Any tips for cleaning a dirty electric stove before my MIL arrives?

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around participants sharing their experiences and tips for cleaning dirty electric stove burners and microwaves, particularly in preparation for a visit from a mother-in-law. Various cleaning methods and products are discussed, along with humorous anecdotes related to the situation.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions soaking the burners in hot, soapy water but struggles to remove the grime.
  • Another participant suggests buying new drip pans as a simple solution, noting their affordability.
  • Several users share methods for cleaning microwaves, including using citrus fruits and water to create steam for easier cleaning.
  • One participant describes using oven cleaner on the pans under the burner rings, recommending a method involving newspaper and overnight soaking.
  • Another participant mentions wrapping drip pans in aluminum foil to keep them clean, sharing their experience of maintaining cleanliness while living on a military base.
  • One participant highlights the effectiveness of Magic Erasers for cleaning burners, expressing satisfaction with the results.
  • Another participant shares a tip involving vegetable oil to remove sticky residues from surfaces.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best cleaning methods, with no clear consensus emerging on a single effective solution for cleaning electric stove burners.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and cleaning techniques, reflecting a range of household situations and preferences.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants and community members looking for practical cleaning tips and personal experiences related to maintaining kitchen appliances may find this discussion relevant.

jbachen
jbachen
Messages
608
OK, I admit, I am not the best housekeeper in the world. So I am doing some cleaning before my MIL gets here, and the burners on my electric stove are A MESS! I soaked them all afternoon in hot, soapy water, and am not getting anything off of them. Anyone have a good solution for cleaning these things?

Also, does anyone have handy the trick where you microwave a vinegar solution to make cleaning the microwave easier??

TIA.
 
Just buy new drip pans, they are really cheap at Target- otherwise soft scrub works well- oh, Bonami- it's a Bar Keepers best friend- it's like comet cleanser but not as harsh and the grains are finer.

HTH-
Hopefully MIL won't come with a white glove on!
 
jbachen said:
OK, I admit, I am not the best housekeeper in the world. So I am doing some cleaning before my MIL gets here, and the burners on my electric stove are A MESS! I soaked them all afternoon in hot, soapy water, and am not getting anything off of them. Anyone have a good solution for cleaning these things?

Also, does anyone have handy the trick where you microwave a vinegar solution to make cleaning the microwave easier??

TIA.
Click to expand...

When I had an Electric Stove, I would use oven cleaner on the pans under the burner rings. I'd lay newspaper in the sink, and then put the pans on top of them, and spray them with the oven cleaner, and then cover them with more newspaper and let them sit overnight - and in the morning, just rinse and they were clean. If you do this, be sure and wear your pink polka dot gloves!:D

OR Go to the nearest hardware store, and buy replacement pans!:o :D
 
Q: What is the definition of "mixed emotions"?A: Watching your mother in law drive off a cliff in your new Cadillac.
 
KG - That's tooooo funny!
 
For your microwave, take a piece of citrus fruit (orange or lemon) and a mug of water, put the citrus in the mug of water, microwave for 2-3 mins. Wipe clean with paper towel!

This works like a charm and smells so good when done!
 
I have a great solution for you! Get a flat-top stove!
 
vwpamperedchef said:
For your microwave, take a piece of citrus fruit (orange or lemon) and a mug of water, put the citrus in the mug of water, microwave for 2-3 mins. Wipe clean with paper towel!

This works like a charm and smells so good when done!
Click to expand...


Ohhhh - I'm going to go do this right now!
 
Show her the picture of my drip pan (it's over in the MICE!! HELP!! thread on page 2) and suddenly, your house will look like an operating room.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #10
The_Kitchen_Guy said:
Show her the picture of my drip pan (it's over in the MICE!! HELP!! thread on page 2) and suddenly, your house will look like an operating room.
Click to expand...

Thanks, KG, you always know how to put things into perspective! :)

Everyone else, thanks for the tips... I think I am going to go with the Soft Scrub overnight... Although the buying new ones is a great idea, too. And while we are on the subject - does anyone ever wrap the metal pieces under the burners with aluminum foil? I did a show for a hostess a couple of weeks ago who had that in her house, but her husband was the cook and she had no idea of the reasoning behind it. It seems to me like a brilliant idea - when they get dirty, tear off the foil and start over! Anyone else do this??
 
jbachen said:
Thanks, KG, you always know how to put things into perspective! :)

Everyone else, thanks for the tips... I think I am going to go with the Soft Scrub overnight... Although the buying new ones is a great idea, too. And while we are on the subject - does anyone ever wrap the metal pieces under the burners with aluminum foil? I did a show for a hostess a couple of weeks ago who had that in her house, but her husband was the cook and she had no idea of the reasoning behind it. It seems to me like a brilliant idea - when they get dirty, tear off the foil and start over! Anyone else do this??
Click to expand...

