How To Clean Stove Drip Pans With Vinegar

Stove drip pans can be a pain to clean, but it's important to do so regularly to prevent fires and keep your stove looking nice. Luckily, there are several ways to clean them without resorting to harsh, toxic chemicals. One popular method is to use vinegar and baking soda. First, scrape off as much of the mess as possible, then soak the pan in hot water for 15 minutes, followed by a 30-minute soak in vinegar. Next, sprinkle baking soda over the pan and scrub until your heart's content. Just be sure to rinse the pan off when you're done.

Using vinegar and baking soda

Step 1: Soak the Drip Pans

Fill your sink with very hot water and place the drip pans in it to soak for about 10 minutes. This will help loosen any caked-on food or grease.

Step 2: Soak in Vinegar

Drain the sink and pour in distilled white vinegar to cover the drip pans completely. Let them soak in the vinegar for 30 minutes. The vinegar will help break down the burnt-on residue.

Step 3: Apply Baking Soda

Without draining the vinegar, sprinkle baking soda generously on top of the drip pans. Use your fingers to rub the baking soda into the burnt-on crust, working it into the stains. The chemical reaction between the vinegar and baking soda will help lift the gunk off the pans.

Step 4: Let it Sit

Let the mixture of vinegar and baking soda work its magic for at least 15 minutes. You may see the burnt residue start to flake away.

Step 5: Rinse and Scrub

After the soaking and reaction time, rinse the drip pans with hot water. Apply more baking soda and scrub it into any remaining stains with a sponge or cloth. The baking soda acts as a mild abrasive to help lift away stubborn residue.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the drip pans again with hot water to remove any remaining vinegar and baking soda. Dry the pans with a towel, and your drip pans should be clean and ready to use!

If there are still areas that didn't come clean, it may be time to consider replacing the drip pans. This method is effective, but for heavily burnt-on or old residue, multiple treatments or a stronger cleaner may be necessary.

Soaking in hot water

Step 1: Remove the Drip Pans

First, make sure your stove and drip pans are at room temperature. If you have just finished cooking, wait for the drip pans to cool down before handling them. Remove the coils or grates sitting on top of the drip pans. For an electric stove, gently tug on the burner coil to remove it and expose the drip pan underneath. For a gas stove, simply lift off the metal grates.

Step 2: Initial Rinse

Remove your drip pans and shake off any loose crumbs into a garbage can. Rinse the pans thoroughly in the sink with the hottest water possible to remove any remaining loose debris.

Step 3: Soak in Hot, Soapy Water

Fill your sink or a bucket with enough hot water to completely cover the drip pans. Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid or liquid dish soap to the water. Allow the drip pans to soak for at least 10 minutes to 15 minutes. The hot, soapy water will help to loosen and remove any grease and burnt-on food.

Step 4: Scrub and Rinse

After soaking, use a sponge, scrub brush, or plastic scrubber to tackle any remaining stuck-on food or grease. Rinse the drip pans thoroughly with hot water to remove any soap residue.

Step 5: Dry and Reinstall

Dry the drip pans with a microfiber cloth, dish towel, or towel. Once completely dry, reinstall the drip pans under the burners, ensuring they are fitted smoothly in place.

Tips:

• For heavily soiled drip pans, you can try a more intensive cleaning method after soaking in hot, soapy water. Drain the hot soapy water and add enough distilled white vinegar to cover the drip pans. Soak for 30 minutes, then sprinkle with baking soda and let sit for at least 15 minutes. Rinse with hot water and dry.
• To maintain your drip pans, wipe away spills and splatters after each use. Give the drip pans a thorough cleaning at least once a week if you cook daily or once a month if you don't use your stovetop often.

Ammonia for stubborn stains

Ammonia is a great option for cleaning stubborn stains from your stove's drip pans. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Drip Pans

Ensure the drip pans are completely cool before handling them. Remove them from the stove and give them a quick rinse in hot water. 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 fumes from the ammonia are powerful enough to loosen and cut through even the most stubborn, burnt-on food residue. You don't need to worry about coating the entire pan with ammonia.

Step 3: Seal and Soak

Seal the tops of the plastic bags tightly. Leave the bags in a well-ventilated area, such as your kitchen sink, for at least 12 hours or overnight. The longer you leave them, the more effective it will be at breaking down the stubborn stains.

