How Do I Remove a Plastic Plate Stuck Inside My Pot?
Plastic plates may become stuck in kitchen pots and pans when they are of similar size. In most cases, simply moving the plastic plate will dislodge it from the inside of the pot. However, plastic plates can become wedged inside and be difficult to remove. Cutting a hole in the plastic plate may create a point you can use to remove the plate. If cutting a hole in the plate to create an anchor point does not work, you may choose to apply heat to warp and dislodge the plate.
Cut the Plate
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Poke a small hole in the plastic plate with a sharp knife or other pointed tool.
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Insert the blade of your knife into the hole, and carefully saw a straight line in the plate.
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Reverse the direction of your knife, and saw a straight line in the opposite direction.
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Insert your knife in the center of your starting point, and saw outward at a 90-degree angle from your original cut.
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Reverse the direction of your knife, and saw outward at a 90-degree angle from your original cut.
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Insert your finger between the cuts. Grasp and pull the plate toward you. You may need to twist while pulling to dislodge the plate.
Apply Heat
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Poke a hole in the center of the plastic plate using a knife or other sharp object.
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Fill the pot with water, allowing liquid to get underneath the plate by traveling through the hole. The water level should be at least one inch higher than the plate.
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Place the pot on a heat source, such as your stove, and turn the burner on its highest setting.
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Allow the water to heat. As it heats, the plastic plate will begin to warp.
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Remove the plate from the pot as soon as it begins to warp. Use tongs, a fork, or another tool that provides distance between you and the hot water. Leaving the plate inside your pot may cause the plastic to melt and stick to the sides of your pot.
References
Tips
- Attempt to remove the plastic plate by cutting before attempting to shrink the plastic plate in boiling water.
Warnings
- Use caution when removing the plate from boiling water.
Writer Bio
A professional writer since 1994, Eva Talent was trained as a journalist by the U.S. Army. She received two Army Commendation Medals and an Army Achievement Medal for journalistic excellence. Her press releases are frequently featured on the websites of the Department of Defense and the Army. Talent holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Michigan.
Photo Credits
- professional cooking range with pot image by Canakris from Fotolia.com
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