What is a drip pan?
Stoves usually have small metal bowls that sit right underneath the burners. Their function is to catch any spills or drips. Those small, shallow bowls are removable for cleaning or replacement.
Burnt-on food is usually extremely tough to remove. That is exactly why cleaning those drip pans can be a challenge. In this article, we will talk about ways in which you can clean your drip pans and make them look brand new. Keep reading to find out how to get rid of heavy burned-on food residue with only regular household items.
Ideally, drip pans should be cleaned after every use of the stove. By removing fresh spills and food residue, you will prevent grease and grime from building up and getting stuck. However, this is rather unrealistic. Nobody has the time for that so if you use your stove daily, you should clean your drip pans at least once a week. Of course, that depends on how much food you spill, as well as the type of liquids. You want to maintain that part of the stove clean because grease and food residue buildup can cause smoke and even start a fire.
The two things you should pay attention to when attempting to clean your drip pans are: make sure they are cool before you start, and make sure you remember the way they fit into place so you are able to properly return them when done with their cleaning.
How to wash stove drip pans with dishwashing liquid?
1. Remove drip pans – As soon as the spill happens, remove drip pans and disassemble any decorative rings.
2. Fill your sink, or a large bucket with hot water and add a few drops of dishwashing detergent. It is best if you use one with grease-cutting properties.
3. Soak, wipe, rinse, and dry – Place the drip pans and any other removable parts in the hot cleaning solution and allow them to soak for 10 minutes or longer (depending on the type and amount of grease and grime you have stuck on the drip pans). After that, wipe them down with a sponge or dishcloth, if there are tough to remove spots, use some elbow grease to get rid of them by gently scrubbing the area. Rinse all the parts with hot water and dry with a soft microfiber cloth.
4. Put them back into place – Place the drip pans back in place. Make sure they properly fit in smoothly.
How to clean drip pans with vinegar and baking soda?
1. When a spill occurs, remove all drip pans and other removable parts that are dirty and shake them off over a rubbish bin. If there is any dried or stuck-on food residue, scrape it off with a dry paper towel.
2. Soak in hot, soapy water – Fill a large bucket or sink with a solution of hot water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid (best use a degreasing one) enough to cover the parts. Allow them to soak for at least 15 minutes.
3. Soak in vinegar – Dispose of the dirty soapy water and fill the bucket with enough vinegar to cover the parts. Let them soak for 30 minutes or more.
4. Add baking soda – Sprinkle baking soda in the solution. There will be fizzing because of the reaction between vinegar and baking soda. Let this mixture sit for another 15-30 minutes. If needed, use a plastic scrubber in order to scour any stubborn and stuck-on food residue.
5. Rinse, dry, and replace – Rinse all removable parts well in hot water, then dry them with a microfiber cloth or allow them to air dry. Place them back on the stovetop.
How to clean stove drip pans with household ammonia
Before you turn to this strong cleaner, make sure you are using it in a very well-ventilated area. It takes longer but is extremely effective against grease and other grime. Avoid direct skin contact.
1. Place parts in bags – When the drip pans and other removable parts are cool, place each one in a separate resealable bag.
2. Pour ¼ cup of household ammonia into each bag. You don’t need to cover the whole part since ammonia is strong enough and the fumes will be able to cut through the grease and grime.
3. Let it soak – Seal the bags and let the ammonia soak for at least 12 hours. When done soaking, open up the bags and carefully dispose of the ammonia. Do this down your drain while running cold water at the same time.
4. Wash in hot soapy water – Fill your sink with hot water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Wash the drip pans with a sponge or a plastic scrubber.
5. Rinse, dry, and replace – Rinse all parts, dry them with a soft microfiber cloth and place them back on your stove.