Cleaning Dark Spots From Plastic Hot Pots: A Comprehensive Guide

Burnt plastic hot pots are a pain to clean, but it's not impossible. The first step is to not panic and throw the pot out. There are several methods to clean burnt plastic hot pots, and most of them use ingredients that are readily available in your kitchen.

The easiest method is to use dishwasher detergent. Simply add one dishwasher tablet, one tablespoon of powdered dishwasher detergent, or one teaspoon of liquid dish soap to the pot, along with a few inches of hot water. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes. Use a plastic spatula or wooden spoon to gently scrape the bottom of the pot to test if the burnt bits can be easily removed. If not, simmer the mixture on the stove for about 10 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, let it cool, then discard the liquid and scrub off any remaining residue.

Another method is to use vinegar and baking soda. Fill the pot with enough vinegar to cover the burnt area. Do not dilute the vinegar with water. Bring the vinegar to a boil, then turn the heat down and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and let the vinegar cool slightly. Add about two tablespoons of baking soda to the pot, which will cause a fizzing reaction. Once the fizzing stops, discard the liquid and scrub the pot with a brush or scouring pad suitable for the type of plastic.

If you want to avoid using harsh chemicals, you can try using lemons and water. Cut two or three lemons into quarters or thick slices and place them in the bottom of the pot. Add enough water to cover the burnt area and bring it to a boil. You'll see the burnt food particles coming off the bottom of the pot as the lemon floats around. After about five minutes, remove the pot from the heat and let it soak until the water cools to room temperature. Discard the water and lemon pieces, then lightly scrub off any remaining grime with a soft sponge.

So, don't despair if your plastic hot pot gets burnt. With a little time and effort, you can have it looking like new again!

Soak with dishwasher detergent

Dishwasher detergent is an effective solution for restoring burnt cookware. After all, it is what you use when washing your pans anyway. Here's how to use it in a different way to clean out dark spots inside a plastic hot pot:

• Start by adding one dishwasher tablet, 1 tablespoon of powdered dishwasher detergent, or 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap to the pot.
• Fill the pot with a few inches of piping-hot water from your faucet and let it soak for at least 30 minutes.
• Use a plastic spatula or wooden spoon to gently scrape the bottom of the pot, testing to see if the charred bits of food lift easily from the surface. If so, pour out the soapy water and scrub off the remaining residue. If not, turn up the heat by simmering the water-and-detergent mixture on the stove for about 10 minutes.
• Remove the pot from the heat and let it soak while it cools, then discard the liquid and scrub off any remaining gunk. (Note that the type of detergent you use can affect how successful this method is.)

• If the dark spots inside your plastic hot pot are particularly stubborn, you can try simmering the water-and-detergent mixture on the stove for a longer period of time, such as 15 to 20 minutes.
• For heavily burnt or stained pots, it may be necessary to repeat the soaking and scrubbing process a second time.
• If you are using a dishwasher tablet, it is recommended to leave the plastic coating on the tablet intact while scrubbing. This will help the tablet keep its shape and prevent it from crumbling immediately.
• If you are concerned about the cost of using multiple dishwasher tablets, you can try crushing the tablet and using only a portion of it for each cleaning session.
• It is important to wear rubber gloves when handling the hot pot and soapy water to protect your hands from irritation.
• Always test this method on a small, inconspicuous portion of the plastic hot pot before proceeding to ensure that it will not damage the surface.

Scrub with aluminium foil

The aluminium foil hack is an effective and inexpensive way to clean a burnt plastic hot pot. It does, however, require a bit more elbow grease than other techniques. It's also worth noting that this method should not be used on non-stick pans, as it will scratch the coating.

• Start by adding enough warm water to the pot to cover the charred area. It is beneficial to also add a teaspoon of dish soap and let it soak for at least 30 minutes.
• Crumple a small sheet of aluminium foil into a ball. The ball should be about the size of a chicken egg.
• Use the abrasive foil ball to scrub the pot until the stubborn burnt food residue is removed. You may need to apply a fair amount of pressure and scrub vigorously.
• Once you're done, toss the makeshift metal scrubber into the recycling bin.

This method works because aluminium foil provides a "sacrificial anode", and when combined with baking soda, turns the water into a conductive but non-corrosive electrolyte, which is great at dislodging small particles such as burnt carbon.

