The Right Way to Clean Your Dirty Stovetop Without Breaking a Sweat
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When's the last time you cleaned your stovetop? Beyond simply wiping it down with a cleaning spray and a paper towel, it's important to deep clean it every once in a while and leave it sparkling. You might not even realize how much grease and grime is coating your stove and burners until you reveal what's underneath. Here's how to properly clean your stove, no matter what type you have. Before you know it, it'll be good as new.
To Remove Caked-On Stains
Soak your stovetop in a strong cleaner, and use a scraper to get up every bit of the stains, being careful not to scrape too hard. You can also soak a cloth in hot water, let it rest over a stain for a few minutes, and scrape up the remaining residue.
To Clean Gas Burner Grates
If you have a gas stove, you should fully remove the grates and soak them in soap and warm water in the sink, scrub them, and rinse and dry them thoroughly before placing them back on the stove. You can also spray vinegar on burners and let it sit for 10-15 minutes, because vinegar will help break down built-up food. Some grates are even dishwasher safe, but be sure to check your oven's manual to be sure.
To Clean Electric Grates
You can remove an electric burner's coils by gently pulling the burner out to the side. Keep the burners out of the sink and carefully clean them with a soapy sponge without getting any water on the electrical connection. Make sure they're completely dry before reattaching them on the stove.
To Clean Induction Cooktops
If you have an induction stove with a glass ceramic surface, you might want to buy a ceramic stovetop cleaner. Certain materials, like bleach cleaners and dishwashing agents, are bad for induction cooktops. Use a soft cloth and a ceramic-approved cleaner to wipe up stains across the entire surface.
Don't Forget the Knobs
You're touching your stove's knobs on a regular basis, and splatters can frequently dirty them, too. Don't neglect this part of your stove, and be sure to wipe each knob with a soapy sponge on a regular basis. You can even remove the knobs for a deeper clean in warm water and dishwashing liquid.