I'm about to throw out some cookware that has burned on crud that I can't get off-any cleaning suggestions?

Question

I already know about that "as seen on TV" cleaner that's supposed to do the trick but I did some research and found it won't help this kind of job.

Answer 1

Sure:

Take the nice stuff out in the back yard and place it on the ground near a water hose.

Obtain two cans of spray oven cleaner from your hardware store or grocery store.

Spray the oven cleaner onto the nasty areas of the cookware. Let it sit for a good while (read can label).

Set hose onto gentle spray (not hard splattering) and using gloves, wash off the crud.

This may take two applications (reason for 2 cans).

Cheers,
Zah

Answer 2

You don't say what type of cookware it is, what finish it has inside, or what you've tried so far to clean it. But If I was about to toss it I would try just about anything. Maybe if you poured a little Soft-Scrub into the pan with two or three cups of water. Put the pan on the stove and set the water to boiling. Let it boil for a bit, then dump it and try scrubbing it with a dish brush. I know that method has loosened a lot of stuff I haven't been able to get off any other way.

Answer 3

Microwaves: I put a large bowl of water inside the microwave with some baking soda (not too much) and a few drops of real lemon juice. Cook for 1 or 2 minutes, let sit 20 minutes. Take a clean rag and clean it. Stuck on things comes right out, and the lemon gives it a nice clean scent. For burnt popcorn in the microwave, first clean real good with vinegar water, then stuff with newspaper for 24hrs. Paper will absorb odors. YOU CAN ALSO TRY SIMPLE GREEN. Yes, it's simple and it's in a green can. I like the fact that it's also non-acidic, non-toxic, and bio-degradable. And boy does it work! spray it on, wait 2 minutes (if that), and wipe with a paper towel and that's it. Also: Put a bowl of vinegar in the microwave and turn it on so that it will steam, probably 1 or 2 minutes depending on your machine. Let it sit in there for 10 minutes and wipe it out with clear water. It seems to really help. Also make sure any removable parts are run through the dishwasher or washed well. I hope 1 of these 4 ideas help you with your Microwave.

Answer 4

Oven cleaner that is allowed to sit on the oven surfaces does a great job getting burned on crud off. Why shouldn't this work for cookware?

Answer 5

What kind of cookware is it? If it's something that'll hold water (sauce pot, frying pan, etc.) boil water in it for a few minutes, then scrape it off. If it's something like a cookie sheet (and it's not terribly expensive) just pitch it and buy a new one.

Have you tried spraying it with all purpose cleaner and scrubbing it with a Brillo pad?

Answer 6

My best friend swears that if you bury it in the garden for anywhere between 48 hours and a week the crud will slip off lightly. I've never tested this myself but if you're about to throw it out you could give it a try.

(Remember to mark where you left it).

Answer 7

Fill the pan with warm water. Add a fabric softener sheet. After an hour of soaking, the bootm of the pan should rinse clean.

Also, try putting ice and salt in the bottom of the pan and swirling around and then scrubing with a plastic brush.

Answer 8

If its burned on crud on the outside just warm it in the oven and spray on over cleaner. It looks like new again. If the inside is plain metal ( not teflon coated ) you can spray it on the inside too. I swear it comes out like new again.

Answer 9

Chuck it. Buy a set of HealthCraft waterless cookware. Lasts a lifetime, easy to clean, and healthier.

Answer 10

Place water in pan bring to boil reduce to simmer 15 min later scrub.
Oven cleaner should only be used on glass cook ware it will pit most metal.