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Cooking mishaps are all too common in the kitchen, especially when it comes to burnt food in your Dutch oven. However, before you resign yourself to hours of scrubbing, French cast-iron company Staub has a nifty cleaning tip that could save the day.

In a recent Instagram post, Staub revealed a simple yet effective way to tackle stubborn burnt food residues in your enameled cast-iron Dutch oven. The best part? You only need two common household ingredients: water and baking soda.

How to Remove Stubborn Food From a Dutch Oven

To start, simply add a few scoops of baking soda to your scorched pot or skillet and then pour in some tap water. Allow the water to come to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes. Use a silicone or wooden spatula to gently scrape off the burnt gunk, watching as the stubborn residue releases and floats in the water.

Afterward, let the pot cool completely before discarding the floating debris, draining the water, and washing the pot with soap. Once clean, towel dry the pot or skillet and put it away. Plus, since you’re working with enameled cast iron, there’s no need for re-seasoning.

How Does It Work?

This cleaning method isn’t kitchen magic—it’s basic chemistry at play. Baking soda, acting as a mild alkaline powder, helps break down the acidic and burnt food residues. Sprinkling it onto your Dutch oven and combining it with water creates a gentle scrubbing action, loosening stuck-on food. The boiling water expands the metal slightly, while the simmering softens and releases the burnt bits without scratching the enamel.

The carbon dioxide bubbles created by the combination of baking soda, water, and heat lift the grime, making cleaning a breeze without the need for harsh scrubbing.

Tips For a Spotless Dutch Oven

Here are a few additional tips to ensure your Dutch oven is left spotless after this cleaning process:

• Use enough water: Fill the Dutch oven with enough water to cover the burnt areas, about one to two inches above the burnt food line.
• Be patient: Stubborn burns may require extra time. If needed, let the baking soda solution sit longer to break down tough food particles.
• Repeat, if necessary: For particularly stubborn burns, don’t hesitate to repeat the process until your Dutch oven is clean.

With this easy, eco-friendly, and affordable method, Staub promises that your Dutch oven will be restored to its former glory. Don’t let burnt food get you down—give your Dutch oven a second chance with this simple cleaning hack.