Kitchen Tips

How To Clean Gas As Well As Electric Stove Top

Source : ikea

Cleaning a stove top may not be one of those fun tasks whether gas or electric, but it is one of those tasks that are inevitable if you want a clean kitchen and a smoothly functioning kitchen appliance. A clean stove top is more than just a pleasing sight, it’s an essential part of kitchen hygiene and safety.

But, is it safe to clean such surfaces without at the same time causing further degradation of the materials? Now, let us consider the detailed procedure to have your stove top as shiny as new.

What You Need To Clean Your Stovetop

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When it comes to cleaning your stove top, having the right tools and supplies can make the job easier and more effective.  Here’s a list of essential items you’ll need to keep both gas and electric stove tops clean and shiny: 

  1. Microfiber Cloths: Microfiber cloths are recommended for cleaning the stovetop because they will not scratch the surface and clean the dirt effectively. They are also very good at absorbing and hence so useful in wiping and polishing.
  2. Non-Abrasive Sponges: These sponges are among the best when it comes to cleaning your stoves without bringing about some harm to them. They’re powerful enough to deal with spills and stains but are not abrasive adequate to damage the surface.
  3. Baking Soda: These are natural cleaners that are effective in eradicating tough stains and even burnt foods. It is a tad gritty so can properly clean away grime and gunk and not ruin your stovetop in the process.
  4. White Vinegar: Vinegar is an excellent all-purpose cleaner. It’s especially good at cutting through grease and leaving your stove top shiny. Plus, it helps remove any odors.
  5. Plastic Scraper: A plastic scraper is handy for removing stuck-on food or spills that have hardened. It’s safe to use on glass and ceramic stove tops because it won’t scratch the surface.
  6. Toothbrush: An old toothbrush is great for cleaning those hard-to-reach areas around the burners and knobs. The small bristles can get into tiny spaces and will be more penetrating than a cloth or even a small sponge for that matter.
  7. Dish Soap: Dish soap is essential for cleaning removable parts like grates and drip pans. It is capable of dissolving greases and is harmless on most kinds of surfaces.
  8. Paper Towels or Dry Cloths: After washing, you will need something to wipe on the stove top with. A sheet of paper towel or a clean cloth can then be used to wipe off any remaining moisture and this will help in avoiding streak formation.

How To Clean Gas Stove Tops

Step 1: Turn Off, Cool Down, and Disassemble

Source : thorstove

It is important to switch off all the burners and let the stovetop cool down for some time. This step is important to prevent any risk involved when cleaning and it also makes cleaning much easier.

When the stove is cold, take off the grates and the burner caps. I find that these parts come off quite easily and you may set them aside to clean them individually.

Step 2: Soak the Grates and Burner Caps

Source : thespruce

Submerge your sink with warm water and three to four drops of dish soap. Submerge the grates and burner caps in soapy water and let them soak as you clean the rest of the stovetop. Soaking helps loosen any stuck-on food and grease, making them easier to clean later.

Step 3: Wipe Down the Stove Top

Source : appliancecareusa

You should take some time to clean the stovetop using a microfiber cloth or a nonabrasive sponge. This will help to eliminate everyday debris, stains, and even thin layers of grease found on the surface.

If there is any grease, then you should spray white vinegar on the particular area and let it stand for some time before washing it. Vinegar is useful in that it removes grease and in the process makes the surface appear shiny.

Step 4: Scrub Tough Stains

Source : chatelaine

For any tough, stuck-on stains:

  • Make a paste using baking soda and a little water.
  • Dip the paste on the stained area and rub it gently allowing it to stand for 15-20 minutes.
  • Gently scrub the area with a non-abrasive sponge or use a plastic scraper to lift off the grime without scratching the surface.

Step 5: Clean Around the Burners and Dry the Stove Top

Source : thespruce

Soak an old toothbrush in soapy water or vinegar and scrub around the burner area, particularly around the tiny holes through which the gas comes out. They should be cleaned to facilitate constant circulation of the heat throughout the structure of the unit in addition to the elimination of blockages that can impair the efficiency of your stove.

After that, using a soft cloth, moist it with water and wipe all the stove top, to eliminate any remains of soap, vinegar as well as baking soda. Next, wipe it dry with dry paper towels or a towel so that you avoid streaks and water spots on the surface.

Step 6: Clean and Rinse the Grates and Burner Caps

Source : thespruce

Now that the grates and burner caps have soaked:

  • Wash them with a sponge or toothbrush to clean the surface and wash all the dirt, grease, or food particles.
  • This can be done by rinsing them with clean water to wash away residual soap.
  • Let them dry before putting them on the stove again This is because If they are wet when you put them in the stove, they will absorb moisture from the steam, and become damp again.

Step 7: Reassemble the Stove

Source : mrappliance

After that, remove all the ash and dirt that may have accumulated from the burner caps and grates then reposition them accordingly. Ensure they are securely placed to avoid any issues when you next use the stove.

For a finishing touch take a small bowl pour a little white vinegar and then wipe the stovetop with a dry microfiber cloth. It will also help to leave your stovetop with a nice and shiny finish which eradicates streaks as well as fingerprints.

How To Clean Electric Stove Tops

Step 1: Turn Off the Stove and Let It Cool

Source : pgusedappliances

Make sure all the burners on the stove are extinguished and that the stovetop is cool to the touch. This is very important for your safety and convenience especially when cleaning.

