Cleaning Stove Drip Pans: A Step-By-Step Guide

Drip pans are the small metal bowls that sit under your stove's burners to catch spills and splatters. They can get pretty gross, with oil, grease, crumbs, and burnt-on food building up over time. Not only does this look (and smell) bad, but it can also be dangerous, as a drip pan full of oil or crumbs can catch fire when heated. Therefore, it's important to know how to clean your stove's drip pans properly. In this article, we will explore different methods for effectively cleaning your stove's drip pans and leaving your stove looking and smelling fresh.

Using dish soap and baking soda

To clean stove drip pans using dish soap and baking soda, start by removing the drip pans from the stovetop. Ensure they are completely cool, then shake off loose crumbs into a garbage can and rinse the pans thoroughly in the sink with the hottest water possible.

Next, prepare your cleaning solution. In a small bowl, mix liquid dish soap and baking soda in a 1:1 ratio. Half a cup of each should be a good starting point, but you can always add more if needed.

Now it's time to apply the mixture to the stove drip pans. Use your fingers or a pastry brush to liberally coat each drip pan with the soap/baking soda mixture, scrubbing it into the pans. You should start to see some of the stuck-on gunk begin to loosen.

Let the soapy drip pans sit. Stack them in the sink and leave them to sit for about an hour. While you wait, you can use this time to scrub the rest of your stovetop with a damp sponge dipped in baking soda. Wipe the baking soda off with a damp rag, then dry the stove with a soft dishcloth.

Finally, rinse and scrub the drip pans again if necessary. Rinse the pans thoroughly with hot water to remove the soap mixture. Tackle any remaining dirty spots with a scrub brush or a sponge freshly dipped in baking soda. Dry the drip pans with a dish towel and return them to your stovetop.

Soaking in vinegar and baking soda

To clean your stove's drip pans using vinegar and baking soda, start by removing the pans and any separate decorative rings. Shake the pans over a trash can, scraping them with a dry paper towel to remove any loose or burnt food particles.

Next, fill a sink or bucket with enough hot water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid to completely cover the drip pans. Allow them to soak for 15 minutes. Drain the hot soapy water and add enough distilled white vinegar to completely cover the drip pans. Let them soak for another 30 minutes.

Now, it's time to add the baking soda. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda onto the pans and let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes. You can use a plastic scrubber to scour the pans, sprinkling additional baking soda onto any stubborn stains.

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

This method is perfect for when soapy water just won't cut through the food build-up on your stove's drip pans. The combination of vinegar and baking soda will effectively lift away the gunk and burnt-on residue, leaving your drip pans clean and ready for use.

Using household ammonia

To clean stove drip pans using household ammonia, you will need the following:

• Ammonia
• Gloves
• Cups
• Sponges
• Ziploc plastic bags

Firstly, ensure that there are no children nearby, and if you are a minor, make sure you understand the instructions and seek help from an adult. If your stove is electric, unplug it before removing the drip pans to avoid an electric shock.

Next, pour 1/4 cup of ammonia into each cup, making sure to wear gloves as ammonia can cause poisoning and irritate the skin. Then, place each drip pan into a separate Ziploc plastic bag and pour the ammonia into the bags. Remove the excess air before sealing the bags and ensure that the drip pans are completely covered in ammonia. Leave the bags in a well-ventilated area for at least 12 hours.

After this, remove the drip pans from the bags and dispose of the gloves, cups, and bags. Do not recycle these items. Wash the drip pans in hot soapy water, scrubbing away any remaining dirt with a sponge. Rinse the pans in hot water and dry them with a microfiber cloth before returning them to the stovetop.

Using hydrogen peroxide and baking soda

To clean your stove drip pans using hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, follow these steps:

First, remove the drip pans from your stove. If there are any loose or burned food particles, shake them over a trash can and scrape them off with a dry paper towel. Rinse the pans with water to get rid of any loose gunk or debris.

Next, liberally coat the drip pans with baking soda, making sure to cover the worst areas thoroughly. Then, carefully drizzle hydrogen peroxide over the baking soda. You will see a fizzing reaction, which helps to lift the gunk off the pans.

Let the drip pans soak for about 30 minutes. After soaking, rinse the pans under cool water and use a sponge or paper towel to scrub away any remaining residue. If necessary, repeat the process.

This method is suitable for both gas and electric stove drip pans.

Using oven cleaner

Step 1: Remove the Drip Pans

First, turn off the stove and allow it to cool down completely. Then, remove the burners or coils by lifting and pulling them straight out to unplug them. Be sure to wear gloves if the stove is still warm. Place the drip pans in the sink.

Step 2: Apply Oven Cleaner

Spray each drip pan generously with oven cleaner. Make sure to follow the instructions and safety precautions on the oven cleaner product you are using. Some products may require you to wear gloves or a mask during application.

Step 3: Let the Cleaner Soak

Allow the oven cleaner to soak on the drip pans for about 30 minutes. During this time, the cleaner will work to loosen and break down the burnt-on food and grease. You can use this time to clean the rest of your stove or kitchen.

Step 4: Scrub and Rinse the Drip Pans

After soaking, use an abrasive sponge or scrubber to scrub the drip pans. Rinse them thoroughly with hot water, making sure to remove all traces of the oven cleaner. Pay extra attention to areas with stubborn stains and use a scrubber to remove any remaining residue.

Step 5: Dry and Reinstall the Drip Pans

Once the drip pans are clean and rinsed, dry them with a microfiber cloth or a soft towel. Ensure that they are completely dry before reinstalling them on the stove. Finally, replace the burners or coils, and your stove will be as good as new!

Frequently asked questions