What are stove drip pans?

Before diving into the cleaning process, let's take a moment to understand what stove drip pans are and why they matter.

Stove drip pans, also known as stove top burner pans or bowls, are shallow, removable chrome trays located beneath the surface elements on your stovetop. 

Their primary purpose is to catch spills, grease, and food debris that may fall while you're cooking. Without drip pans, these substances would accumulate directly on your cooktop or inside the range, making it much harder to clean.

What you’ll need:

• Dish soap. A basic dish soap is an effective degreaser and will be essential for this cleaning task.
• White vinegar. White vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner that helps break down stubborn grease and stains.
• Baking soda. This household staple acts as an abrasive cleaner, perfect for tackling built-up grime.
• Aluminum foil. Aluminum foil can assist in removing tough, baked-on stains.
• Plastic bag. A plastic bag large enough to hold the drip pans will help with soaking and cleaning.
• Oven cleaner (optional). If your drip pans are exceptionally dirty, an oven cleaner can be used as a last resort.
• Steel wool or scrubbing pad. These are handy for scrubbing away stubborn residue.

Once you've gathered the necessary items, you're ready to get started. Be sure to set aside at least 30 minutes for the task, depending on the level of grime.

Step 1: Remove the drip pans.

The first step is to remove the drip pans from your stove. 

However, before embarking on that task, confirm that your stove burners are turned off and have had time to cool down. Then, carefully lift the electric burner coil and carefully detach it from its socket. You may need to pull and rock it gently until the burner releases.

Place the burner rings on a stable surface where they can remain. Then, remove the drip pans from the stove by securely gripping the edges and lifting them up.

Related: How to clean your cast iron stove grates and burners.

Step 2: Soak the drip pans.

To start, line a mixing bowl or pot with a large plastic bag. Then, place the dirty drip pans inside. 

Once you've done so, pour in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and hot water. Let this mixture sit for at least 30 minutes (or even longer if your drip pans are heavily soiled). The vinegar will help break down the grease and grime, making them easier to clean.

Step 3: Scrub with baking soda.

After soaking, remove the drip pans from the pot or bowl and sprinkle them generously with baking soda. Then, use a scrubbing pad, steel wool, or an old toothbrush to scour away the loosened grime.

As you clean, focus on the areas with the most buildup. When you've removed any lingering stains, rinse the drip pans with water to remove the baking soda residue.

Step 4: Use aluminum foil (if needed).

If you've completed the steps above and find you've still got particularly stubborn stains or burned-on residue, crumple a piece of aluminum foil and use it as a scrubber. Gently rub the foil over the affected areas to help dislodge the grime. Remember not to apply too much pressure to avoid damaging the drip pans.

Pro tip: If the aluminum foil isn't sufficient, you may also want to try oven cleaner at this stage. 

Step 5: Rinse the drip pans.

Thoroughly rinse the drip pans under running water to remove any remaining cleaning agents and debris. Take time to ensure that all the baking soda, vinegar, and grime are completely washed away.

Step 6: Apply dish soap.

Apply a few drops of dish soap to a sponge or washcloth and give the drip pans a final scrub. This will help remove any lingering grease and leave them looking clean and shiny.

Step 7: Dry and reassemble.

Once the drip pans are ready, dry them thoroughly with a paper towel or clean dish rag. Make sure they are completely dry before placing them back under the burners. Reassemble your stovetop by reinserting the drip pans and the burners, and you're done.

Should you wrap stove drip pans in aluminum foil to keep them clean?

You probably know someone who lines their drip pans with a layer of aluminum foil. Perhaps that someone is you. But is this a good idea?

While it's a commonly practiced and budget-friendly approach, lining or wrapping drip pans with foil is not a safe solution to avoid the cleaning process. Doing so can lead to overheating and even the potential ignition of the aluminum, posing a serious fire hazard.

Opting for this unsafe alternative increases the risk of electric shock, short circuits, and damage to electrical components. While it might seem like a minor concern compared to these potential dangers, covering your drip pans with aluminum foil also increases the likelihood of the chrome developing rust. 

Find cleaning and appliance repair pros on Thumbtack.

Cleaning your stove drip pans can be a bit of a chore, especially if they are heavily soiled. If you prefer to leave this task to the experts, consider hiring a professional cleaner through the Thumbtack app. 

Thumbtack connects you with local professionals who can handle a variety of household tasks, including stove maintenance and cleaning. Download the app today and simplify your home maintenance projects.

More tips for cleaning stoves:

• How to clean a gas stove top.
• How to clean a glass stove top (without scratching it).
• How to clean an electric stove top with metal coils.