my pans with dawn dish soap and a plastic scrubber. It cleans up really well. If food is baked on the bottom add vinegar to the warm pan to deglaze. It comes right off.
1341993
Have not used mine enough to have this problem. If build up includes grease, I.would clean. Otherwise,it's yourCall.
687202
Why would you think this pan would damage your cooktop any more than any other flat bottomed pan? Although, I have a gas cooktop. I have had this pan for several months and use it all the time without any problems.
620872
Sorry to hear about that, R. But it could be okay still. My pot has discolored also, and has what looks like bubbles in the finish on the inside bottom. It hasn't effected performance or taste. I would just clean it out good and try it...I'm sure you have by now. Let us know how it went.
1486574
I have burnt things in these pans (actually a son did), I used bar keeper and a Rescue pad and it cleaned right up. I have has these for 5 or 6 years and love them.
1750430
I have had this happens with pans before that have a coating. I think it gets old after a while, and micro cracks form. I know generously prep all pans with butter and/or flour or use parchment paper.
1309060
I would partially fill the pan with water/dish detergent/ and heat to boiling to loosen the debris. This is a mildly abrasive product.
1595918
First of all, it is a coated, non-stick surface. NEVER use a metal pad to clean it.I soak it with DAWN and use the point of a wood skewer to clean the corners out.I use this pan at least once a week, and it still looks almost brand new. NOTE: If you have scratched the coating by using Brillo, it has lost its non-stick features. You may want to get a new one and clean it differently.I hope this helps.
1138886
I haven't had a problem with that yet but I have heard the best product for cleaning these pans is a cleaner called Barkeep's Friend. I found it at Lowe's of all places.
190478
I cook on a gas stove so once in awhile I get a little soot on the outside bottom of pan; use soapy water and/or SOS if necessary. I figure a little discoloration just gives my pots "character" and indicate that some good cookin' has been happening!
1761038
Yes! That is the pan being seasoned. Do not try to clean the black off. The black is the nonstickness. Only clean the pan with water. Don't use a soap/detergent. It is an awesome pan!
1480439
We have an old (more than 10 years) set of Calphalon that looks ever bit as new as the one I bought Christmas. With almost daily use since last Christmas, I have noticed absolutely none of the problems you are asking about. Mine is rinsed in the sink and then put in the dishwasher. If it is "spotting" we use "Barkeepers Friend". It still looks brand new. I think you will be proud of your purchase if your decision is to buy this cookware.
1309062
I have used it to remove blackened spots on the interior of my pans, but I did it a little at the time, over a period of days, scrubbing gently. Eventually all the black was gone. The pans don't look "new" again, but they don't seem to have lost their non-stick quality, either.
1207260
Mine came off easily and the residue came off with warm soapy water. If its that sticky on yours you can always try a drop of goo gone that you can pick up from home depot or Lowe's. I only had an issue with one pan but after a few scrubs with dish soap it came off completely.