As Ghetto as it looks, yes I wrap the drip pans (that's what they are called) with foil. When DH and I lived on a military base getting things dirty was not really an option. When you clean your house before you move elsewhere they go over it with an ultra white glove and a black light! LOL So I started wrapping drip pans in foil to keep them pretty and sparkly and clean!

Don't soak them in soft scrub- scrub them in soft scrub. :) LOL If all else fails, try a paste of lemon juice and baking soda.
 
jbachen said:
Thanks, KG, you always know how to put things into perspective! :)
Click to expand...
Life is FAR too important to take seriously.
 
jbachen said:
OK, I admit, I am not the best housekeeper in the world. So I am doing some cleaning before my MIL gets here, and the burners on my electric stove are A MESS! I soaked them all afternoon in hot, soapy water, and am not getting anything off of them. Anyone have a good solution for cleaning these things?

Also, does anyone have handy the trick where you microwave a vinegar solution to make cleaning the microwave easier??
TIA.
Click to expand...
I am sure MIL is here by now and this is a moot point, but I just take my small batter bowl, add water, put in microwave for about 3 minutes and wipe clean! The boiing water helps loosen up any gunk.
 
I just purchase new drip pans like others have said, but I also use stainless burner covers so when they are dirty you can't see it! I just can't keep them clean w/my husband and kids cooking! They always let things boil over! Yes, I have a boil control from PC, but it doesn't work when they don't use it:)!
 
Oh my, I just read KG's joke about the MIL and Cadillac...and snorted my drink! Then I saw his mouth picture and about spit out my drink!

Ah, KG, you had such a unique touch!
 
when I had them I would put them in a black trash bag and spray easy off on them and then rinse them off a few hours later or line them with paper towels and pour ammonia on them and close the bag for a few hoursI also covered them in foil (because thats how I was raised)I'm impressed if drip pans are all your worried about. My family is threatening to burn my list. All our family comes in next week for graduation and I'm freaking out trying to get everything done. I gotta admit some of the things are pretty dumb (clean and defrost both freezers)
my neighbors were here for dinner and they were laughing 'cuz I'm pretty OCD when it comes to cleaning on a daily basis
 
I use the batter bowl and fill it with water and a little bit of liquid dishsoap. I nuke it for 4-5 minutes and the steam from the water/soap loosens everything up on the inside of the micro and voila! easy cleanup! I also sometimes add a slice of lemon or orange to it as well for that wonderful clean citrus smell but I always add the dishsoap!
 
Magic Erasers!

I buy those suckers in case lots and cleaned up my nasty burners a few weeks ago. Tore through one or two erasers, but now my stove blings!

I heart Magic Erasers.
 
Magic Erasers are the absolute best for removing soot - don't ask me how I know this.Also good for cleaning gooky crap like soot is http://www.drbronner.com/DBMS/SAL.htm. It cuts greasy household dirt better than anything else I've found. http://www.drbronner.com/store/graphics/products/SSLI32.jpg
 
A little trick my grandmother taught me is that anything that has the sticky residue left behind (from bumper stickers, or removing price tags on items) take a dab of vegatable oil and rub on the spot. It takes it right off!!
 
Teresa Lynn said:
when I had them I would put them in a black trash bag and spray easy off on them and then rinse them off a few hours later or line them with paper towels and pour ammonia on them and close the bag for a few hours

I also covered them in foil (because thats how I was raised)

I'm impressed if drip pans are all your worried about. My family is threatening to burn my list. All our family comes in next week for graduation and I'm freaking out trying to get everything done. I gotta admit some of the things are pretty dumb (clean and defrost both freezers)
my neighbors were here for dinner and they were laughing 'cuz I'm pretty OCD when it comes to cleaning on a daily basis
Click to expand...

This is what I was talking about when I said I soaked them overnight.....I've never tried doing it with soft scrub.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best cleaning products to use on a dirty electric stove?

For cleaning a dirty electric stove, it's best to use a gentle cleaner like a mixture of baking soda and water, or a specialized stovetop cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the surface. Vinegar can also be effective for removing stains and grease.

How can I remove tough stains from my electric stove?

For tough stains, create a paste using baking soda and water, apply it to the stained area, and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. Then, scrub gently with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth and rinse with warm water.

Is it safe to use a razor blade to scrape off burnt-on food?

Yes, using a razor blade can be safe if done carefully. Hold the blade at a 45-degree angle and gently scrape off the burnt food. Make sure to use a glass stovetop scraper designed for this purpose to avoid scratching the surface.

How can I prevent my electric stove from getting dirty in the future?

To prevent future messes, clean up spills immediately after they occur. Use stove covers or mats to catch spills and splatters. Regular maintenance, such as wiping down the stove after each use, can also help keep it clean.

What should I do if my electric stove has a persistent odor?

If your electric stove has a persistent odor, try cleaning it with a mixture of vinegar and water. You can also place a bowl of baking soda inside the oven overnight to absorb odors. Ensure that all food residues are removed, as they can contribute to lingering smells.

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