From Dutch ovens to skillets (we're talking about you, beloved OurPlace Always Pan!), nearly all of our most-used and top-rated pieces of cookware in the EatingWell Test Kitchen are coated with enamel. The smooth porcelain surface is resistant to acidic and alkaline foods, which means it's easy to clean and free of some of the most common nonstick surface chemicals like PFAs. With all of these qualities in mind, we keep one of each—an enamel-coated pot and skillet—on our stovetops at all times at work and at home.

We use our enamel cookware for so many tasks—from frying eggs to making risotto to baking sourdough bread—that we're bound to deal with some stubborn debris or discoloration. (Stuck-on or stained parts are definitely more of an exception than a rule, of course!) So we turned to the pros at Lodge and Le Creuset for their top care tips.

Related: 7 Cleaning Products You Should Never Use on Stainless Steel

Even though most cast-iron enamel Dutch ovens, including Le Creuset, are dishwasher-safe, hand washing is recommended. Frequent shifts in the dishwasher may dull the finish, but shouldn't hamper your pot's cooking abilities.

For the best chances of keeping your Dutch oven looking brand-new, follow these enamel care tips:

Fit Men Cook founder Kevin Curry, who just released his own enamel cookware line on Amazon, confirms on Instagram that the same wash and dry strategies should hold true for any enamel skillets (including the Always Pan and Aldi's dupe).

Now that you're in the mood to tidy up, keep the good clean fun going with our 7 best tools that will help you clean smarter—not harder.