Final answer:
An Abrasive cleaner is ideal for removing baked-on food in pots and pans thanks to its mixture of surfactants and abrasive powders. Alkaline cleaners can also effectively dissolve tough residues but must be used with care due to their caustic nature.
Step-by-step explanation:
To remove baked-on food from pots and pans, A. Abrasive cleaner is the most suitable cleaning agent. Abrasive cleaners contain mixtures of cleaning chemicals like surfactants and water softeners, coupled with abrasive powders that are effective at physically scrubbing away tough grime. The particle size in these powders is uniform to avoid scratching the surfaces. These are especially good for cleaning surfaces where residues have been hardened by heat, such as in ovens and cookware.
For very tough, baked-on grease and food particles, D. Alkaline cleaner can also be effective. Alkaline cleaners include substances like sodium hydroxide, which can dissolve fats, oils, and proteins. These types of cleaners are used in some popular oven-cleaning brands like "Easy-Off" in the US because of their effectiveness in removing difficult, cooked-on messes. However, it's important to use these products according to the manufacturer's instructions as they can be quite caustic.
Special Purpose Cleaners, such as oven cleaners containing alkaline substances, are designed for challenging cleaning tasks like cleaning ovens, but one must be cautious of the potential for damage if used improperly, particularly in self-cleaning ovens.