How to Clean Stove Drip Pans

How to Clean Drip Pans With Dishwashing Liquid

This method is among the most mild and will works best for fresh spills and splatters that have yet to cake on or dry.

1. Remove Drip Pans and Components

   When a spill happens, remove the drip pan and any separate decorative rings as soon as possible.

2. Create the Cleaning Solution

   Fill your sink with hot water and add a few drops of dishwashing detergent that includes a grease-cutting ingredient.

3. Soak, Wipe, Rinse, and Dry

   Place the drip pans and any other removable components in soapy water. Allow them to soak for at least 10 minutes or longer, depending on the severity of the grime. Wipe them down with a sponge or dishcloth—if there are spots that are tough to remove, use a Mr. Clean Eraser to lightly scrub away the food. Rinse the clean drip pan in hot water and dry with a microfiber cloth.

4. Reinstall the Drip Pans

   Replace the drip pans under the burners, making sure that they are fitted smoothly in place.

How to Clean Drip Pans With Vinegar and Baking Soda

Use this homemade cleaning method when soapy water just won't cut through the food build-up.

1. Remove the Drip Pans and Components

   When the stovetop is cool, remove the drip pans. Shake them over a trashcan, scraping them with a dry paper towel to remove any loose or burned food particles. This is also a good time to check if food spills have overflowed onto the stovetop. If so, it probably needs cleaning as well.

2. Soak in Hot, Soapy Water

   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.

3. Soak in Vinegar

   Drain or empty the hot soapy water. Add enough distilled white vinegar to completely cover the drip pans and allow them to soak for 30 minutes.

4. Scrub with Baking Soda

   Sprinkle the solution with a generous amount of baking soda. There will be a bit of fizzing as the baking soda reacts with the acid of the vinegar—this is normal. Let the mixture sit and work for at least an additional 15 minutes. If necessary, you can use a plastic scrubber (like a Scrub Daddy) to scour the pans, sprinkling additional baking soda onto areas with hard-to-remove stains.

5. Rinse, Dry, and Replace

   Rinse the drip pans with hot water and dry with a microfiber cloth. Replace all of the components on the stovetop.

How to Clean Drip Pans with Household Ammonia

Household ammonia is a very strong cleaner and should always be used in a well-ventilated space. This method takes the longest but is the most effective on greasy drip pans with heavily burned-on food. If you have sensitive skin, wearing rubber gloves throughout this process is highly recommended.

1. Bag the Drip Pans

   When the drip pans are completely cool, place each drip pan in a separate one-gallon resealable plastic bag.

2. Add the Ammonia

   Pour 1/4 cup of household ammonia into each bag. The cleaner is powerful enough that the drip pans do not need to be covered completely. The fumes will cut through the grease and grime.

3. Seal the Bags and Wait

   Seal the bags and allow the ammonia to work for at least 12 hours. When it's time to open the bags, make sure that you open them away from your face, as the fumes will be strong. Remove the drip pans and dispose of the ammonia and plastic bags safely.

   Dispose of the ammonia by pouring it down your drain while running cold water on full blast to dilute it. Do not dispose of the plastic bag filled with ammonia by putting it into the trash, since the fumes could combine with other materials to create a dangerous reaction.

4. Wash in Hot Soapy Water

   Fill the sink with hot water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Wash the drip pans with a sponge and use a plastic scrubber or melamine sponge on any stubborn spots.

5. Rinse, Dry, and Replace

   Rinse well in hot water and dry each drip pan with a microfiber towel. Return to the stovetop.