5 Ways to Remove Melted Plastic From a Ceramic Stove Top

ceramic stove top
What You'll Need
Boiling water
Rubber scraper
Razor blade
WD-40
Nylon scrubber
Baking soda
Safety gloves
Ice
Bar Keepers Friend powder
Sponge
What You'll Need
Boiling water
Rubber scraper
Razor blade
WD-40
Nylon scrubber
Baking soda
Safety gloves
Ice
Bar Keepers Friend powder
Sponge

Removing melted plastic from a ceramic stovetop is a bit difficult and can be frustrating. However, you must remove the material before you can safely use the stove again.

There is more than one way to do it, and the technique you choose may depend upon what type of plastic is melted. For example, a plastic wrapper or bag will most likely require a different technique than a bowl or plastic lid that has melted or is stuck to the stovetop. Try one or more of the techniques below to get your stovetop back into tip-top shape.

1. Boiling Water

Although some people say to turn the burner on low and allow the plastic to soften, we don't recommend this. By the time the burner cools enough for you to scrape it, the plastic will harden again. It's not wise to have your hands on a hot stovetop, not even if it has been on a low setting.

Put boiling water onto the plastic in small amounts using a tablespoon or soup ladle. Then use the rubber scraper to scrape the plastic away. Dry with a dish towel or old rag. You may have to repeat this process several times to get all the plastic off the stovetop.

2. WD-40

Many do-it-yourself enthusiasts swear by using a combination of WD-40 and a razor blade, although you must take care and not damage the stovetop with the razor. Make sure the stovetop is completely cool before doing this. Squirt on a bit of WD-40 and allow it to soak a bit into the plastic. Then, holding the razor blade flat, scrape at the melted plastic until it's all removed. If it isn't coming up, let the WD-40 soak a bit longer. You will have to work at this a bit to get it all off, but it is a good fix.

3. Baking Soda

For lighter amounts of melted plastic, this is a good technique. It also doesn't create any fumes, so this option may be more agreeable for you to use. Make a paste of the baking soda and water and scrub at the plastic using the nylon scrubber. You may need to let the burner warm-up only slightly before doing this. If you warm the burner, wear safety gloves when using this technique in case the burner is too warm.

4. Ice

If the melted plastic is a larger piece, such as a plastic bowl or plastic lid placed on the hot stove, this technique may work well for you. When the stove is cooled completely, put ice on the coated area. This will make the plastic more brittle. In many cases, the plastic will snap off or pull off with little work. Clean any residue with a nylon scrubber.

5. Bar Keeper's Friend

This cleaning product has been around since 1882, and removing melted plastic is one of its many uses. Sprinkle a small amount on a damp sponge and use it on a cooled stovetop to scour the plastic away. Repeat as needed. This product is gentler than most scouring powders and won't scratch the stovetop. You may look for similar products on the market, but be sure to research reviews to ensure you won't need to replace your ceramic stovetop all together from damage.

Remove Melted Plastic From a Ceramic Stove Top FAQ

How do you get hard plastic off a stove top?

Some plastic cools and dries to become very hard after it has melted in place. It is possible to remove the hardened plastic from a stove top.

First, wait until the stovetop is completely cool. Cover the plastic with standard dry baking soda and spray white vinegar thoroughly all over it.

Let it sit for about 30 seconds. With a soft sponge, gently scrub at the plastic using small, circular motions.

How do you remove hard plastic?

Hard plastic, when it melts and dries in place, can be incredibly difficult to remove from ceramic. Loosen the plastic with boiling hot water.

The water can be applied with a soup ladle or similar tool. After the water is poured onto the plastic, use a rubber scraper and try to get the plastic off.

Don't be too aggressive but don't be gentle, either. You might need to soak up water and add more hot water as you work.

Can vinegar remove melted plastic?

Vinegar is a common household item that can be used for cleaning and for weed-killing, among other purposes. But vinegar alone will not remove most melted plastic.

Combine vinegar with baking soda to create a paste that can be useful in removing plastic.

Will rubbing alcohol remove plastic?

Rubbing alcohol, in any mixture, is made to be non-corrosive to metal and plastic. This means that alcohol does not remove or dissolve plastic.

All the alcohol can do is get the plastic wet.

Will isopropyl alcohol damage ceramic coating?

Isopropyl alcohol, which is used as a cleaning agent, probably will not damage your ceramic. However, it is not recommended.

If you have a glaze on top of the ceramic, this may become damaged by the isopropyl alcohol.