Argh! I melted a spatula in my new saucepan - can I save it?

[CointreauVersial]

I left the ring on by mistake during dinner last night, and when I came back into the kitchen I found my new saucepan smoking gently, with a remains of a plastic spatula stuck to the bottom of it.

Obviously, the spatula is toast, but can I save my lovely saucepan? It's a non-stick one, and now has a disc of solidified plastic stuck to the bottom. Is there any way I can get the plastic off, or does it need to go in the bin?

If it's Teflon it should pop out, unattached

I wish that were true.....unfortunately, the teflon has a kind of honeycomb texture to it, and the plastic is stuck fast. It's not popping anywhere.

Dishwasher tablet, boiling water from kettle. Bring back to simmer.
Turn off and Leave it until cold.

I make a habit of burning pans...

OK, will give that a go!

Well, well, well! @BreakfastAtSquiffanys - I followed your advice, not expecting much.

But after the liquid had cooled I could see a few crumbs of black plastic had worked loose, and after some vigorous rubbing with a plastic spoon (and a little tickle with a kitchen knife) I was able to shift the whole patch of melted plastic.

Just a tiny area where the non-stick is damaged.....but I have my pan back! Thanks very much.