Cleaning Oven Burner Drip Pans: Ammonia Solution

Cleaning oven burner drip pans can be a challenge, especially when food is burnt on. While there are several methods to clean drip pans, using ammonia is one of the most effective ways to remove greasy residue and burnt-on food. This method requires a bit more time and is best done in a well-ventilated area or outdoors, as ammonia produces strong fumes.

Prepare the drip pans

To prepare the drip pans for cleaning, first ensure your stove is switched off and the drip pans are at room temperature. If you've just finished cooking, wait for the drip pans to cool down. You can then remove the coils or grates sitting on top of them. For an electric stove, remove the burner coil by lifting one side slightly. You will see the socket that the burner coil plugs into on the other side of the hole in your drip pan. Gently tug the burner coil straight out of the socket to remove it, then set it aside. Now you can lift out the drip pan. For a gas stove, the metal grates should simply lift off, giving you access to the drip pan underneath.

Place each drip pan in a separate one-gallon resealable plastic bag. You can use a large ziplock bag for this. Pour 1/4 cup of household ammonia into each bag. The fumes from the ammonia will cut through the grease and grime, so you don't need to worry about coating the drip pans completely with ammonia. Seal the bags and allow the ammonia to work for at least 12 hours.

Seal drip pans in bags with ammonia

To clean your oven burner drip pans with ammonia, you'll first need to wait until the pans are completely cool. Then, place each drip pan in its own sealable plastic bag. A one-gallon ziplock bag is a good option.

Next, pour 1/4 cup of household ammonia into each bag. You don't need to worry about coating the entire surface of the drip pans with ammonia; the fumes from the ammonia will cut through the grease and grime.

Seal the bags tightly and let the ammonia work its magic for at least 12 hours. When you open the bags, be sure to do so in a well-ventilated area and away from your face, as the fumes will be strong.

After removing the drip pans from the bags, dispose of the ammonia by pouring it down the drain while running cold water to dilute it. Do not dispose of the plastic bags with ammonia in the trash, as the fumes could create a dangerous reaction.

Finally, wash the drip pans with hot water and dish soap. You can use a sponge or a plastic scrubber for any stubborn spots. Rinse and dry the pans before returning them to your stovetop.

Leave overnight

To clean your oven burner drip pans with ammonia, you'll need to leave the ammonia to work for at least 12 hours. This gives the ammonia fumes time to cut through the grease and grime.

Here's a step-by-step guide to the overnight process:

Step 1: Prepare the drip pans

Wait until the burner is cool, then remove it from the stovetop. Place each drip pan in a separate one-gallon resealable plastic bag.

Step 2: Add ammonia

Pour 1/4 cup of household ammonia into each bag. The fumes from the ammonia will cut through the grease, so you don't need to worry about coating the drip pans completely.

Step 3: Leave overnight

Seal the bags and let the ammonia work its magic for at least 12 hours. It's best to leave them in your emptied kitchen sink or another well-ventilated area, as the fumes will be strong when you open the bags.

Step 4: Rinse and wash

After leaving the ammonia to work overnight, open the bags away from your face and remove the drip pans. Dispose of the ammonia by pouring it down the drain with cold running water to dilute it. Do not dispose of the plastic bags in the trash, as the fumes could create a dangerous reaction.

Now, fill your sink with hot water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Wash the drip pans with a sponge, using a plastic scrubber or melamine sponge for any stubborn spots.

Step 5: Dry and replace

Rinse the drip pans thoroughly in hot water, then dry each pan with a microfiber towel before returning them to your stovetop.

Remove from bags and wash

Once you've left the drip pans to soak in the ammonia for at least 12 hours, it's time to remove them from the bags and wash them. Open the bags in a well-ventilated area, as the ammonia fumes will be strong. Take the drip pans out of the bags and seal the bags before disposing of them.

Dilute the ammonia with cold water and pour it down the sink drain. If you have a septic system, neutralise the ammonia before disposal. Wash the drip pans in hot soapy water. Fill the sink with hot water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Wash the drip pans with a sponge, and use a plastic scrubber or melamine sponge on any stubborn spots.

Rinse the drip pans thoroughly in hot water and dry each one with a microfiber towel. Return the drip pans to the stovetop.

Rinse, dry and replace

Once you've soaked your drip pans in ammonia, you'll need to rinse, dry, and replace them. First, open the bags in a well-ventilated area, as the ammonia fumes will be strong. Remove the drip pans and seal the bags again. Dispose of the ammonia by pouring it down the drain and running cold water to dilute it. Do not put the bags in the trash.

Now, wash the drip pans in hot, soapy water. Use a sponge and a plastic scrubber or melamine sponge for any stubborn spots. Rinse the drip pans in hot water, then dry them with a microfiber cloth or towel. Finally, return the drip pans to your stovetop.

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