Step 2: If Applicable Clean Electric Coil Burners

Source : apartmenttherapy

If your stove has coil burners:

  • Remove the burners: Unplug all the coils very gently and place them at a safe distance or separate them and keep them aside.
  • Clean the drip pans: Take off the drip pans underneath the coils. Wash the dishes in warm soapy water for approximately 5 minutes and use a sponge to clean them up of grease and leftover food. Wash them and dry them till there is no wetness left on the cups.
  • Wipe the coils: It is advised that with the help of a damped cloth, you should wipe up the coils carefully. If they are greasy, you only add a small quantity of dishwashing soap to the cloth. Be sure that do not wet the electrical connections. After cleaning the coils should be dried before they are returned to their position.

Step 3: Wipe Down the Stove Top

Source : ovenclean

For both coil and smooth-top stoves:

  • Clean the surface with a microfiber cloth or a non-abrasive sponge and wipe the entire surface of the equipment. This helps clean foods that may have fallen into the unit such as crumbs, spills, and light grease.
  • For any greasy stains, wet the area of the grease with a little white vinegar then leave it to act for some time then wipe. Vinegar is a wonderful cleaner, especially on surfaces that require a wash to remove grease;

Step 4: Scrub Tough Stains

Source : homedepot

For stubborn stains:

  • For smooth-top stoves: To do this take baking soda and mix it with a little water to get a paste or you can also use a dishwasher. Rub the paste onto the stain and allow it to dry for about 15-20 minutes. Then rinse the area again with cold water, use a soft brush or nonabrasive sponge, or use a plastic scraper to clean the surface off the deposit. Make sure not to rub the glass or ceramic surface as it may result in scratching the surface further.
  • For coil stoves: Use the same baking soda paste or a toothbrush to scrub around the coil sockets and the drip pan areas where food and grease can build up.

Step 5: Rinse, Dry, and Reassemble

Source : familyhandyman

After scrubbing, rinse the stove top with water and thoroughly clean it using a clean cloth or sponge to clean any residue of soap, vinegar, or baking soda remaining on the surface of the stovetop. Then, wipe the surface using a paper towel or a dry cloth to avoid forming streaks on the surface or water stains.

If you remove the coils and drip pans make sure that no part remains wet at all. Put back the drip pans to their proper places and reinstall the coil burners to their plugs.

It is also important that they are well-fixed so that there will be no problem with them later on. Finally, spray a little white vinegar on the surface and wipe it down with a dry microfiber cloth. This will give your stovetop a shiny, streak-free finish.

Importance of Regular Cleaning

Source : reddit

Regular cleaning is often seen as just another chore on the to-do list, however, when it comes to the stovetop it is more than just cleaning.

Here is why cleaning exercises should always be on the top priority list of tasks that need to be done in the Kitchen.

  1. Safety: Grease and food accumulate on the stovetop and once time they get very hot, they can easily catch fire. In the case of gas stoves, this hood's buildup can also hinder the passage of the gas to the burner, which is dangerous.
  2. Longer Life for Your Stove: When you clean your stove you can avoid damaging the surface as well as the parts with dirt and grime. This lengthens the life of your stove and you don’t have to repair it which will cost a lot of money or replace your stove altogether as you had planned to do.
  3. Better Cooking: Cleaning the stove top makes the burners able to distribute heat evenly hence making your foods cook well. On electric stoves, cleaning the surface ensures that your pots and pans make contact with the surface hence they heat up well.
  4. Improved Food Taste: If you leave spills or burnt food on the surface of the stove they contribute to bad smells that may change the taste of the food you are preparing. Regular cleaning stops these odors from spoiling your food.
  5. Easier Cleaning Later: If you clean your stovetop often, then you will keep on eradicating tough stains as well as grime off the surface. What this means is that future washings will take less time and effort since you will not have to scrub so much.

Maintenance Tips to Keeping Your Stove Tops Clean

Cleaning the stove top is not as big a hassle as most people would want to make it. If you have a gas or an electric stove, use these few habits to ensure that it remains clean without requiring some special scrubbing and cleaner.

Here’s how you can make stove maintenance a breeze:

1. Clean Spills Right Away

Just suppose, you are in the middle of cooking something and sauce flies and splatters all over to the stovetop. Instead of letting it dry up and becoming a tough more to manipulate, grab a wet wipe and wipe it off. Spills require immediate intervention before they get worse and are increasingly harder to handle.

2. Incorporate Daily Wipe-Downs

Establish a schedule as to when you are going to clean your stovetop, preferably every single day. Clean the surface, It also requires a few minutes of rinsing in a mild soap to remove the residual food particles after the cooking is done.

It prevents crumbs and small stains from sticking to the floor, so you don’t need to face a big problem in the future.

3. Use Stove Protectors

Consider using stove liners or baking sheets to catch any stray drips or crumbs. These protectors are easy to remove and clean, making them a handy tool to keep your stovetop looking immaculate. If you prefer a custom fit, look for stove protectors designed specifically for your model.

4. Avoid Harsh Cleaners

When it comes to cleaning, gentleness is key. Do not use harsh soap and scrubbers to clean your stovetop since these may scratch the surface. For glass and ceramic, it will not be advisable to use any cleaning agent that is not specially formulated for that surface.

It is the same with new cleaners you should always test them before using them on the entire house as it might cause some harm.

5. Keep Burner Grates and Coils Clean

Clean your gas stove grates with warm soapy water at least once weekly to eliminate grease buildup. As for electrical stoves, you should clean the coils occasionally, sometimes using a wet cloth will do the trick.

To increase the effectiveness, one needs to clean the limbs and remove any food residue that may be present.