stinky enamel pot

[Katie T]

So Im hoping you ladies can help me, I bought a enamel pot at a used store yesterday and the inside looks like it has mineral build up. I cleaned with soap and water and then was going to boil water in it to make sure it was really clean and it stunk to high heaven like dust. I also noticed that it has a deep reddish tint on the bottom but im not convinced it is rust. The bottom of the pot is very rough. I have also tried putting baking soda in the bottom letting it sit a couple hours then poured in vinegar. Let that sit then boiled on the stove. It smells fine when dry but as soon as you add liquid it stinks. Help!

[Novella]

I think the pot is history.

The bottom being rough sounds like the glossy surface of the enamel has been eaten away. I used a pot like that once when we were temporarily living abroad. It didn't smell and wasn't discoloured, so I struggled along with it for that year, but it was very challenging to clean and stained easily.

[Katie T]

Thanks so much, not what I wanted to hear but I think your right. Now just to see if they will give me my money back.