Removing Burnt Chili

Cleaning any kind of mess from an aluminum pot or pan can be fairly difficult, but for some reason removing burnt chili is even more so. The thing is, this doesn't need to be the case. In fact there are several methods that you can use to begin removing burnt chili from aluminum pots and pans. Before you begin cleaning away the burnt chili, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind.

First, be aware that you will need to put in a little bit of elbow grease to get the job done. Second, test all methods out on an inconspicuous location of your pot or pan to see if there is any adverse reaction. Some methods could cause a slight discoloration of the aluminum pot or pan, particularly if it has been anodized. Finally, if you use any chemicals to help remove burnt chili, then be sure that you wash the pots and pans again as you normally would to completely remove any remaining residue.

• Hand wash. Perhaps the single most traditional method for removing burnt chili is to simply hand wash it. However, instead of sitting there scrubbing away for hours, fill the bottom inch or two of the pan with some water, and a squirt or two of dish detergent. Place the pot onto the stove, and bring the mixture to a boil. Remove the pot from the heat, and then allow the water to cool. You should now be able to remove the burnt chili with a metal spatula or a scrubbing pad. Once you have removed the chili, wash as you normally would to complete your cleaning task.
• Cream of Tartar. Another method for removing burnt chili is to put a 1/4 cup's worth of Cream of Tartar into the bottom of the aluminum pan, and add some cold water. Fill the bottom of the pan with cold water until the bottom 1/4 of the pan has been covered, and then place on medium high heat for about 45 minutes. Pour the heated water out, and you should be able to begin washing as you normally would. If necessary, repeat the process two or three times to remove all of the burnt chili.
• Soaking. A fairly traditional method for removing burnt chili is to allow the pot or pan to soak overnight. Instead of simply using some water though, add a little bit of dish detergent, and some baking soda. Agitate the water enough so that there are a few bubbles, and then allow the pot or pan to remain undisturbed over night (or for at least five hours). Wash as you normally would in the morning, and you should be able to remove all of the burnt chili.
• Oven cleaner. For those particularly tough burnt chili stains that simply won't come off using any other method, use some oven cleaner. Follow the direction on the oven cleaner, but modify them slightly to working with a pot or pan. Spray the pan with the oven cleaner, and then allow it to sit overnight. In the morning, wash as you normally would at least twice. This will not only help remove the burnt chili, but any residue from the oven cleaner.