A clean stove sets the tone for the entire kitchen, serving as the spot where meals are prepared and memories are made. Still, keeping it spotless can seem like a chore. With the right routine, you can clean your stove quickly and keep it that way. By pairing an effective cleaning method with consistent upkeep, you’ll keep it in top condition and looking like new.
Clean Your Stove: Gas Stoves
Gas stovetops have grates and burner caps that need special attention. Start by removing all the grates and burner caps. Many of these parts can be cleaned in the sink with hot, soapy water. For stubborn, burnt-on food, let it soak for a while. You can also create a baking soda paste with a little water and scrub the grates with a brush or steel wool pad. A toothbrush is excellent for getting into all the crevices of the burner caps.
While the grates are soaking, tackle the stovetop itself. The surface of a gas stove is usually enamel or stainless steel. A good degreasing cleaner is your best friend here. Spray the surface liberally and let it sit for a few minutes to break down the grease. Use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to wipe away the grime. For particularly tough spots, a plastic scraper or an old credit card can gently lift away dried-on food without scratching the surface. Once clean, rinse the surface with a damp cloth and dry it with a clean towel to prevent water spots.
The Cleaning Process: Electric Stoves
Electric stovetops come in two main varieties: coil and smooth-top. Both require a slightly different approach.
Cleaning a Coil Top Stove
Coil stovetops have removable drip pans under the heating elements. Remove the coils and the drip pans. Like the gas stove grates, the drip pans can be soaked in hot, soapy water. A baking soda paste can be used to scrub away any food residue. The coils themselves should not be submerged in water. Instead, wipe them down with a damp cloth, being careful not to get the electrical connections wet.
The stovetop surface under the coils can be cleaned with a degreasing cleaner. Wipe it down, rinse with a clean, damp cloth, and dry thoroughly. Once everything is dry, reassemble the stove.
Cleaning a Smooth-Top Stove
Smooth-top, or glass-top, stoves are sleek but can be prone to scratches and burnt-on food. For everyday cleaning, a microfiber cloth and a glass stovetop cleaner are all you need. You’ll need to be a little more assertive for more significant messes.
First, scrape off burnt food with a razor scraper designed for glass stovetops. Hold the scraper at a shallow angle to avoid scratching the glass. Next, apply a generous amount of a specialized glass stovetop cleaner. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge. The cleaner will lift and loosen the burnt-on food. Wipe away the residue with a damp cloth and buff the surface with a clean, dry cloth to a sparkling shine.
The Oven and Beyond
Don’t forget the oven. While a separate task, a full stove cleaning should include the oven. Many modern ovens have a self-cleaning feature that heats the oven to a very high temperature, turning burnt food into ash. If you don’t have this feature, a commercial oven cleaner or a baking soda paste can do the trick.
Wipe down the exterior of your stove, including the knobs, handles, and control panel. A spray bottle of vinegar and water is perfect for this. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that leaves surfaces streak-free.
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