Burnt pot -- can it be salvaged?

[Anonymous]

I put an artichoke in our pot with some water to steam and of course while sitting with the toddler forgot all about it. The whole bottom is black. Is there anything I can do, or is it dead?

[Anonymous]

baking soda, dish soap and water, simmer for a while...carbon should loosen. Just dont use too much dish soap!

[Anonymous]

Put some white vinegar in it and boil it on the stove until the black stuff loosens. Set a timer so you don't forget and open a window so your whole house doesn't smell like salad. Try 20-30 min to start, maybe longer. Then scrub with Barkeeper's Friend. Should be good as new.

[Anonymous]

is it an aluminum pot (not nonstick)?

i once did this. the whole bottom was black. i used one of those metal scrubbing sponges to scrub the crap out of it. a lot of the blackness came off.... maybe about 90-95% and i continued using it.

but just seeing the remnants of the black on the bottom was an embarrassing reminder to me and made the pot look awful so i think i just ended up tossing it in the end. so much wasted elbow grease.

[Anonymous]

Soak it in Ajax or Comet and a little water.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, guys -- it worked! (I used all of your suggestions...)