Combine vinegar and baking soda

To clean dark spots inside a plastic hot pot, a combination of vinegar and baking soda can be used. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Fill the pot with enough vinegar to cover the charred area. Avoid diluting the vinegar with water.
• Bring the vinegar to a boil. Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer for a few minutes.
• Take the pot off the heat and let the vinegar cool down a little. You don't want it to be too hot when you add the baking soda in the next step.
• Add about 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the pot. The combination of these two ingredients will create a fizzing reaction. It's a good idea to do this step in the sink to minimise any mess from the fizzing.
• Once the fizzing stops, pour out the liquid.
• Using a dish brush or scouring pad suitable for plastic, scrub the pot. If necessary, use a little more baking soda and scrub until the stain is completely removed.

This method works because baking soda has mildly abrasive particles that help neutralise acidic burnt foods. When combined with vinegar, the reaction loosens the grime, making it easier to scrub off.

Boil vinegar and water

If you're looking to clean out dark spots inside a plastic hot pot, boiling vinegar and water is a great option. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

Start by pouring equal parts water and white vinegar into your plastic hot pot. Make sure you add enough of the mixture to completely cover the dark spots or charred areas inside the pot. White vinegar is a great choice for this task as it has a high pH level, typically between two and three, making it highly acidic. This acidity is what helps break down those stubborn, burnt-on stains.

Step 2: Boil the Mixture

Place the pot on the stove and turn on the heat. Bring the mixture of vinegar and water to a boil. Let it boil for about a minute—you may even see some of those blackened, burnt bits breaking away from the bottom and sides of the pot as it boils!

Step 3: Remove from Heat and Cool

Once you've given it a good boil, remove the pot from the heat. Set it aside and let the mixture cool down. This step is important, as you don't want to handle the pot while it's still hot.

Step 4: Add Baking Soda (Optional)

If the stains are particularly stubborn, you can add a tablespoon of baking soda to the pot at this point. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and will give your cleaning efforts a boost. However, if you do add baking soda, be careful not to create a fizzy volcano! The point here is to let the baking soda work independently, not cause a reaction with the vinegar.

Step 5: Scrub and Rinse

Once the mixture has cooled, it's time to scrub. Use a scouring pad or sponge suitable for the material of your pot and gently massage the stained areas. You can also use the baking soda as a mild abrasive to help lift those stubborn stains. Work the baking soda in circular motions, applying a bit of elbow grease as needed. Once you're satisfied, rinse the pot with clean water.

Tips and Tricks:

• Always be mindful of the material of your pot and consult the manufacturer's instructions before using vinegar or any other cleaning agent. Some materials, like cast iron, may not react well to vinegar and could be damaged.
• For extra tough stains, you can try simmering the vinegar and water mixture for a few minutes before removing it from the heat.
• If you're concerned about the strong smell of vinegar, rest assured that the odour will dissipate as the vinegar cools. You can also add a few drops of essential oil or a slice of lemon to the mixture to help counteract the scent.
• Remember, never mix vinegar with bleach, as this can produce harmful and potentially deadly fumes.

Soak with dryer sheets

So, you've got some dark spots on your plastic hot pot and you want to get it looking like new again. Well, you're in luck! There's a simple solution that might be sitting right in your laundry room: dryer sheets. Here's what you need to do:

First, fill your hot pot with warm water. You don't need to fill it to the brim, just a few inches of water will do. Then, add a few drops of dish soap. You can also squirt some dishwashing soap if you prefer. Now, it's time for the star of the show: take one or two dryer sheets and lay them in the water. Let the pot soak for at least an hour or even overnight for those really tough stains. The magic happens as the dryer sheet's conditioning properties are released into the water, helping to loosen and dissolve the crusted-on food.

After your pot has soaked, it's time to rinse. Remove the dryer sheet(s) and pour out the water. Use a sponge or scouring pad to wipe and scrub away any remaining food bits. You might be surprised at how easily the gunk comes off! Finally, give your pot a good wash with soap and water to remove any residual conditioning residue from the dryer sheet. And that's it! Your plastic hot pot should now be looking much cleaner and fresher.

This hack is a real time and effort saver, sparing you from the usual scrubbing and soaking marathons that come with cleaning burnt pots. So, the next time your plastic hot pot needs a clean, reach for those dryer sheets and give this method a go!

Frequently asked questions