> > wrote:
>
>> While cleaning out an elderly relative's basement, I found an old clay
>> roaster. It's unglazed except for the area where the food would sit.
>> Because the roaster had sat in the basement for at least 20 years, with
>> the dirt, spiders, mice and other assorted critters, I attempted to
>> clean it up using Lysol and detergent. Now that I am researching how
>> to use the pot, I realize I may have done exactly the wrong thing.

Clay is porous. It absorbs mouse pee and stuff. If you use it, please
don't invite me for dinner.