The stove top is a staple of each kitchen and the nerve center of any culinary venture. It has burners or heating elements that may be adjusted to accommodate a wide range of foods. Different types of stove tops, such as those made of electric, gas, induction, and glass-ceramic, each have their own advantages.
Benefits of Regular Cleaning
Stove tops should be cleaned on a regular basis for a number of reasons:
- Sanitation: Keeping the stove top clean lowers the likelihood of spreading germs that could make your family sick.
- If you regularly clean your stove top, you may expect it to heat more evenly and cook more efficiently.
- A clean stove top improves the look of your kitchen and appliances as a whole.
- The risk of fires or flare-ups is reduced when combustible leftovers are not allowed to build up on a gas stove top.
Supplies Needed for Cleaning Kitchen Stove Top
Common Household Items Used for Cleaning
Gather the following everyday things for a simple cleaning of your stove top:
- Hot liquid
- Towels and dish soap
- Salicylic acid
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Cleaning sponges or rags
- Towel or an old toothbrush to scrub
Commercial-Grade Cleaners for Hard-to-Clean Areas
Stove top cleansers and degreasers available for commercial use are your best bet for removing stubborn stains and buildup. