Stains on enamel – baking powder and a raw potato
Time: about 15 min
Coloured food residue, discolouration or small rust spots along the rim. The old trick with baking powder and a raw potato is Kockums' own recommendation – and it is gentle on enamel.
Short answer
Mix baking powder with a few drops of water to make a soft paste. Cut a raw potato in half, or take a clean wine cork, and rub the paste over the stain. Then rinse with clean water and dry the pan thoroughly. The method works on stubborn stains, discoloured enamel and the small, harmless rust spots that sometimes appear on thin edges.
What you need
- Baking powder
- A few drops of water
- A raw potato or clean wine cork
- Small bowl
- Tea towel
How to do it
- Wash the pan firstWash the pan in warm water with a mild washing-up liquid so only the stain is left. That way you can see clearly what needs treating.
- Mix a baking powder pasteStir baking powder with a few drops of water into a soft paste in a small bowl.
- Rub with potato or corkCut a raw potato in half and dip the cut side into the paste, or use a clean wine cork. Rub over the stain with light, circular movements.
- Rinse and dryRinse off the paste with clean water and dry the pan thoroughly with a towel, rim included.
- Repeat if neededIf the stain is still there, repeat the treatment. Several light rounds are better than switching to a scouring pad.
Common mistakes
- Reaching for steel wool, scouring powder or a scouring pad, which can damage the enamel surface.
- Trying to scrape the stain off with a knife or other metal utensil.
- Leaving the pan wet after cleaning instead of drying it thoroughly, especially the rim.
- Mistaking small black or white specks in the enamel for dirt – they are part of the enamel itself.
Why baking powder and potato work
The baking powder paste is a mild cleaner that Kockums itself recommends for enamel, and the moist cut side of the potato – or the soft cork – spreads it evenly without scratching. On thin edges the surface is sometimes too small for the enamel to bond fully, and the harmless rust that can form there comes off the same way.
FAQ
Why does my enamel pan get rust spots on the rim?
On thin edges the surface is too small for the enamel to bond completely, so a little corrosion can form there. It is entirely harmless and can be removed with baking powder and a raw potato or wine cork.
Are black or white specks in the enamel stains?
No. Enamelling is a craft, and tiny particles from the air in the factory can end up in the enamel. The specks are part of the surface and make each piece unique.
How do I remove grey marks left by cutlery?
Metal marks from cutlery can sometimes be removed with hob cleaner. In pots and pans, use wood, silicone or heat-resistant plastic utensils instead, as metal utensils can scratch the enamel.
Does the trick work on enamel bowls and plates too?
Yes, the advice applies to Kockums enamelled steel in general, so you can use it on bowls and plates as well.
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