The Risky Mistake You Might Be Making with Enameled Cast Iron

6. **Cleaning and Cooling**
Always allow your enameled cast iron cookware to cool before cleaning it. Rapid cooling by running cold water over a hot pan can cause the enamel to crack. Let it come down to room temperature first, and then clean it with warm, soapy water and a gentle scrub brush.

### What to Do if You’ve Already Made the Mistake

If you’ve already made the mistake of using high heat on your enameled cast iron cookware, don’t panic. There are ways to assess the damage and potentially fix minor issues:

– **Inspect for Cracks or Chips**: Carefully examine your cookware for any visible cracks or chips in the enamel. If the damage is minor, it might not affect the cooking performance, but it’s best to avoid using the cookware at high heat again.
– **Restore Color**: If the cookware has become discolored, try cleaning it with a paste made of baking soda and water to restore its appearance. This won’t fix any structural damage but can help with cosmetic issues.
– **Use Caution Moving Forward**: Going forward, ensure you follow the tips above for safe use to prevent any further damage and keep your enameled cast iron in excellent condition.