End of Year Pan Cleaning

[Ross]

When you clean the bottom of your flue pans at the end of the year do you get every bit of the black off or just brush and then power wash the majority? I've done it both ways and am curious what others are doing.

Also, I've read of putting soap on the bottom of the pans at the beginning of the year to make the clean up easier but I'm worried the soap will get on my brushes and then end up in the syrup. Am I worrying too much?

[Pdiamond]

I brush off what I can and then power wash. It only takes about ten minutes, and it is covered again once you start a fire.

[johnallin]

...Also, I've read of putting soap on the bottom of the pans at the beginning of the year to make the clean up easier but I'm worried the soap will get on my brushes and then end up in the syrup. Am I worrying too much?

Never tried it but soap may work, just don't use that same brush to clean the syrup-side of your pans and you won't have any problems.
I just get the big stuff off the bottom of my pans with occasional brushing during the season.

I've never been able to get the bottom of my pans "shiny clean" and not concerned about it.
Fire hard and often and they should stay pretty clean...

[Ross]

Sounds good. I'm going to stick with the brush and quick power wash!

[mainebackswoodssyrup]

Easy Off oven cleaner. Let it soak then pressure wash it.