Unsticking Stuck Pans: Quick Tips For Easy Removal

Getting stuck pans out from under the stove can be a challenging task. The pans may be stuck due to a spill or because of the design of the stove. Before attempting to remove the pans, ensure that the stove is unplugged and cooled down to avoid injury. If the pans are stuck due to a spill, there are several methods to remove them. One method is to use an aerosol lubricant spray and a razor blade to carefully work the blade under the pan. Another method is to use hot water and washcloths to loosen the pans. If the pans are stuck because of the stove's design, try rattling the drawer or tilting the stove to shift the pans. You may also need to pull the stove away from the wall to access the pans from the rear.

Removing a stuck pan from a glass stove top

Glass stove tops are susceptible to stains and stuck-on debris, such as burnt food or grease. If a spill is not tended to immediately, a pan may become stuck to the stove top. To safely remove a stuck pan from your glass stove top, follow these steps:

• Turn off the stove and let it cool down completely: Before attempting to remove the pan, ensure that the stove is turned off and has completely cooled down to avoid any risk of injury from burns. You may even unplug the appliance for added safety.
• Gather the necessary materials: To safely remove the pan, you will need the following:

• Aerosol lubricant spray (available at hardware or home improvement stores)
• Liquid cleaner specifically designed for glass stove tops (refer to your appliance's manual for a recommended type)
• Paint scraper
• Glass stove top scraper
• Single razor blade (preferably with a handle attached)
• Clean, non-abrasive cloths

• Apply lubricant and work the pan loose: Spray the aerosol lubricant around the bottom of the pan. Then, using the razor blade or paint scraper, carefully work it back and forth under the stuck pan, keeping the blade as flat to the stove top as possible. Repeat this process, continuing your way around the pan until the debris starts to loosen.
• Remove debris and loosen the pan: Use a warm, wet cloth to wipe away any crumbs or debris that have come loose. Then, gently rub warm water on the edge of the pan to help loosen it further.
• Pry the pan off the stove top: Using your straight-edged tool, gently pry the pan off the stove top. If you meet resistance, proceed with caution to avoid damaging the glass. Continue applying lubricant, warm water, and gentle force until the pan comes loose.
• Clean the stove top: Once the pan is removed, use the liquid cleaner designed for glass stove tops to clean and remove any remaining residue or stains.

Alternative Methods:

If you prefer to avoid using chemicals on your stove top, there are a few alternative methods you can try:

• Hot water and washcloths: Soak some washcloths in very hot water and press them onto the stove top and around the edge of the pan. The steam will help to loosen the pan. Then, use a plastic knife or a kitchen tool to gently pry the pan off.
• Oven cleaner: Spray an oven cleaner over any burned-on food residue and let it stand for a minute before washing the area with hot water. Be cautious of the pungent fumes and avoid skin contact with the chemicals.
• Lemon and water: Fill the pan with water and add fresh lemon quarters or rinds. Simmer over medium-high heat and then reduce the heat to a low simmer until the mess loosens and floats away. Pour out the warm water and hand wash the pan to remove any remaining residue.

How to remove a stuck pan from a storage drawer under the oven

If you have a stuck storage drawer under your oven with pans blocking it from opening, there are a few things you can try. Firstly, try rattling the drawer until you can slip your hand into it and begin shifting the pans around. If this doesn't work, you can try pulling the oven away from the wall and lifting the front a few inches off the floor, then letting it drop to shift the items in the drawer. If you are still unable to access the pans, turn off the power and try reaching them from the rear of the oven. If all else fails, you may need to enlist the help of another person to tilt the oven back far enough that you can access the drawer from the bottom.

Cleaning stove drip pans with dishwashing liquid

Drip pans are small metal bowls that sit under your stove's burners to catch spills and liquids. They can get pretty messy, but there are a few ways to clean them with dishwashing liquid. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Removing the Drip Pans:

First, make sure your stove is turned off and cooled down. If you have an electric stove, gently remove the burner coil by lifting one side and pulling it out of the socket. For gas stoves, simply lift off the metal grates. Now, carefully lift out the drip pans.

Cleaning with Dishwashing Liquid:

This method is best for fresh spills. Fill your sink with hot water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid that includes a grease-cutting ingredient. Remove any loose crumbs from the drip pans, then place them in the sink to soak for at least 10 minutes. Use a sponge or cloth to wipe them down, and a scrubber for tougher spots. Rinse the pans with hot water and dry them with a microfiber cloth before putting them back under the burners.

