Topic: On the effectiveness of domestic washing soda as a pot restorative

[Peripatetic Phil]

Not being very well at the moment (chest infection following prolonged bout of 'flu), I am currently even more prone to senior moments than normal.  So this evening, returning to the kitchen after eating my meal (sweet-and-sour chicken wings), I was horrified (but not surprised) to discover that I had left my smallest saucepan, still containing the remains of the sweet-and-sour sauce, on a halogen plate that was still on "2".  The bottom of the saucepan was a terrifying sight -- thick black caramelised sauce making a rock-hard layer that must have been between 1/16th and 1/8th" in thickness.  The stainless-steel scourer barely touched the surface.  Then I had a brain-wave -- I half-filled the saucepan with water, brought it back to the boil, and waited to see if the caramel would go back into solution.  No effect.  In despair, I added a good shake of washing soda and went away to do something else.  On my return, I was overjoyed -- the thick black caramelised layer had floated free of the bottom of the pan, leaving just a few fragments adhering.  And the bottom of the pan was just like new, not discoloured in any way.  It is now back on the induction hob (at 20%) with a new soda solution, and I am confident that when I next return my pan will be as good as new.

** Phil.

[fried]

I did the same thing with one of the mother-in-law's small saucepans while caramelising some onions.

I simply wrapped it in newspaper and hid it an outside bin, then proceded to deny all knowledge of ever seeing said pan. Works every time;

[Garp]

I did the same thing with one of the mother-in-law's small saucepans while caramelising some onions.

I simply wrapped it in newspaper and hid it an outside bin, then proceded to deny all knowledge of ever seeing said pan. Works every time;

I did the same with my ex-wife, (not her pan) shhhhhhhhh!!!!

[Peripatetic Phil]

"Fried"'s anecdote reminds me of the apocryphal story of the carpet layers who were just tidying up when one of them noticed a small lump in the carpet.  "WTF's that ?!" asked the guv'nor.  The other felt guiltily in his pockets, failed to find what he hoped to find, and then said "Sorry, I think it must be my fag packet".  "Right", said the guv'nor, "we'll soon fix that, then".  And he took a mallet from his toolbag, gently applied it to the offending bulge a few times, and the bump disappeared.  At that moment the lady owner came in, saw the new carpet, and expressed her grateful thanks to the workmen.  "Incidentally", she said, "have you seen my budgerigar anywhere ?  He always flies free in here, and I can't find him anywhere.".

[Gav Iscon]

I did the same thing with one of the mother-in-law's small saucepans while caramelising some onions.

I simply wrapped it in newspaper and hid it an outside bin, then proceded to deny all knowledge of ever seeing said pan. Works every time;

Is your surname West by any chance?

[Stephen Lindsay]

When you say washing soda Phil is that the same thing as washing powder?

[Peripatetic Phil]

No, I did wonder if the phrase was in universal use; clearly it is not (at least, in Scotland).  "Washing soda", as we know it in the South, is sodium carbonate (Na2CO3).

** Phil.

[Stephen Lindsay]

mm.....another daft question then - is that the same as bi-carbonate of soda?

[Les]

Down in the south-west here, it's known as Soda Crystals, and you can get them at any supermarket. Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose. etc. etc.

And NO SL, it's different to  bicarbonate of soda also called  baking powder. wouldn't  like to put soda crystals in my scones ;D don't think her in doors would be very happy with me.

[Stephen Lindsay]

Yes Les I do bake with bi-carb and no Les it's not the same as baking powder. I think it's the different terms are crossing over and maybe there are georgraphical differenes and I'm trying to understand Phil's first post.