Caked-on burntness on pan. Salvageable?

[YoniRotten]

I completely wrecked a stainless steel pan whilst heating hot chocolate. The hot chocolate is a thick layer of burnt crust now, I can't scrape it off at all. Is there any hope, shall I try the white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda concoction, or is that more for minor pan incidents? Any other solutions?

Thanks, all. Washing powder hasn't really done much. It is a really thick layer of burnt on crust. Will keep trying, but wondering if after all the money spent on products, and my time, I'm better off just buying a new pan!

DH did this with a big stock pot, and I thought it was ruined. 20 minutes with a brillo pad and it was back like new. As long as it's not non-stick, the brillo pad will definitely work.

Thanks, will try that next!