Cleaning with Dish Soap and Baking Soda:

This method is great if you're in a hurry. Mix equal parts of liquid dish soap and baking soda in a small bowl. Remove the drip pans, shake off loose crumbs, and rinse them with hot water. Apply the soap and baking soda mixture to the pans, scrubbing it in with your fingers or a brush. Let the pans sit for about an hour. Rinse them with hot water, scrubbing any remaining spots with a sponge and baking soda. Dry the pans with a dish towel before returning them to the stove.

Cleaning with Vinegar and Baking Soda:

This method is for tougher, burnt-on food. Remove the drip pans and shake them over a trash can to remove loose food particles. Soak the pans in hot soapy water for 15 minutes, then drain and cover them with distilled white vinegar for 30 minutes. Sprinkle baking soda generously over the pans and let it sit for 15 minutes. Use a plastic scrubber for any stubborn stains. Rinse the pans with hot water and dry with a microfiber cloth before replacing them.

Tips and Tricks:

• Always make sure your stove and drip pans are cooled down before cleaning to avoid burns.
• For electric stoves, gently tug the burner coil straight out of the socket to remove it.
• Gas stoves usually have metal grates that can be easily lifted off.
• Drip pans should ideally be cleaned after each stove-top use.
• Chrome and porcelain drip pans are dishwasher-safe, but place them on the top rack for a gentler wash.
• Avoid lining your drip pans with aluminum foil, as it can trap heat and potentially cause a fire hazard.

Now you know how to keep your stove's drip pans clean and sparkling!

Cleaning stove drip pans with vinegar and baking soda

If you have a stuck pan under the stove, the first step is to make sure the stove is unplugged and cooled. Then, try rattling the drawer to shift the pans until you can start pulling them out. If this doesn't work, pull the range away from the wall and lift the front a few inches off the floor, then let it drop to shift the items in the drawer. You can also try reaching in from the rear of the stove.

Now, onto cleaning stove drip pans with vinegar and baking soda. This method is ideal for when soapy water just won't cut through the food build-up.

First, remove the drip pans and any loose food particles when the stovetop is cool. Shake the pans over a trash can and scrape them with a dry paper towel. Next, fill a sink or bucket with hot water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid, and soak the pans for 15 minutes. Drain the hot soapy water and add enough distilled white vinegar to cover the pans. Allow them to soak for 30 minutes.

Then, sprinkle the pans with a generous amount of baking soda and let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes. You can use a plastic scrubber to scour the pans, adding more baking soda to areas with hard-to-remove stains. Finally, rinse the drip pans with hot water and dry them with a microfiber cloth before replacing them on the stovetop.

For extremely burnt-on food, you can also try filling the pan with water and simmering it over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and keep it at a low simmer until the mess loosens and floats away. You can also add lemon to the water to help loosen the food.

Cleaning stove drip pans with household ammonia

Step 1: Prepare to Clean the Stove Drip Pans

Ensure your stove drip pans are cool. If you've just finished cooking, wait for them to cool down to avoid burning your fingers. 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 most gas stoves, simply lift off the metal grates.

Step 2: Remove the Drip Pans

Take out the drip pans from the stove. Shake off loose crumbs into a garbage can and rinse the pans thoroughly in the sink with the hottest water possible.

Step 3: Prepare the Ammonia Solution

Place each drip pan inside its own 1-gallon ziplock plastic bag. Add 1/4 cup of household ammonia to each bag. The fumes from the ammonia will loosen the burnt-on food splatter.

Step 4: Soak the Drip Pans in Ammonia

Seal the tops of the plastic bags and leave them stacked in your kitchen sink overnight or for at least 12 hours.

Step 5: Remove the Drip Pans from the Solution

Open the bags in a well-ventilated area, as the ammonia fumes will be strong. Remove the drip pans and seal and dispose of the used bags. Dilute the ammonia with cold water and pour it down the sink drain. If you have a septic system, neutralize the ammonia before disposal.

Step 6: Rinse and Scrub the Drip Pans

Wipe away any remaining dirty spots with a sponge and liquid dish soap. Rinse the drip pans thoroughly with hot water. Use a scrub brush or sponge dipped in baking soda for any stubborn areas.

Step 7: Dry and Replace the Drip Pans

Dry the drip pans with a towel and return them to your stovetop. Ensure the burners are replaced smoothly.

Tips:

• Always use rubber gloves when handling ammonia and ensure the area is well-ventilated.
• To avoid a challenging cleaning job, wipe away spills and splatters every time you cook.
• For a quick clean, place the drip pans on the top rack of your dishwasher.

Frequently asked questions