I've just experienced something we probably all have done at one time or another. The runner beans are on the boil, the minute minder rings but you just want to get those last few stitches in.

Ten minutes later the smell of burning wafts under your nose. The beans are black and the bottom of your pot is even blacker.

Now here comes the soda Secret given to me by my Danish cleaning lady many years ago. Get rid of the beans. Throw agood handful of cleaning soda into your pot. Fill up to half way with water. Bring to boil and simmer for about 15 min. Turn of the heat and leave it until the next day. Wash your pot as normal.

The black should be gone and your pot restored.