Keeping your stovetop clean is an important part of maintaining your kitchen. A buildup of baked-on food and grime not only looks unsightly but can also be a potential fire hazard. Cleaning your stovetop regularly removes stubborn messes, prevents bacteria growth, and helps extend the life of your stove. We will explore tips and methods to effectively clean both gas and electric stovetops and have them looking like new again.
Assess the Stovetop Surface
The first step is identifying what type of stovetop surface you have – this will determine the cleaning methods and products best suited. The main types are:
Porcelain Enamel
This smooth and durable surface resists stains and heat damage. Cleaning can be done with most all-purpose cleaners, baking soda, or a mix of vinegar and water. Avoid abrasive scouring pads which may scratch the finish over time.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is rust-resistant, easy to clean, and matches most kitchen décor. Use a stainless steel cleaner or a mix of dish soap with warm water. Stay away from bleach or ammonia-based products which can damage the finish.
Glass-Ceramic
Glass stovetops should be cleaned gently with ceramic cooktop cleaner to avoid scratches. Avoid using anything abrasive. Special care should be taken to thoroughly clean any sugary spills which can permanently etch the surface.
Gas Burners
Gas stovetop grates are typically made of porcelain-coated steel or cast iron. These surfaces are prone to staining but can be cleaned with baking soda, soap and water, or a mild steel wool pad.
Clean Spills Immediately
Don’t let spills sit for too long before wiping them up. Dried-on, baked-on food and sauces can turn into stubborn stains. It also poses a potential fire hazard as grease and oil can catch fire if it burns onto the surface.
- Make it a habit to wipe up food spills as soon as the stovetop has cooled down after cooking. Using a cloth or paper towel, soak up any excess liquid first.
- For semi-dried spills, soften the area by laying a wet dishcloth over the stain for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing. This allows the moisture to penetrate and loosen the grime.
- Burnt-on spills may require filling the area with an ammonia-based cleaner or white vinegar and letting it sit for an hour before scrubbing and rinsing.
- Avoid using knives or metal tools to chip or scrape dried spills as they can scratch or damage the stovetop. Use a plastic scraper or the rough side of a sponge instead.
Perform Deep Cleaning Regularly
Even if you clean up spills after each use, it’s important to do a thorough deep cleaning regularly such as:
Weekly
Give the surface a good wipe down with an appropriate stovetop cleaner and plain water. Pay extra attention to areas around the burners where grime tends to build up.
Monthly
Remove the drip pans and grates and soak them in warm soapy water. Use a toothbrush to get into small crevices. Dry immediately to avoid rusting.
Biannually
Do an intensive cleaning by removing knobs and dials and scrubbing the entire stove surface including the back and sides. Use a toothbrush dipped in cleaner to get grime out of crevices.
Remove Baked-On Grime and Grease
Here are tips for tackling those really stubborn, caked-on messes:
- Baking Soda – Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply to stained areas. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. The gritty texture helps lift grime.
- White Vinegar – Similarly, make a paste with white vinegar and baking soda. Spread onto tough stains, let sit for an hour, then rinse and wipe clean. The acetic acid in vinegar breaks down grease.
- Ammonia – For burned-on grease, apply full-strength household ammonia with a soft cloth or brush. Let it soak for a few minutes before scrubbing. Rinse thoroughly. Work in a ventilated space as fumes are strong.
- Steel Wool – Lightly rub very fine 000 grade steel wool over the stain to help loosen it up. Avoid using this on glass stovetops as it can cause permanent scratching.
- Razor Blade – Carefully scrape off any chunks of baked-on food using the sharp edge of a single-edged razor blade. Hold the blade at a 45° angle against the surface and work in small areas to avoid damaging the stovetop.
- Cooktop Scraper – Use a specially designed cooktop scraper, available at most hardware stores, to chip off burnt food residues without scratching the stovetop.
Clean Specific Areas Thoroughly
Focus extra attention on these often-neglected areas:
Burner Bowls
Lift out the metal burner bowls, remove any debris, and wash in hot soapy water. Avoid steel wool as it can clog the small gas ports. Reassemble and rub a few drops of cooking oil on bowls to maintain good airflow.