Step 4: Remove and Rinse

Open the bags in a well-ventilated area, as the ammonia fumes will be strong. Remove the drip pans from the bags and dispose of the bags properly. Rinse the drip pans thoroughly with cold water to neutralise the ammonia. You can then dispose of the ammonia solution by pouring it down the drain with running cold water.

Step 5: Wash and Scrub

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 scrubber or melamine sponge for any remaining stubborn spots. The dirt and stains should come off easily at this stage.

Step 6: Rinse, Dry, and Reinstall

Rinse the drip pans thoroughly with hot water to remove any soap residue. Dry each drip pan with a microfiber towel or a dish towel, and return them to your stovetop.

Tips and Precautions:

Always use ammonia in a well-ventilated space and wear rubber gloves to protect your hands. Do not use or recycle the plastic bags, sponges, or cloths for any other purpose after cleaning with ammonia. Ensure children and pets are not nearby when handling ammonia. If you have a septic system, neutralise the ammonia before disposing of it.

Oven cleaner for a deep clean

While vinegar can be used to clean stove drip pans, oven cleaner can also be used for a deeper clean. Here is a guide on how to deep clean your stove's drip pans using oven cleaner.

Preparing the Drip Pans

Before you begin, ensure that your stove and its drip pans are at room temperature. If you have just finished cooking, wait for the stove and drip pans to cool down. 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, remove the drip pans and shake off any loose crumbs into a garbage can.

Applying the Oven Cleaner

Spray oven cleaner onto the drip pans. You can also use a paintbrush to apply the oven cleaner and ensure an even coat. Make sure to avoid getting the oven cleaner on the light and heating elements, thermostat, wiring, and any openings in the oven.

Letting the Oven Cleaner Sit

For a deep clean, let the oven cleaner sit on the drip pans for an extended period. You can leave it for anywhere from 30 minutes to 12 to 24 hours, depending on the severity of the grime. During this time, the oven cleaner will work to break down the grease and lift off stubborn stains.

Rinsing and Drying the Drip Pans

After letting the oven cleaner sit, rinse the drip pans with hot water to remove the cleaner. Use a sponge or scrub brush to tackle any remaining dirty spots. Dry the drip pans thoroughly with a microfiber cloth or towel.

Reinstalling the Drip Pans

Once the drip pans are clean and dry, you can reinstall them under the burners. Ensure that they are fitted smoothly and securely in place.

Cleaning the Stove Rings

If your stove has rings, you can also clean them using ammonia. Place two rings at a time into a plastic bag or a sealable storage bag. Fill the bottom of the bag with ammonia, but you don't need to completely cover the rings. The strong fumes from the ammonia will tackle the gunk and grease. Leave the rings in the bag overnight, then remove them and give them a good rubdown to remove any remaining residue.

By following these steps, you can effectively deep clean your stove's drip pans using oven cleaner. This method will help remove burnt-on food, grease, and stains, leaving your stove looking clean and shiny.

Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda

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

Step 1: Prepare the Drip Pans

Remove the drip pans from the stove and place them in the sink. Ensure that the stove is completely cooled down before doing this. Shake off any loose crumbs into a garbage can and rinse the pans thoroughly with very hot water.

Step 2: Apply Baking Soda

Generously sprinkle baking soda over the drip pans, making sure to coat the worst areas thoroughly. The baking soda will help to break down the gunk and grime on the pans.

Step 3: Add Hydrogen Peroxide

Drizzle hydrogen peroxide carefully over the drip pans, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. The combination of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda will create a fizzing reaction that helps to lift and remove the built-up gunk.

Step 4: Soak the Drip Pans

Let the drip pans soak in the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda solution for about 30 minutes. The longer soaking time will allow the solution to work on breaking down the burnt-on residue.

Step 5: Rinse and Scrub

After soaking, rinse the drip pans under cool water and use a sponge or scrubber to remove any remaining residue. If necessary, repeat the process for heavily soiled areas.

Step 6: Dry and Reinstall

Once the drip pans are thoroughly cleaned and rinsed, dry them with a microfiber cloth or towel. Finally, reinstall the drip pans under the burners, ensuring they are fitted smoothly in place.

This method is an effective and inexpensive way to clean stove drip pans without the use of harsh chemicals. It is important to clean stove drip pans regularly to maintain a safe and nice-looking stove.

Frequently asked questions