Caring for Enamelware

The other day, I got an email from my parents' house in Ibaraki
saying, "We have so many vegetables,
we're thinking of sending you a big batch—
is there anything else you'd like?"

What immediately came to mind was
the DANSK butter warmer I'd given my parents about two years ago.

Since I'd just been studying how to care for enamelware,
I asked, "I'll take care of the maintenance—could you
pack the butter warmer in with everything else?"
Two days later, along with a box full of vegetables,
the DANSK butter warmer arrived.

There's something wonderful about seeing
a gift you once gave become
a cherished, everyday item for the person you gave it to.

Compared to when it was new, the small scratches and
scorch marks it had gained somehow made it even more endearing.

It seemed the butter warmer had been used regularly
for warming milk and lightly boiling vegetables,
and I noticed some scorching on the bottom, where it touches the direct flame,
and some yellowing on the inside.

The surface of enamelware is glass-like. If you drop it or subject it to a strong impact,
it can crack or even shatter.

Given that there were no major scratches despite daily use,
I felt a warm sense of happiness, realizing how carefully it had been used.

Enamelware like this can be enjoyed for many years
if you regularly remove scorch marks and grime.

1. Prepare baking soda and cooking oil. Together, these two act as your cleaner.
For something about the size of a butter warmer,
one teaspoon of baking soda and 1–2 drops of oil should be enough.

2. Pour lukewarm water into the pot.

3. Add the baking soda, then the oil, and stir gently.

4. Place the pot over heat.
Once it comes to a boil, turn off the heat and let it sit until the water cools completely.

After a few hours, gently wash it with a soft sponge and rinse with water—that's all it takes.

For everyday care, simply wash with a soft sponge
and mild dish soap.
Apparently, the rule is to avoid using metal scrubbers or melamine sponges, since these can scratch
the glass-like surface of the enamel.

 

By the way, the DANSK butter warmer
comes with a wooden handle,
so being careful not to scorch this handle
when placing it over the stove flame
is actually an important point to keep in mind.

Since the oily residue and scorch marks on the outside were bothering me,
this time I soaked a paper towel in baking soda dissolved in water
and gently wiped it away for maintenance.
The smooth, glossy texture characteristic of enamelware came back, leaving it looking refreshed.

This is the season when warm cocoa and café au lait become especially comforting.
Before the season when enamelware really comes into its own arrives,
I plan to send the butter warmer back to my parents' house,
along with some warm winter item.
Felt slippers might be just the thing.

Being able to give a gift you once gave, all over again—
it turned out to be such a joyful maintenance experience.