289794 Thu Jul 11 01:58:19 -0700 2002 15 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 1570262 I burnt my All-Clad pot to a crisp. I put corn cobs in some water on medium high heat and completely forgot about it. Now it's charred completely black on the bottom. What do I do? Is it salvageable? Right now, I have it soaking in water and baking soda. Thu Jul 11 01:58:19 -0700 2002 0 Sonia 1 1570268 Try dumping in a bottle of white vinegar instead (though chemically it's close to baking soda, so your instinct was right.) Thu Jul 11 08:32:17 -0700 2002 1570262 0 xavier 2 1570274 I did the same thing, and didn't have any problem getting the black stuff off. I was amazed how easy it was. Thu Jul 11 09:42:53 -0700 2002 1570268 0 Cathy Elton 1 1570270 I suspect this will be your project for most of the week. Just keep scrubbing it with abrasives: kitchen cleanser, steel wool, etc. I remember seeing my Mom go outside and put sand in a pot once to scrub with. I have burned the devil out of many pots cheaper than All Clad, and there's always some metal left when I get through scrubbing. Have fun! Thu Jul 11 08:50:04 -0700 2002 1570262 0 Danna 2 1570277 NO STEEL WOOL! I don't know why, but their care instructions specifically warn against using steel wool. Of course, it might just be for aesthetic reasons -- no scratches -- but I don't use it. They recommend using Bar Keeper's Friend scouring powder, which has always worked for me, although I've never scorched my pots quite as badly as you seem to have. I've sent an email to All-Clad, asking what to do in this case, and will gladly post their reply if and when I hear from them. Thu Jul 11 10:14:11 -0700 2002 1570270 0 Deenso 3 1570297 I suspect that the steel wool warning would be so you don't get swirl marks on the finish. I still think it is OK on the bottom and cooking surface. I've always been a bit of a scoflaw, though ! Thu Jul 11 13:41:21 -0700 2002 1570277 0 Danna 4 1570309 Well, my mom came by for a visit, and before I could say anything, she took that steel wool to it! It got rid of most of the bad stuff and the swirl marks are minimal. I'm still working on the smoke damage on the sides but it all seems to be coming off with a nylon scrubber. I think I'll buy some of that Bar Keeper's Friend for future use though. Sounds like a great product. Thu Jul 11 17:31:51 -0700 2002 1570297 0 Sonia 5 1570350 Aren't Moms wonderful?! Fri Jul 12 08:30:00 -0700 2002 1570309 0 Danna 1 1570285 What about judicious use of oven cleaner? I wouldn't use it on hard-anodized aluminum, but I've had good luck using it to remove fish fry crud from a stainless pot. Thu Jul 11 11:46:04 -0700 2002 1570262 0 ted 1 1570286 Apply a paste of dishwasher detergent and water. Soak overnight. This always works for me. Thu Jul 11 11:47:05 -0700 2002 1570262 0 Plano Rose 1 1570288 Sonia, if you'll send me your email address, I'll forward the reply I just got from All-Clad. Thu Jul 11 12:01:54 -0700 2002 1570262 0 Deenso 2 1570291 Can you post it here too, if not verbatim, in your own words? I too own All Clad, have yet to burn them, but never read the manuals. Thu Jul 11 12:17:22 -0700 2002 1570288 0 TR 3 1570299 I guess there's no harm in posting their response. It's not like it's a published book or something. Here it is... Hello, Thank you for using All-Clad products. We recommend a product called Bar Keeper's Friend (BKF) for general cleaning, polishing and maintenance of the cookware. BKF is a mild abrasive powdered cleanser/polish that is available in most grocery stores or go to www.barkeepersfriend.com. To use BKF, make a soupy solution and rub in a circular motion with a soft cloth or sponge, then rinse well with water. You may use BKF on all surfaces (inside and out) except nonstick. BKF will remove discolorations, food residues, and it will polish the interior, making it less likely for food to stick. There is also a product called Chef's Liquid Cookware Cleaner (Item #2192) which is a stainless steel liquid cleaner made especially to remove heat stains sold by Chef's Catalog. You may call them at 1-800-338-3232 or log on at www.chefscatalog.com. Another cleaning recommendation is a product called Krud Kutter Tough Task Remover which is a biodegradable, water-based, non-toxic, non-flammable, non-abrasive trigger spray cleaner which may be purchased at WalMart in the hardware dept. or at www.krudkutter.com. We hope this information is helpful. Please contact us should you need further assistance. Sincerely, Wendy Consumer Service Department All-CladMetalcrafters, LLC 1-800-allclad Thu Jul 11 14:09:52 -0700 2002 1570291 0 Deenso 4 1570303 Gee, I wonder which is better: Krudkutter or Goo Gone? Thu Jul 11 14:55:56 -0700 2002 1570299 0 CTer 5 1570316 Do *not* use Goo Gone. There's some chemicals in there that can cause nasty, nasty reactions in some people- we're talking seizures and such from exposure. Thu Jul 11 21:55:28 -0700 2002 1570303 0 JK Grence (the Cosmic Jester) 4 1570305 I use BKF on my faucets & drains. Makes 'em really shiny. Thu Jul 11 16:13:44 -0700 2002 1570299 0 dude