Cleaning Burnt Gravy from Saucepans

Anyone that has ever made homemade gravy can easily share with you horror stories of trying to clean that burnt gravy off the saucepan, and how much time it seems to take. In fact, how many times have you heard about people simply throwing away their "damaged" pans and getting a new one because it was easier? Cleaning your burnt, gravy-encrusted saucepan doesn't have to be a torturously long experience, nor does it have to be expensive. All you need are a few simple items from around the home and a willingness to try the mildly wacky.

The first method is so simple that chances are you are going to not believe it. However simple it seems though, it does work. For this method all that you need to get is a can of cola (preferably something like Coke or Pepsi). When you have that in hand, take your burnt pan to the stove and pour the cola into it. Now you turn on the heat for that burner, and simply bring the cola to a boil. You might want to try stirring the cola every once in a while as it is coming to a boil, you don't have to necessarily, but it seems to help a little. Once you have reached a boil, remove the saucepan from the heat and "wash" out the cola using hot water. The burnt gravy should rinse away with no problems, but feel free to repeat as often as necessary.

The second (and final) method that you can use to clean burnt gravy from saucepans is another really simple one. In this method you need to begin by filling your saucepan around 3/4 full with regular water. (Yes, I said regular water.) Place this on the stove and bring it to a boil. Once you have reached a boil, reduce the heat, cover and allow it to simmer for roughly half an hour (30 minutes). After the time has passed, you just pour the water down the sink, removing the vast majority of burnt residue along with it. Simply use a green scrubbie for any remaining residue and don't press to hard.