Here’s how to remove melted plastic from five common household surfaces. If that happens, immediately turn on the kitchen hood to vent away fumes while the cooktop 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 that are clinging to the glass, you will need a chemical-based cleaner to react with the plastic and break the bond with the glass, so you can scrape the residue away. Try one of these products:
WD-40: Spray the plastic with a light coating of WD-40. Let it sit for at least five minutes before you begin to scape away the plastic with a safety razor blade held at a 45-degree angle. 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. Baking soda: If you prefer a more natural method, mix some 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.
No matter which method you use, the glass cooktop must be cleaned after the treatment to remove any residue that might burn the next time the cooktop is used. If the accident happens while the burners are on high, immediately turn off the heating element. Allow the element to cool completely, so you can remove as much of the plastic as you can with your hands or a dull knife. Be sure to check for plastic in the drip pans under electric burners. To remove the remaining residue, turn the burner on the lowest setting—never over 2. This will soften the plastic, so it can be scraped away with a wooden spatula, spoon, or chopstick. As the plastic is transferred to the wooden utensil, use a paper towel to wipe the wooden tool so that the melted plastic is not transferred back onto the burner. Continue scraping until no more plastic can be removed. With the kitchen hood vent open, turn the burner control on high to burn away any bits of remaining plastic. Use a circulating fan to blow the fumes toward an open window. The burner should be on high no longer than two or three minutes.
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 newspapers, 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, and 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 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 spreading the plastic.
To clean the metal oven racks, use an ice bag to harden the plastic, and then scrape it away with a plastic or metal scraper.
