Cleaning pan guards?

[MrsBrendanCole]

At least i think thats what they're called! The black metal things that sit on top of your hob which you put pans on (not very good description i know!)

How do you clean them? Ive tried hot soapy water but to no avail - im thinking washing powder in the bath, soak them?

Any ideas welcome - thanks

Washing powder would probably work, but you can use oven pride (can buy it in Morrisons) nasty cleaning stuff which comes with a big ziplock bag. Just leave overnight, and sparkly cooker bits come out! I stick it through the dishwasher afterwards rather than rinsing by hand!