Friday, January 30, 2009

Isn't Charcoal Supposed to be a Cleaning Agent?

So why can't I get the black, charcoal-like substance off the pot in which I slightly burnt the LBD's food?

And why, when charcoal is used in filters to take nasty things out of water, does my pot still smell of burnt liver?

Both of these despite the baking soda, soaking overnight, detergent, scouring pad, Jif and more soaking overnight.

And why do my hands now smell of burnt liver, despite the fact that I used rubber gloves?

The answers I have to these (and many other) questions?

... Approximately None.

7 comments:

Aleta said...

Now, that is an interesting question - it can be used as a filter but then it does it's own staining. Kind of scary if you think about it!

Femina said...

Have you tried soaking it in salt water? Not that I've ever had much success with that but I have friends who swear by it. They are probably less absentminded than me and don't burn their saucepans as badly.

Or... chucking it and using it as an excuse to buy a new one?

Swift Jan said...

Burnt Liver!!!!!!!!!!! I will go & vomit now!

I hope you get it clean soon!

Givinya De Elba said...

Good questions, all of them. Would bleach take the colour out of the charcoal, if not the substance?

Long dark hair, blue eyes said...

Because I am very fond of you, I have looked up my "Spotless" book - love Shannon Lush and she recommends bicarb, vinegar and a nylon brush.

Sprinkle bicarb, spray/sprinke on vinegar which will fizz and scrub with brush - then repeat three/four times if badly burned.

If that fails..I am with Femina, buy a new one!

Anonymous said...

I am in the 'buy a new one' camp too. Burn residue is carsonagenic - did you know?

Hippomanic Jen said...

Thanks for all the help. It IS a good excuse to buy a new pot, but it is my absolute favourite and was a Wedding Present from people we love very much. And all kitchen money is currently being diverted into the "Can we afford to buy a Kenwood?" savings account - I'd probably have to make do with my second biggest, second favourite stock pot.

It's now down to a few little black smears. Nearly there.

I tried the baking soda and vinegar option. Not certain it made much difference to the smears, but my nylon brush is really clean and shiny (and I LOVED the fizz factor!)