How to Clean a Stained Casserole Dish With Common Household Materials

Scrubbing baked-on grease, stubborn stains, or burnt-on food from a casserole dish is a chore no one wants to do—but prolonging it can make the task even tougher. With the correct techniques, though, cleaning casserole dishes can be a quick and easy job.

Ahead you’ll find effective techniques for tackling difficult stains using common household items. These solutions are designed to remove burnt-on residue on a variety of materials, including glass and enamel. Expert tips will quicken the process and ensure you clean without damaging your cookware. With just a bit of TLC, your casserole dishes are about to look as good as new.

Before attempting any of these methods, Kaylie Hill, Scotch-Brite ambassador and cleaning influencer, recommends using a cookware-safe scrubbing sponge and some dish soap to scrub off the loose food and grease. The stuck or burnt-on residue will be easier to deal with if the rest of the dish is grease-free and dry.

How to Clean a Glass or Ceramic Casserole Dish 

Cleaning a glass casserole dish of tonight's leftover residue requires just a few simple cleaning must-haves—as well as a bit of patience.

Materials Needed:

• Hot water
• Dish soap
• Scrubbing sponge
• Plastic or silicone pan scraper
• Soft cloth or towel

Instructions:

1. Fill the dish with hot water and add a few drops of dish soap. 
2. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes to loosen the residue.
3. Use a plastic or silicone scraper to lift burnt-on food without scratching the glass.
4. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth or towel.
5. Avoid using steel wool or harsh chemicals, as these can damage or cloud the glass.

How to Clean an Enameled or Cast-Iron Casserole Dish

Here’s how to clean enameled cast-iron casserole dishes, according to official guidance from cast-iron manufacturer Lodge Cast Iron. Be sure to avoid harsh abrasives, bleach, or high heat to maintain the material’s durability and appearance.

Materials Needed:

• Hot water
• Baking soda
• Plastic pan scraper
• Soft cloth or towel

Instructions:

1. Ensure the dish is completely cool before cleaning to avoid cracking the enamel.
2. Boil a mixture of 2 cups of water to 4 tablespoons of baking soda in the enamel pan for 10-15 minutes. 
3. Let it simmer for 10 minutes then cool before scrubbing with a plastic pan scraper.
4. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth or towel.

Method #1: Cleaning With Dryer Sheets

This method works well for both glass and metal dishes. The dryer sheet's fabric softening agents and surfactants help loosen tough grime. Just remember to wash well after use!

Materials Needed:

• Dryer sheet
• Hot water
• Scrubbing sponge
• Dish soap
• Soft cloth or towel

Instructions:

1. Add enough hot water to the casserole dish to completely cover the burnt or greasy areas.
2. Place a regular dryer sheet into the hot water. 
3. Allow the dish to soak for at least two hours or overnight.
4. Use a soft scrubbing sponge to remove the loosened food and grease. 
5. Wash with warm water and dish soap to remove any residue from the dryer sheet. 
6. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth or towel.

Method #2: Cleaning With Lemon and Salt

This is a natural method that works well for many baked-on messes. The acid in the lemon breaks down grease and the abrasive salt helps scrub it away.

Materials Needed:

• Lemon, halved
• Coarse salt (sea salt or kosher salt works best)
• Scrubbing sponge 
• Soft cloth or towel
• Warm water

Instructions:

1. Soak the pan for 15 minutes in hot water. 
2. Sprinkle coarse salt directly onto the greasy area. 
3. Rub the cut side of the lemon over the salted surface in circular motions, applying light pressure. 
4. After 15 minutes, use a scrubbing sponge to clean the entire surface. 
5. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth or towel.

Method #3: Cleaning With Baking Soda and Vinegar

This natural method works similarly to lemon and salt by combining acid and abrasion, but adds the benefit of a chemical reaction to break down stubborn grease and stains.

Materials Needed:

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Hot water
• Scrubbing sponge 
• Soft cloth or towel

Instructions:

1. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the surface to be cleaned.
2. Using white vinegar in a spray bottle, slowly spritz the baking soda just until it begins to bubble and fizz. Do not oversaturate. 
3. After 15 minutes, use a scrubbing sponge on the areas with residue.
4. Rinse with hot water to remove any remaining baking soda and debris. Repeat as needed. 
5. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth or towel.

Method #4: Cleaning With Barkeeper’s Friend

Materials Needed:

• Barkeeper’s Friend powdered cleanser
• Scrubbing sponge
• Soft cloth or towel
  
  Instructions:

1. After washing and drying, sprinkle Barkeeper’s Friend into the dish. Do not add water. 
2. Dampen a scrubbing sponge. 
3. Using moderate pressure, scrub the spots with stuck-on food or grease, using the Barkeeper’s Friend as a gentle abrasive. 
4. Rinse and repeat the process as needed until the residue is gone. 
5. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth or towel.