How to Remove Stubborn Melted Plastic From Any Surface in Your Home

Accidents happen, and if you find yourself with melted plastic on your stove, oven, or cookware, we promise it's easy to fix. High temperatures can quickly melt plastic found on a food storage container or plastic cutting board left too close to a stove burner.

Melted plastic can be a cause for concern—you wouldn't want to have a fire hazard on your hands. But don't worry—it's easy to remove plastic from common kitchen surfaces using the right methods and cleaners.

Below, learn how to remove melted plastic from glass stove tops, stove burners, ovens, countertops, and metal kitchen finishes like pots and pans or toaster ovens.

How to Remove Melted Plastic From a Glass Stovetop

Ceramic glass stovetops remain hot after the heating elements have been turned off. If a plastic item comes in contact, turn on the kitchen hood to vent away fumes while the stovetop cools. Once it is safe to touch, use a dull kitchen knife or plastic scraper to remove as much of the melted plastic as possible.

To remove the final bits of plastic clinging to the glass, use a chemical-based cleaner to break the plastic bond with the glass and scrape the residue away. Try one of these products:

• Using WD-40: Spray a light coating of WD-40 on the plastic. Let it sit for at least five minutes before you scrape away the plastic with a safety razor blade held at a 45-degree angle.
• Cleaning with acetone or nail polish remover: Saturate the plastic residue with acetone-based nail polish remover, and allow it to work for five minutes before scraping.
  
• Mixing a baking soda paste: Mix baking soda with a few drops of water to make a paste. Spread the paste on the plastic to act as a gentle abrasive to help scrub away the mess.
• Using Goo Gone: Follow the label directions as you apply the cleaner to the plastic. Allow it to work for several minutes and then scrape the stovetop.

Remove Melted Plastic From a Stovetop Burner

Melted plastic can also make a mess on gas burners and electric coils. When it happens, open windows and turn on vent fans as quickly as possible to remove the fumes. If it happens while the burners are on high, immediately turn off the heating element.

Allow the element to cool completely and remove as much of the plastic as you can with a dull knife. Be sure to check for plastic in the drip pans under electric burners.

• Warm the residue. To remove the remaining residue, turn the burner on the lowest setting—never over low to soften the plastic.
• Scrape the warmed plastic. Use a wooden spatula, spoon, or chopstick to scrape away the plastic. As the plastic is transferred to the wooden utensil, use a paper towel to wipe the wooden tool.
• Vent and burn off the residue. With the room well-vented, heat the burner to high to burn away any remaining plastic bits. The burner should be on high for no longer than two or three minutes.

Remove Melted Plastic From an Oven

Cleaning a puddle of melted plastic from the oven floor doesn't sound fun, but we're here to help. First, always allow the oven to cool completely before you begin.

To clean the metal oven racks, use an ice bag to harden the plastic then scrape it away with a plastic or metal scraper. You may need to repeat the cleaning recommendations several times before all the plastic is gone and thoroughly clean the oven.

• Electric ovens with interior porcelain finishes: Once the oven is cool, remove the metal oven racks. Fill a plastic bag with ice, and place it on the melted plastic. The ice will make the plastic more brittle for easier removal. Use a safety razor blade scraper to chip away the plastic. Chill and chip until all of the plastic is gone.
• Gas ovens: Turn off the gas. Remove the bottom oven panel using the two screws at the back of the panel. Protect your countertops with a cloth or newspaper, and place the panel on the counter so it lies flat. Place a bag of ice on the melted plastic. Allow time for the plastic to harden, then scrape it away with a razor blade scraper.
• Ovens with continuous cleaning features: With the room well-vented, turn the oven to the lowest setting, and heat it for just a few minutes until the plastic is pliable enough to scrape away. Use only a wooden spoon, spatula, or chopstick to remove the plastic (metal utensils will harm the finish). Wipe the wooden utensil with paper towels between each scrape to prevent redepositing plastic.
  

Remove Melted Plastic From Metal Finishes

Whether the melted plastic is on a stainless steel toaster oven or a metal pan, follow these removal steps.

• Freeze the plastic. If you can't put the item in the freezer for a few hours, place a bag of ice on the plastic to harden it.
• Scrape off the plastic. Use a wooden or hard plastic scraper to pry off the hardened plastic. Work slowly so that you won't mar the metal finish. Refreeze if the plastic doesn't pop off easily.
• Use baking soda. To remove the final bits of plastic, mix a paste of baking soda and water to create a gentle abrasive. Scrub the area with the paste and a sponge. For melted plastic on the interior of a pot or pan, add a few inches of water and a generous scoop of baking soda. Heat the water, and allow it to simmer for several minutes. Scour with a scrubbing brush when the water cools a bit.

Remove Melted Plastic From Countertops

Removing melted plastic from countertops is usually simple.

• Harden the plastic. Place a bag of ice on the melted plastic.
• Pop off the plastic. Use a wooden or hard plastic scraper to pop it off the surface.
• Remove any traces of plastic. Make a baking soda and water paste and gently rub the area. Work in small circles to prevent scratches and then thoroughly clean the countertop.