Simple Cleaning Tips For Porcelain Enamel Drip Pans

Drip pans are a handy way to catch spills and splatters from stovetops, but they can be a challenge to clean due to burnt-on food and grease. Porcelain enamel drip pans are no exception and often require a good soak to loosen tough, baked-on stains. Here's a guide on how to clean porcelain enamel drip pans effectively and restore them to their sparkling best.

Soak in hot water

Soaking is an effective way to clean porcelain enamel drip pans, especially if you're dealing with burnt-on food or greasy messes. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Remove the Drip Pans

Before you begin cleaning, it's important to remove any spillages or boil-overs as soon as they happen. Once the stovetop is cool, remove the drip pans and shake them over a trash can. Use a dry paper towel to scrape off any loose or burnt food particles.

Step 2: Soak in Hot, Soapy Water

Fill your sink or a bucket with enough hot water to completely submerge the drip pans. Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid that includes a grease-cutting ingredient. Allow the drip pans to soak in this soapy water for at least 15 minutes. The heat and detergent work together to loosen and lift away caked-on food and grease.

Step 3: Scrub Away Tough Spots

Even after soaking, you might find some stubborn spots or stains. For these areas, you can use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the surface of the drip pans. If you're dealing with particularly tough stains, a plastic scrubber can be used, but avoid metallic scouring pads to prevent scratching the porcelain enamel.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

After scrubbing, rinse the drip pans in hot water to remove any remaining soap or cleaning solution. Dry the pans with a microfiber cloth or towel before placing them back on the stove. Ensure they are fitted smoothly into place.

Additional Tips:

• For light soiling, you can place the drip pans on the top rack of your dishwasher.
• If soapy water alone doesn't cut through the grime, try adding a 50/50 solution of distilled white vinegar and water after the initial soak. Soak for another 30 minutes, then scrub with baking soda.
• For extremely burnt-on or greasy messes, you can use household ammonia. Place each drip pan in a separate resealable plastic bag and add 1/4 cup of ammonia. Seal the bags and let them sit for at least 12 hours. Open the bags away from your face, as the fumes will be strong. Then, rinse and wash the drip pans with hot soapy water.

Use vinegar and baking soda

Porcelain enamel cookware is beautiful, durable, and long-lasting. However, it requires a lot of care. Here is a detailed guide on how to clean porcelain enamel drip pans using vinegar and baking soda:

Step 1: Remove the Drip Pans and Components

First, ensure that the stovetop is cool. Then, remove the drip pans and shake them over a trash can. Scrape them with a dry paper towel to remove any loose or burned food particles.

Step 2: Soak in Hot, Soapy Water

Fill a sink or bucket with enough hot water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid so that the water covers the drip pans completely. Allow the pans to soak for about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Soak in Vinegar

Drain the hot soapy water from the sink or bucket. Then, add enough distilled white vinegar to completely cover the drip pans. Allow them to soak for about 30 minutes.

Step 4: Scrub with Baking Soda

Sprinkle the vinegar solution with a generous amount of baking soda. Let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes. If there are areas with hard-to-remove stains, use a plastic scrubber to scour the pans, sprinkling additional baking soda as needed.

Step 5: Rinse, Dry, and Replace

Rinse the drip pans with hot water and dry them with a microfiber cloth. Finally, replace all the components on the stovetop.

Additional Tips:

• If baking soda does not effectively remove stains, you can try using a stronger abrasive cleanser such as Barkeeper's Friend.
• For heavily burned-on food, you can also try using a sequence of different soaking solutions, including hot water, vinegar, and baking soda.
• Always unplug the appliance from the power supply before cleaning to minimize the possibility of electric shock.
• Porcelain enamel drip pans can also be cleaned in the dishwasher, but it is recommended to place them on the top rack for a more gentle wash.

Rinse and dry

Rinse the drip pans with hot water. If you used a cleaning solution, such as vinegar, baking soda, or ammonia, be sure to thoroughly rinse the pans with hot water to remove any remaining solution. You can use a sponge or a scrub brush to help remove any stubborn residue. If you used ammonia, be sure to wear rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area, as the fumes can be strong.

Once the drip pans are rinsed, dry them with a soft, clean cloth or a microfiber towel. Make sure to dry the pans completely before placing them back on the stove. If you're in a hurry, you can use a hairdryer on a low setting to speed up the drying process. Ensure the drip pans are completely dry before putting them back on the stove to avoid any water spots or residue.

If your drip pans are made of porcelain enamel, be gentle during the rinsing and drying process to avoid scratching the surface. You can also use a mild dish soap for rinsing if there is still some residue on the pans. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or steel wool, as these can damage the finish of the porcelain enamel. Instead, opt for a soft-bristled brush or a non-abrasive sponge.

After the drip pans are clean, dry, and free of any residue, you can return them to your stovetop. Make sure to fit them smoothly into place. Regular cleaning of your drip pans will help keep your stovetop looking its best and make it easier to maintain. It's recommended to clean your drip pans after each use or, at a minimum, once a week if you cook daily.

Use ammonia

To clean porcelain enamel drip pans with ammonia, you will need the following: rubber gloves, one-gallon resealable plastic bags, a small bowl of hot soapy water, paper towels, a dish cleaning brush, a large tray, and household ammonia.

First, ensure that the drip pans have cooled down completely. Then, place each drip pan in a separate one-gallon resealable plastic bag. Pour 1/4 cup of ammonia into each bag, seal them and let them sit for at least 12 hours.

After the waiting period, open the bags away from your face, as the fumes will be strong. Remove the drip pans from the bags and wash them in hot soapy water using a sponge or a plastic scrubber for stubborn spots. Rinse the pans in hot water and dry them with a microfiber towel before returning them to the stovetop.

Always use ammonia in a well-ventilated area and exercise caution when handling it. Dispose of the ammonia by pouring it down the drain with cold water running on full blast to dilute it. Do not dispose of the ammonia-filled plastic bag in the trash, as the fumes could create a dangerous reaction.

Dishwasher

Porcelain enamel drip pans can be cleaned in the dishwasher. For best results, put the drip pans on the top rack of your dishwasher, which is further away from the heating element of the appliance and offers a more gentle wash.

If you would prefer to wash your porcelain drip pans by hand, you can do so by following these steps:

• Turn off the range or cooktop and allow all stovetop components to cool completely before removing the drip pans from the appliance.
• Once the drip pans have cooled, remove them from the stovetop by first removing any components situated above the drip pans, such as electric coils, burners, or grates.
• Wash the drip pans by hand with liquid detergent or an all-purpose cleaner.
• Rinse the drip pans with water and dry them with a soft, lint-free cloth.
• Ensure the drip pans are completely dry after cleaning.
• Place the drip pans back on the stovetop before replacing the rest of the stovetop components.

It is recommended to clean your stove drip pans each time you use your stovetop burners.

Frequently asked questions