Cleaning The Drip Pan: A Step-By-Step Guide

Drip pans are a pain to clean, but it's not impossible. Whether you're dealing with caked-on food, grease, or burnt-on gunk, there are several methods you can try to get your drip pans looking like new again. The best method for you will depend on the type of stove you have and the level of mess you're facing. Here are some tips and tricks to help you tackle this grimy task.

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:

Step 1: Remove the Drip Pans

First, make sure your stove is cool. Then, remove the coils or grates sitting on top of the drip pans. For an electric stove, gently tug the burner coil straight out of the socket to remove it. For a gas stove, simply lift off the metal grates. Now, lift out the drip pan.

Step 2: Soak in Hot, Soapy Water

Fill your sink or a bucket with hot water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Completely submerge the drip pans and let them soak for at least 15 minutes. This will help to loosen any burnt-on food and grease.

Step 3: Scrub with Baking Soda (Optional)

For stubborn stains, you can add a sprinkling of baking soda to your hot, soapy water. Let the pans soak for a further 15 minutes. If necessary, use a plastic scrubber to scour the pans, adding more baking soda to any hard-to-remove stains.

Step 4: Rinse, Dry, and Replace

Rinse the drip pans with hot water and dry them with a microfiber cloth. Once they are completely dry, you can replace them under the burners, making sure they are fitted smoothly in place.

Tips:

• For fresh spills and splatters, it is recommended to clean your drip pans as soon as possible.
• To save time, you can place lightly soiled drip pans on the top rack of your dishwasher.

Use vinegar and baking soda

To clean your drip pans with vinegar and baking soda, start by letting the stovetop cool down. Once cool, remove the drip pans and shake them over a trash can. Scrape off any loose or burnt food particles with a dry paper towel.

Next, fill your sink with hot water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Ensure the water is hot enough and there is enough to completely cover the drip pans. Allow the pans to soak for 15 minutes. Drain the hot soapy water and refill with distilled white vinegar, letting the pans soak for another 30 to 35 minutes.

Now, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the pans. Let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes. If there are areas with hard-to-remove stains, use a plastic scrubber and sprinkle additional baking soda onto those spots.

Finally, rinse the drip pans with hot water and dry them with a microfiber cloth before replacing them on the stovetop.

Ammonia overnight

Step 1: Prepare the drip pans

Before you begin cleaning, make sure 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. Then, remove the coils or grates sitting on top of the drip pans. For an electric stove, gently lift one side of the burner coil to see the socket it plugs into. Now, carefully tug the burner coil straight out and set it aside. You can then lift out the drip pan. For a gas stove, simply lift off the metal grates to access the drip pan underneath.

Step 2: Rinse the drip pans

Rinse the drip pans in hot water to remove any loose crumbs or residue. You can also shake the drip pans over a trash can before rinsing to get rid of loose crumbs.

Step 3: Prepare the ammonia solution

Place each drip pan in its own separate one-gallon resealable plastic bag. 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.

Step 4: Soak the drip pans overnight

Seal the plastic bags and let the drip pans soak overnight or for at least 12 hours. Make sure to leave them in a well-ventilated area, as the ammonia fumes will be strong when you open the bags.

Step 5: Remove the drip pans from the solution

Open the bags in a well-ventilated area and remove the drip pans. Be careful not to breathe in the fumes, and consider wearing gloves as ammonia can be harmful to the skin. Seal the bags and dispose of them properly. Do not put the plastic bags in the trash as the fumes could create a dangerous reaction. Instead, pour the ammonia down the drain while running cold water to dilute it.

Step 6: Rinse and scrub the drip pans

Rinse the drip pans with hot water and scrub them with a sponge and dish soap to remove any remaining dirt or residue. You can also use a plastic scrubber or melamine sponge for stubborn spots.

Step 7: Dry and replace the drip pans

Dry each drip pan with a microfiber towel or cloth and return them to your stovetop. Make sure to dry the drip pans thoroughly before replacing them.

Liquid detergent and water

To clean your drip pans with liquid detergent and water, first make sure your stove is turned off and that the drip pans are cool. Then, remove the drip pans from the stove by taking out any components above them, such as coils, burners, or grates. If you have an electric stove, you can remove the coils by gently lifting one side and pulling them out of the socket. For gas stoves, simply lift off the metal grates.

Now, you're ready to start cleaning. Fill your sink with hot water and add a few drops of liquid dish detergent with a grease-cutting ingredient. Place the drip pans in the sink and let them soak for at least 10 minutes. If there is burnt-on food, you may need to let them soak for longer.

After soaking, use a sponge or dishcloth to wipe down the pans. For stubborn spots, use a non-abrasive scrubber to gently scrub away the residue. Rinse the pans with hot water and dry them with a microfiber or lint-free cloth.

Finally, put the drip pans back in place under the burners, making sure they fit smoothly.

Replace with new drip pans

If you're tired of cleaning your drip pans, or they're damaged beyond repair, you might want to replace them with new ones. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you replace your old drip pans with new ones:

Step 1: Remove the Old Drip Pans

Before you can install new drip pans, you need to remove the old ones. First, make sure your stove is turned off and cooled down. Then, remove the coils or grates sitting on top of the drip pans. For an electric stove, gently lift one side of the burner coil to remove it from the socket. For a gas stove, simply lift off the metal grates. Now, you can lift out the old drip pans.

Step 2: Purchase New Drip Pans

You can find replacement drip pans at home improvement stores, home goods stores, or online retailers like Amazon. Drip pans are available in various materials, including chrome, porcelain, and stainless steel. Some popular brands offering drip pans are Amana, Crosley, Whirlpool, Maytag, Range Kleen, Hotpoint, Frigidaire, and Kenmore. Choose a style and brand that suits your preferences and stove type.

Step 3: Install the New Drip Pans

Once you have your new drip pans, it's time to install them. Place the new drip pans in the same location as the old ones, ensuring they are fitted smoothly and securely in place. If your new drip pans come with any additional components or instructions, follow those accordingly.

Step 4: Test and Adjust

After installing the new drip pans, test your stove to ensure the burners function properly with the new drip pans in place. Make any necessary adjustments to the drip pans' positioning or fittings to ensure a smooth and safe cooking experience.

Step 5: Maintain the New Drip Pans

To extend the lifespan of your new drip pans, it's important to maintain and clean them regularly. Wipe away any spills or splatters after each use, and give the drip pans a thorough cleaning at least once a month. By taking care of your new drip pans, you can avoid the hassle of frequent replacements.

Frequently asked questions