Control Knobs & Switches
Wipe down knobs and switches with a damp cloth. For gunk buildup in crevices, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol or ammonia-based cleaner and swab out grime.
Back/Sides of Stove
Pull the stove out to access the sides and back which are prone to grease splatters. Use a degreasing cleaner and toothbrush to scrub off accumulated gunk and dust bunnies.
Chrome Trim
Use chrome polish and a soft cloth to make metal trim sparkle. Avoid steel wool or abrasives. For stubborn tarnish, make a paste of baking soda and vinegar and scrub gently before rinsing.
Underneath Burners
Lift off the grates and use a toothbrush dipped in cleaner to scrub debris that falls between the burners. Vacuum up crumbs using the crevice tool.
Rinse and Dry Thoroughly
It’s important to rinse off any cleaning residue which can damage surfaces or leave streaks:
- Rinse stovetop with plain warm water until all suds and cleaner is removed. Wipe away excess water with a soft lint-free cloth or paper towels.
- Avoid using wet sponges or clothes that may harbor bacteria. Change rinse water often so you are not just reapplying dirt and grease.
- Make sure the stovetop is completely dry before restoring power. Turn on the burners or heat briefly to evaporate any leftover moisture. This helps prevent corrosion and electrical shorts.
Maintain a Clean Stovetop Daily
To keep your stovetop looking clean day-to-day:
- Use a splatter screen when cooking to prevent grease buildup.
- Apply a stovetop protectant polish to help food release instead of stick. Reapply after each cleaning.
- Cover unused burners with foil when cooking on adjacent ones. This catches any splatters.
- During meal prep, have damp paper towels ready to wipe up spills immediately.
- Avoid using stovetops as extra prep or staging space. Keep clutter away.
- After each use, do a quick wipe down with a soft cloth while the surface is still warm.
- Clean under moveable electric coils regularly to prevent dirt buildup.
With regular care and cleaning, your stovetop can stay looking like new for years to come!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning a Stovetop
Cleaning and caring for your stovetop doesn’t need to be a daunting task. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
Can I use bleach or chlorine on my stovetop?
Avoid chlorine-based bleach or cleaners on most stovetop surfaces as they can be corrosive. The exception is uncoated stainless steel which can handle bleach safely in small amounts. Always rinse thoroughly after using.
How do I clean my glass stovetop without damaging it?
Use a specially formulated glass stovetop cleaner and buff with a soft cloth using minimal pressure. Avoid abrasive pads. For stubborn stains, make a paste of baking soda and water and gently scrub.
What’s the safest way to clean a hot stovetop?
It’s best to always let the stovetop cool completely before cleaning. If needed, wearing oven mitts, you can use a wet paper towel to soak up any immediate spills on a warm surface.
My electric stovetop has cracked/pitted areas. How do I fix this?
Crazing or cracking on a glass/ceramic stovetop typically means it has sustained irreversible heat damage. Unfortunately, there is no way to repair this and the entire unit usually needs replacement. Prevent it by cleaning spills promptly and avoiding temperature extremes.
How often should I deep clean my stovetop?
Plan on doing an intensive deep clean including removing knobs and burners at least twice a year. For heavy-use kitchens, quarterly is recommended. Do weekly wipe downs, daily spot cleans, and monthly burner/grate removal.
What’s the quickest way to make my stovetop shine?
Using a stainless steel or glass ceramic polish will instantly make your stovetop gleam. After regular cleaning, apply a small amount of polish with a soft cloth and buff the surface to restore its shine and protect the finish.
In Conclusion
Many homeowners dread cleaning the stovetop, especially dealing with baked-on spills and grease. However, keeping your stovetop clean has many benefits beyond just aesthetics. It maintains the appliance’s functionality, prevents buildup of bacteria and cooking odors, makes cooking safer by reducing fire risks, and can extend the usable life of your stove. By using the right tools and cleaners for your particular stovetop type and staying on top of daily and weekly care, you can keep this high-use area looking like new with minimal effort. What tips have you found useful for cleaning your kitchen stovetop?