Cleaning Scorched Drip Pans: Easy Tips For Sparkling Results

Drip pans are a great way to catch drips and spills when cooking, but they can be a pain to clean. The good news is that there are several effective methods for cleaning scorched drip pans, and most of them use common household products. The best method for you will depend on the type of stove and drip pan you have, as well as the severity of the scorching. Here are some of the most popular methods to get your drip pans looking like new again.

Soak in hot water

Soaking your drip pans in hot water is an effective way to remove burnt-on food and grease. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

First, fill your sink with very hot water and place the drip pans inside, letting them soak for at least 10 minutes. The hot water will help loosen and soften the burnt-on food and grease, making it easier to remove. If your drip pans are only lightly soiled, this step alone might be enough to get them clean.

After soaking, you can drain the water and apply a cleaning solution to the pans. There are several options for cleaning solutions that you can use. One option is to use a liquid dish soap that contains a grease-cutting ingredient. You can also make a homemade cleaning solution by mixing baking soda and vinegar. If your drip pans have a lot of built-up grease, you can try using ammonia instead. Just be sure to use rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when handling ammonia.

Once you've applied the cleaning solution, let the drip pans sit for a while. The amount of time they need to sit will depend on the severity of the grime. For lightly soiled pans, a few minutes may be enough, while heavily soiled pans may need to sit for an hour or more.

After the pans have soaked in the cleaning solution and most of the grime has softened, you can start scrubbing them with a sponge, dishcloth, or plastic scrubber. If you're using a commercial cleaner, be sure to follow the instructions on the package. If you're using a homemade cleaning solution, you may need to sprinkle on some additional baking soda to help scrub away the remaining grime.

Finally, rinse the drip pans with hot water and dry them with a microfiber cloth or a soft, lint-free cloth. Make sure they are completely dry before putting them back on your stovetop.

Remember, always exercise caution when handling hot water and cleaning products, and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Use vinegar and baking soda

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

Firstly, remove the drip pans from the stove and place them in the sink. Ensure the pans are cool before handling. Shake the pans over a trash can to remove any loose food particles, and then scrape them with a dry paper towel to remove any remaining debris.

Next, fill the sink with hot water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Allow the drip pans to soak in this solution for 15 minutes. After soaking, drain the hot soapy water and refill the sink with enough distilled white vinegar to completely cover the drip pans. Let them soak in this vinegar solution for 30 minutes.

Now it's time to add the baking soda. Generously sprinkle baking soda over the vinegar solution and let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes. If there are areas with hard-to-remove stains, you can use a plastic scrubber to scour the pans, sprinkling additional baking soda as needed.

Finally, rinse the drip pans with hot water and dry them with a microfiber cloth. Your drip pans should now be clean and ready to be replaced on the stovetop.

This method is effective because baking soda has mild abrasive properties and an alkaline pH, which helps neutralize acidic burnt foods. When combined with an acid like vinegar, it creates a fizzing reaction that loosens burnt-on food, making it easier to remove.

Ammonia for heavy-duty cleaning

Ammonia is a powerful cleaning agent that can be used to effectively clean your drip pans and remove heavily burned-on food. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use ammonia for heavy-duty cleaning of your scorched drip pans:

Step 1: Prepare the Drip Pans

Ensure your stove's drip pans are completely cool before handling them. Remove any components above the drip pans, such as electric coils, burners, or grates. Place each drip pan inside a separate one-gallon resealable plastic bag.

Step 2: Add Ammonia

Pour 1/4 cup of household ammonia into each bag. The strong fumes from the ammonia will loosen the burned-on food splatter and cut through the grease. You don't need to completely cover the drip pans with ammonia for it to be effective.

Step 3: Seal and Soak the Drip Pans

Seal the plastic bags tightly and let the ammonia work its magic for at least 12 hours. Place the bags in a well-ventilated area, such as your kitchen sink, as the ammonia fumes will be strong.

Step 4: Remove and Dispose of the Ammonia

After the soaking period, open the bags away from your face due to the strong fumes. Remove 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 into the trash, as the fumes can create a dangerous reaction.

Step 5: Rinse and Scrub the Drip Pans

Fill your sink with hot water and add a few drops of liquid dish soap. Wash the drip pans with a sponge, and use a plastic scrubber or melamine sponge for any stubborn spots. The ammonia will have loosened the burned-on food, making it easier to remove.

Step 6: Dry and Reinstall the Drip Pans

Rinse the drip pans thoroughly with hot water to remove any soap residue. Dry each drip pan with a microfiber towel or a soft, lint-free cloth. Once completely dry, return the drip pans to your stovetop, ensuring they are fitted smoothly in place.

Always use ammonia in a well-ventilated area and wear rubber gloves to protect your skin. Ammonia is a strong cleaner with a pungent odour, so take the necessary precautions to stay safe during the cleaning process.

Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda

To clean scorched drip pans with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, start by removing any loose food or debris from the pan. Then, pour about half an inch of hydrogen peroxide into the bottom of the pan. Next, add about a quarter of a cup of baking soda. There will likely be some fizzing. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove the pan from the heat and let it sit for 10 to 30 minutes. During this time, you can stir the mixture with a wooden spoon to help break up any burnt bits. Finally, scrub the pan as you normally would and rinse it with warm water. If necessary, repeat the process.

This method is not recommended for cast iron cookware.

Liquid detergent for porcelain drip pans

Scorched drip pans can be a challenge to clean due to burnt-on food and grease. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean porcelain drip pans using liquid detergent:

Step 1: Turn Off the Range and Remove Drip Pans

Turn off the range or cooktop and allow it to cool completely. Then, remove any components above the drip pans, such as electric coils, burners, or grates. For electric coils, push the edge towards the receptacle, lift it up, and then pull it towards you and away from the receptacle. Finally, remove the drip pan.

Step 2: Clean the Drip Pans

Fill your sink with hot water and add a few drops of liquid detergent with a grease-cutting ingredient. Place the drip pans in the soapy water and let them soak for at least 10 minutes, or longer if there is severe grime. Use a sponge or dishcloth to wipe them down, and for tough spots, use a melamine sponge to lightly scrub away the food. Rinse the drip pans in hot water and dry them with a microfiber or lint-free cloth.

Step 3: Reinstall the Drip Pans

Once the drip pans are completely dry, carefully place them back under the burners, ensuring they are fitted smoothly in place.

Tips:

• It is recommended to clean drip pans after each use to prevent stains from setting in.
• If your drip pans are only lightly soiled, you can place them on the top rack of your dishwasher.
• Always wear rubber gloves when handling strong cleaning agents, and ensure the area is well-ventilated.
• For heavily burnt-on food, you may need to use a stronger cleaning method, such as ammonia or baking soda.

By following these steps, your porcelain drip pans will be sparkling clean and ready for your next cooking adventure!

Frequently asked questions