stained terra cotta pottery

I had a house fire two years ago and recovered several terra cotta pots that were inside the house. One of the pots is a large strawberry pot that I love but never had a chance to fill and plant. The outside of the pot has smoke stains on it and I need to clean it before using it, but I don't know what to use to get the smoke stains out. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to remove the smoke stains?? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

You might try TSP. I have used this before to clean the smoke and smut from my brick fireplace.
Don't know if it will work, but it might be a place to start. Maybe the salesclerk could help you if you go to a home improvement store like Lowe's or Home DePot.

 

Try vinegar - i used some to clean smoke off of a firepalce

 

Vinegar... I never would have thought to use that.

 

Thanks so much for the info. I will definately try that. I just hate tossing a perfectly good pot just because of the smoke!