Cleaning Range Drip Pans: Easy And Effective Methods

Drip pans are an essential part of the stove, catching spills and drips. However, they can be a pain to clean, with food, grease, and oil often getting baked on and burnt on. There are several methods to clean them, including soaking in hot water, using baking soda and vinegar, ammonia, store-bought degreasers, and even WD-40. While some methods require more scrubbing than others, all of them can help to get your drip pans looking clean and shiny again.

Soak in hot water

Soaking your drip pans in hot water is an effective way to clean them, especially when combined with other household products. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, remove the drip pans from your stovetop. It is important to ensure they are completely cooled down before doing so, to avoid burning your hands. Shake off any loose crumbs into a bin and then rinse the pans thoroughly in the sink with the hottest water possible.

Next, fill your sink with hot water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid with a grease-cutting ingredient. You can also add a pump of regular dish soap. Place the drip pans in the sink and let them soak for at least 10 minutes, or longer if they are very grimy.

After soaking, you can wipe the drip pans down with a sponge or dishcloth. For tough, burnt-on stains, use a plastic scouring pad, a scrub brush, or even an old toothbrush to gently scrub away the food.

If there are still stubborn spots, there are a few additional steps you can take. Drain the hot soapy water and add distilled white vinegar, completely covering the drip pans. Allow them to soak for around 30 minutes. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto the pans and let the mixture sit for at least another 15 minutes. You can use a plastic scrubber to scour the pans, sprinkling additional baking soda on any hard-to-remove stains.

Finally, rinse the drip pans thoroughly with hot water and dry them with a dish towel before returning them to your stovetop.

This method is an effective way to clean your drip pans without the use of harsh chemicals. However, for extremely burnt-on or discoloured pans, you may need to repeat the process or try a stronger cleaning agent, such as ammonia or hydrogen peroxide.

Use baking soda and vinegar

To clean your range drip pans with baking soda and vinegar, follow these steps:

Step 1: Remove the drip pans

Remove the burners by lifting and pulling them out sideways to unplug them. Set them aside in a safe place. Now, simply lift the drip pans out from the stovetop.

Step 2: Initial cleaning

Shake the drip pans over a trash can and scrape them with a dry paper towel to remove any loose or burnt food particles. You can also rinse the pans with the hottest water possible to remove any remaining loose crumbs.

Step 3: Soak in hot water

Fill your sink or a bucket with enough hot water to completely cover the drip pans. Allow them to soak for at least 15 minutes. This will help soften any caked-on food or grease.

Step 4: Soak in vinegar

After soaking in hot water, drain the water and add enough distilled white vinegar to completely cover the drip pans. Let them soak for about 30 minutes. The vinegar will help break down any remaining grease and food residue.

Step 5: Apply baking soda

Sprinkle the vinegar-soaked pans with a generous amount of baking soda. Allow the mixture to sit and work for at least 15 minutes. The baking soda will react with the vinegar, creating a fizzing action that helps lift the gunk off the pans.

Step 6: Scrub and rinse

If necessary, use a plastic scrubber or sponge to scour the pans, sprinkling additional baking soda onto areas with stubborn stains. Finally, rinse the drip pans thoroughly with hot water to remove any remaining residue.

Step 7: Dry and replace

Dry the drip pans with a microfiber or dish cloth. Make sure they are completely dry before returning them to your stovetop. Replace the burners, and your drip pans are now clean and ready to use!

Additional tips:

• For extremely burnt-on food or grease, you can try a longer soak in vinegar (up to 1 hour) or repeat the vinegar and baking soda treatment.
• For regular maintenance, aim to clean your drip pans at least once a week or after each use.
• Always allow your drip pans to cool down before handling and cleaning them.
• Avoid lining your drip pans with aluminum foil as it can trap heat and potentially create a fire hazard.

Ammonia for a deep clean

Household ammonia is a great option for cleaning stove drip pans, especially if they have a lot of burnt-on food residue. This method is best for when you won't be using the stove for a while, as it takes a bit of time.

What You'll Need:

• 1-gallon ziplock bags
• Household ammonia
• Liquid dish soap
• Rubber gloves

Steps:

• Allow the drip pans to cool down completely.
• Remove the drip pans from the stove and rinse them in hot water.
• Place each drip pan inside its own 1-gallon ziplock bag.
• Add 1/4 cup of household ammonia to each bag. The fumes from the ammonia will loosen the burnt-on food residue.
• Seal the bags and let them sit overnight or for at least 12 hours.
• Open the bags in a well-ventilated area, as the fumes will be strong. Remove the drip pans from the bags.
• Dispose of the ammonia by pouring it down the drain with cold water running on full blast to dilute it. Do not throw the bags in the trash as the fumes could create a dangerous reaction.
• Wash the drip pans with hot water and a few drops of dish soap. Use a sponge or a plastic scrubber for any stubborn spots.
• Rinse the drip pans with hot water and dry them with a microfiber cloth or towel.
• Return the clean drip pans to the stove.

Tips:

• Always use rubber gloves when handling ammonia and ensure the area is well-ventilated.
• This method works best for drip pans that haven't been cleaned before or heavily scrubbed with steel wool.
• For best results, clean your drip pans regularly and wipe away spills and splatters after each use.

Degreasers and oven cleaners

If your drip pans are heavily soiled, you may need to use a degreaser or oven cleaner to get them clean. These products can be purchased at most home goods, hardware, and grocery stores. They are particularly useful if you are a messy cook or if you haven't cleaned your drip pans in a while.

The best way to use these products is to place the drip pans in the sink, spray the degreaser or oven cleaner generously onto them, and let them sit for several minutes. The chemicals will begin to break down the grime, making it easier to scrub everything off with a sponge or brush. Don't be discouraged if the pans aren't completely clean after the first try—it often takes two or three rounds to get them shining. When using these products, be sure to follow the instructions on the product label carefully, as the chemicals can be harmful if they come into direct contact with your skin or if you breathe them in for too long. When finished, thoroughly rinse your sink with warm water to ensure no chemicals are left behind.

Hydrogen peroxide

To clean your stove's drip pans with hydrogen peroxide, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Drip Pans

Remove the drip pans from your stove and place them in the sink. Ensure that the drip pans are at room temperature before handling them. Shake off loose crumbs into a garbage can and rinse the pans thoroughly in the sink with hot water.

Step 2: Apply the Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda Cleaner

In a small bowl, mix one cup of hydrogen peroxide with three tablespoons of baking soda. You can adjust the amount of baking soda as needed. Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the drip pans, making sure to coat the most stained areas thoroughly. Drizzle the hydrogen peroxide carefully over the baking soda-coated drip pans.

Step 3: Let the Cleaner Work

You will notice the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide reacting and fizzing as they work to lift the gunk off your drip pans. Leave the pans to soak for about 30 minutes. The longer you let the cleaner work, the more effective it will be at breaking down the burnt-on food and grease.

Step 4: Rinse and Scrub the Drip Pans

After soaking, rinse the drip pans under cool water. Use a sponge or scrubber to remove any remaining residue and scrub away the baking soda coating. Repeat this step if necessary, until your drip pans are free of grime and gunk.

Step 5: Dry and Reinstall the Drip Pans

Dry the drip pans with a dish towel or microfiber cloth. Once they are completely dry, return the drip pans to your stovetop, making sure they are fitted smoothly in place.

Frequently asked questions