Conference turris::cooks

I always used to deal with this with an abrasive cleanser or scouring
pad and plenty of elbow grease. But we recently stumbled on a product
which is absolutely amazing: Rutland Glass and Fireplace Cleaner (or
something similar). We found it at Spag's in the
grill/furnace-filter/humidifier section, and got it initially for
cleaning glass fireplace screens.

I used to do *that* horrible job with a steel wool pad and fireplace
ashes (makes it incredibly easier than any other method). But this new
stuff (a light blue glop) made *much* quicker work of it, and promised
to clean stainless steel with equal ease. Well, we tried it on the
worst baked-on grease on the outside of some stainless pots, and let me
tell you, this stuff is stupendous. It contains silica (which is,
basically, powdered glass) in a mild soap. Sort of like those "soft
abrasive soaps", only it really works on tough messes.

re: burnt brew pot!

	I'm not allowed to use my husbands beer brewing pot!  

	Seriously though, perhaps Easy Off Oven Cleaner as a last
	resort?

	Karen

    Even caustic soda might be appropriate if all else fails.

    what is caustic soda?
    
    

    I have always used cream of tartar and water.  Place about 2 tbsp of
    cream of tartar and enough water to cover the bottom of the pan
    about 1 inch high.
    
    Bring to a slow boil for about 5 minutes -- and the stains should be 
    gone.  May have to use brillo or SOS...  This has always worked for me.
    

Caustic soda is lye (sodium hydroxide, NaOH, "Drano"). Dangerous stuff.
If I had a pan which couldn't be cleaned any other way, I think I'd
leave it dirty or throw it out.

    
    I put some washing powder and water in the pan, bring to a rolling
    boil until food lifts.   Wash thoroughly afterwards! (I re-boil the pan
    with plain water and wash as normal afterwards)
    
    Jackie

    If it does not come off, leave it.  I left a revereware pan on the
    burner with cider and mulling spices once.  When I returned home, I
    found the pan with a black glaze on the inside.  I removed everything
    that came off with brillo and left the rest.  It still works.  Nothing
    has flavored the foods cooked in it.  Even tomato sauce does not remove
    the remaining stains.

    
    
    Boil Some Rhubarb in the pot for about half an hour,Then
    empty Rhubarb out and clean with brillo pad.

    As long as you make sure you wear rubber gloves and clean the pan out
    very thoroughly afterwards you won't get any problems.The only problem
    I can foresee is that there may be some reaction with the pan.If you
    check on the tin of soda before you buy it.
    
    It works very well.
    
    Steve.

    I thought most dishwasher liquids here contain various amounts of
    caustic soda and that doesn't appear to harm my pots and pans.
    
    I also use the boiling water and soap-powder method - works a treat.
    
    Sharon

re: .-1

>    I thought most dishwasher liquids here contain various amounts of
>    caustic soda

Would that explain pitting on aluminum?

-Jack

    re .12
    
    >> -< But, you're in the UK, aren't you? >-
    
    Yes
    
    >> Would that explain pitting on aluminum?
    
    
    Probably
    
    
    Sharon
    

    My wife swears by using vinegar. She puts in just enough to cover
    the bottom of pan and brings to a boil for about 10 minutes. Just 
    wash with normal dish liquid after.

>Would that explain pitting on aluminum?

 I heard that if you put salt in your water (as in making pasta) before the
water is boiling, it will cause pitting.