how to clean pot used to make cheese dip

[fldhkybnva]

I am very excited for the start of college football this week and have decided that a nice pot of Rotel dip is in perfect order. I usually just let it melt and stay warm in a lined-crock pot but my lovely sister borrowed it and has yet to return it. Before I owned a crockpot, I would just cook it in a pot on the stove but hate the clean up adventure that follows after the dip has been simmering on the stove for a few hours. Even if the heat is low enough so that the cheese does not burn, the cleanup is the opposite of fun. Any tips?

[free sample addict aka Tracy L]

I like using the copper scrubber pads on tough jobs. I used to love steel wool until I discovered the copper pads.

[WNYamateur]

I noe keep a second bottle of dish liquid in the kitchen now: the pink Dawn. It's made for pre-soak, using enzymes, I think, and I find it does wonders on this sort of mess in short order

[mamueller]

So funny this popped up. Years ago I took the same dip in an old style crock pot to a party. I left the crockpot in the back of my car for a ridiculously long period of time. When I needed to use the back seat of my car, I noticed the pot still there. That cheese was stuck like concrete - I just threw the whole pot away

[tastesgoodwhatisit]

For cheese, I soak in warm water, and then use steel wool and elbow grease.

Not appropriate for non-stick pans, of course.

[Bkeats]

Put pot on floor. Call dog over. Clean pot.

[AntarcticWidow]

Get a dog. They'll get the worst of it off (or so I've been told) then you can follow up with any of the other suggestions above.

[foiegras]

this was my first thought as well ;) they are also excellent at cleaning containers prior to recycling.

[danhole]

Fill pot with warm water. Add a fabric softener sheet. Put lid on pot and let soak overnight. Next day rinse and wash.

[chowser]

If it's safe for the container, try Mr. Clean erasures. They're amazing on dried on messes. But, they'll also take off teflon so be careful.

[tcamp]

Call your sister and ask her to bring the crock back, ASAP. Failing that, knock on neighbor's doors until you find one to borrow. A crock is the perfect way to keep the dip warm during the game.

[fldhkybnva]

Funny you mention...I just called to find out if she'd be home tomorrow for me to pick it up amidst other errands.

[Quine]

OK, so jumping way outside the box, do you have a toaster over? You can heat the rotel in a glass bowl, using the microwave method, and just keep the bowl warm in a very low oven. Shouldn't stick or burn that way.

[olyolyy]

This is the most terrible piece of advice I have read to date on this site, second only to someone suggesting using magic shell to coat a non-frozen item. Congratulations!

I seriously hope no one tries either.

[nemo]

Set up a double boiler with a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water. Keep an eye on the water level.

[fldhkybnva]

Ideally, I'd like to keep the dip warm for a few hours (3 or 4). It's OK to just keep the pot on very low and stir occasionally right? Or should I just let it cool and reheat in the microwave as necessary.

[biondanonima]

I make rotel/velveeta dip in a microwave safe glass bowl in the microwave. When I'm done, I just soak the bowl briefly and the dried goo comes right off.

[gmm]

I'd just fill the pot with water, boil for a few minutes and let it sit for a couple hours. Unless the stuff is really burnt onto the pan, it should come right off.

[Becca Porter]

Add a few tablespoons of baking soda and then boil it... This has never failed me on a scorched pot.

[valerie]

Bar Keepers Friend.

[The Oracle]

+1 Bar Keepers Friend was introduced to me two years ago when I bought some stainless steel cookware and I can NOT believe I've lived so long without it! It's a miracle worker on tons of different surfaces!

[fldhkybnva]

I have to admit I had to google that as I was not familiar. Can you buy it at most stores?

[latindancer]

Yes. Most stores carry it.
It's in the same type of container as Comet and it's sold in the same area.
Yet, to me, it's one of the best cleaning products on the market.

[fldhkybnva]

Great, thanks. I think this will be a big help to clean off those stuck on stove top bits.

[1POINT21GW]

If your pot is stainless steel, oven cleaner will make it cleaner than it has ever been.

[twodales]

When things are stuck or burnt, I use baking soda and enough water to cover the area. Boil on the stove and reduce to a simmer. Don't forget it. You may have to do it a few times, especially when things are burnt on the surface. You can wipe with a paper towel to get any additonal goop out. Good luck.

[1POINT21GW]

Dishwasher.

[fldhkybnva]

Well, yes if I owned one that would be the obvious solution. Any other ideas?

[1POINT21GW]

Don't tase me, bro. I forgot that you didn't have one.