What is the best way to clean the burners themselves when something has spilled and cooked in? How about the pan under?

I take apart the burners and the pans underneath.  I soak the pan and the  chrome edges -  round bits (not sure what the correct name is LOL) in hot soapy water and I wipe the top and bottom of the  burners themselves to get off any residue.  I also wash the entire top of the stove area and replace the pans, burners and chrome bits.  I usually line the pans with foil pans and that helps keeps them clean too.  Sally

Ok here is a news flaash besides a few choice words make sure the kids don't hear it take the rings out and get the plates out and check in on the stove top all is cleaned off with 409 degreaser then soak the plates in hot soapy water then scrub the heck out of them make sure all is clean and degreased and dry before plates are back in the rings clean off and plug in and all is well it needs that once a week or every other week to keep the boild up down.

I use the regular dish washing liquid from walmart and it works well. It's easier to use soft sponge and leave the stove with soapy water while it's still hot, then get back and scrape it with a metal cleaner. :)