Simple Ways for Cleaning Melted Plastic From a Stovetop

We’ve all been there… in the rush of preparing dinner some sort of plastic — whether it be a reusable container or food wrapper — ends up on your heated stovetop and immediately melts. While it’s bad enough seeing one of your bowls become a casualty of the scorcher that is your stovetop, the cleanup after can be an even bigger problem. Not to worry, though, because we’ve got a few solutions.

Cleaning Melted Plastic From a Stovetop

No matter what kind of stovetop you have, it’s possible to remove melted plastic. For glass or ceramic stovetops, start by allowing the stove and plastic to cool down. Once it has cooled completely, gently and carefully use a plastic scraper or razor blade to remove the plastic. Be mindful of the glass or ceramic surface.

If scraping proves insufficient, place a bag of ice on the plastic for 15-30 minutes. This will harden the plastic thus, making it easier to remove. After removing significant plastic residue, shift the focus to cleaning the stovetop. There are many suitable options that can be used.

Dealing With the Odor

As with a glass or ceramic stovetop, a gas stove with metal hobs should be completely cool before cleaning. After it’s no longer hot, gently remove the melted plastic with a plastic scraper. If plastic has gotten onto the metal grates, remove and clean the grates separately. If there are any bits that haven’t come off after scraping, use a hairdryer or heat gun on low heat to soften the remnants before carefully scraping or peeling. Sanitize the plastic-free surface with rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover, and use a mild metal cleaner to remove any remaining residue.

The smell of melted plastic is rather unpleasant but can be removed rather easily. Start by opening the windows and turning on any fans, if you have. To ensure that the smell is completely gone, you can also fill a small dish with vinegar and stick it in the corner by the cooktop.