How to Clean a Stovetop: A Comprehensive Guide
Cleaning Ceramic Glass Stovetops
To clean a ceramic glass stovetop, follow these steps:
- Cool: Turn off the stovetop and wait for it to cool completely before cleaning.
- Mix a cleaning solution: Combine 2 cups of hot water with 1/2 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid in a bowl.
- Apply the cleaner: Spray or wipe the solution onto the stovetop and use the abrasive side of a sponge to clean in circular motions. For tough spots, let the solution sit for several minutes.
- Wipe away the cleaner: Dip a sponge in clean water and wipe away the soapy solution and debris.
- Tackle tough spots: For burned-on food, spray vinegar onto the area and sprinkle with baking soda. Cover with a damp cloth for 15 minutes, then wipe with a clean cloth. Use a razor blade scraper for stubborn grime, holding it flat against the surface.
- Rinse and dry: Wipe the stovetop with a sponge dipped in clean water to remove residue. Dry with a microfiber towel for a streak-free finish.
Cleaning Electric Coil Stovetops
To clean an electric coil stovetop:
- Burn off debris: Turn on each coil to high for three minutes to burn off spills and splatters. Vent the smoke and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Remove and clean the coils: Pull out the coils and wipe them with a sponge dipped in hot, soapy water. For tough buildup, use baking soda.
- Clean the drip pans: Soak the drip pans in hot, soapy water for 15 minutes. Scrub with a sponge and baking soda if needed, then rinse and dry.
- Clean under the stovetop: Open the stovetop like a car hood and clean the enameled metal sheet underneath with hot, soapy water. If the top doesn’t open, reach through the coil openings.
- Clean the stovetop surface: Wipe the surface with a sponge dipped in hot, soapy water. Use a plastic scraper for baked-on food. Spray vinegar and baking soda on tough spots, cover with a damp cloth for 15 minutes, then scrub.
- Rinse, dry, and reassemble: Wipe everything down with clean water, dry with a microfiber towel, and reassemble the stovetop.
Cleaning Gas Burner Stovetops
To clean a gas burner stovetop:
- Remove the burner parts: Turn off the burners and wait for them to cool. Fill a sink or large bucket with hot, soapy water and soak the burner grates, plates, and controls. Remove the control knobs and wash them with soap and water.
- Wipe down the stovetop surface: Wipe the surface with a sponge dipped in hot, soapy water. Spray vinegar and baking soda on burned-on food, cover with a wet cloth for 15 minutes, then scrub. Rinse thoroughly, especially around the burner head.
- Scrub, rinse, and dry the burner parts: Scrub the burner grates with an abrasive sponge, rinse, and dry with a microfiber towel.
- Rinse and dry the stovetop surface: Rinse the stovetop surface with clean water and dry with a microfiber towel.
- Reassemble the stovetop: Once everything is dry, replace the burner plates, grates, and control knobs.
Tips to Keep Your Stovetop Clean Longer
- Wipe up spills as soon as possible, after the stovetop has cooled.
- The more frequently you wipe down the stovetop, the less often and the less time you will need to spend on deep cleaning.
