How do you clean a pot that has been left on the stove too long and the bottom i

1. STAFF

   Paul Edmondsonposted 14 years ago

   How do you clean a pot that has been left on the stove too long and the bottom is burned?
   
   I burnt a good pot up cooking the other day by leaving it on the stove and getting it too hot without enough oil.  What's the best way to clean it?

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   wychicposted 14 years ago

   I generally put plenty of water in it and let it boil for a while (just make sure it doesn't go dry!). Scrub it out as well as you can -- if there's none of that non-stick coating on it you can use steel wool or a copper scrubby for this part. Put more water in it, boil some more, and repeat. I know some people that will put a little dish soap in while it's boiling as long as it's not cast iron, but with a bit of patience, boiling water and elbow grease it'll come off without that. Really cheap pots sometimes get irreparable damage from burns, but since it's a good pot it should come clean. Hope this helps .

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   AlanSwensonposted 14 years ago

   Baking soda and vinegar works as well.  I like to use that when things get burned onto my glass stovetop nothing else seems to work.

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   quester.ltdposted 14 years ago

   Depends on the pot - baking soda and water make a good combination, bring to a simmer and then cool.
   Add a little white vinegar to baking soda to make a paste and clean with a sponge or cloth.For sports that need a little persuasion, use a wood edge, never metal.
   If that does not work, try a mixture of salt and white vinegar.
   Much better for the pot as well as the environment
   
   Good luck

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   Spiritual Growthposted 14 years ago

   Depending on what the pan is made of, I usually fill it with water and boil it for some time as this loosens the charcoal. Hope that helps! xxx

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   bsalm10-5posted 14 years ago

   If it is a stainless or aluminum pan Barkeepers Friend is the most amazing product on the planet. I cook a lot and have stainless pans, when I bought them they came with a little trial pack of the stuff and it is amazing, it will make and precious metal look brand new. It is really inexpensive and can be found at almost any grocery store. It comes in a can just like Ajax or something like that. I always keep a can of it under the sink.

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   6hotfingers3posted 14 years ago

   It depends on the surface coating of the pan. if the pan is not the "non-stick surface type" you can purchase some steel wool from the store. Its important to get the real steel abrasive ball. The next thing you do is place the pot in the sink under running water. Take the steel wool ball and rub for all you are worth. The steel wool  will take the burned food and oil off in no time. For that reason if you have a Teflon pan, the steel wool will remove the coating from the pot down to the surface of the pan. You don't need any detergent or cleaner to use with the steel wool ball. It is safe to use and effective too.

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   Mekenzieposted 14 years ago

   I have had the same experience with more than one pot.  I put about 2" of water with 1 Tbsp. baking soda in the pot.  Bring it to a boil.  As the water is boiling take a metal spatula and begin scraping off the burnt food.  You'll be amazed at how quickly the burnt stuff comes off.    It works like Magic!

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   ThunderKeysposted 14 years ago

   I used boiling water and a table spoon of oxyclean. It worked very well, but now I wonder about the tiny chip like surface areas that are no longer covered with shiny steel. When is it time to throw away a kitchen pot?

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    MSantanaposted 14 years ago

    How to clean a burned pot or pan using environmentally friendly approaches. read more

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    Les Trois Chenesposted 14 years ago

    I've been told that putting washing powder containing enzimes works. I do do that but not sure if it is better than just soaking. Not sure what effect it would have on different metals. I'll try some of the ideas below next time as I'm quite absent-minded!

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    glassvisageposted 14 years ago

    Depending how much time you have, you can fill it with water and let it sit for a few days and then scrub it out These Hubbers have some great remedies!

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    Nicole Winterposted 14 years ago

    Hey, just to mention a *crappy* pot will get small holes in it if you leave it with water for a few days.  Since this one is a good one, it'd probably be OK, though. 
    
    I think the best idea is about two to three cups water 1/3 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup vinegar, brought to a boil, allowed to cool and then take to it with a steel wool ball.  If it's a non-stick surface pot instead of steel wool use a non-abrasive sponge like: Scotch-Brite® Ultra Nailsaver™ No Scratch Sponge... you don't have to get *that* fancy though, any "no scratch" sponge will do.

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    Zubair Ahmedposted 14 years ago

    I use Brillo pads with Mr Ciff that seems to do the trick.  Best advice next time make sure you put in enough oil and pay attention :-)...

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    mysistersposted 14 years ago

    Fill the pot with hot soapy water and let it sit overnight.

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    Tina Kachanposted 14 years ago

    Put some Coca-Cola in the pot and bring it to boil. Works everytime!
    Who says Coca-Cola is bad for us?

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    KAYKAYKAYLAposted 14 years ago

    I would just soak it, and if doesn't come clean then through it away. Now thats a womans point of view. Just kidding  I am totally weak and a slacker buying a new one seems easier. But thats just me.

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    GmaGoldieposted 14 years ago

    Three simple steps:
    1.) remove all debris
    2.) add water and baking soda
    3.) boil and stir - the baking soda is your natural cleaner
    
    Happy cooking!

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    skincareharvestposted 14 years ago

    Soak in water for a long period of time!

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    Jay Sposted 13 years ago

    If it is an uncoated pan you cal use oven cleaner on it. Good luck

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