Put Your Dutch Oven In The Dishwasher, And You Just Might Ruin It - Tasting Table

"One of the most common mistakes that people make with Dutch ovens, per cookbook author and culinary instructor Francesca Montillo, is putting their Dutch oven in the dishwasher. While one trip through the dishwasher may not be the end of the world, repeatedly relying on this appliance will cause the enameled finish to dull. Montillo instead recommended washing the Dutch oven by hand with mild soap or simmering it with baking soda and water to remove built-on crud."

"Avoiding the dishwasher isn't the only tip you need to keep in mind when cleaning your Dutch oven. You should also avoid rapid temperature changes, such as washing it while it's still hot, to prevent damaging the ceramic coating. You'll also want to leave the steel wool for another occasion; this abrasive material can scratch and damage the inside of your Dutch oven, causing it to be less nonstick over time."

"Your Dutch oven cleaning protocol may also depend on the type of Dutch oven you're using. For example, you should never put cast iron anything into the dishwasher, as it can rust and lose any built-up seasoning. But the care doesn't stop at just hand-washing cast iron Dutch ovens; you'll also need to season them as you would a cast iron skillet to ensure that they stay nonstick and rust-free for as long as possible."

Dutch ovens require careful cleaning and handling to maintain their enameled finish and functionality. Repeated dishwasher use will dull enameled surfaces; hand-washing with mild soap or simmering with baking soda and water removes built-up residue. Inspect surfaces for cracks and chips, since damage affects longevity. Avoid rapid temperature changes, such as washing while still hot, to protect ceramic coatings. Do not use steel wool or other abrasives, as they can scratch interiors and reduce nonstick performance. Cast iron Dutch ovens must never go in the dishwasher because they can rust and lose seasoning; periodic seasoning is necessary to preserve nonstick qualities and prevent rust.

Read at Tasting Table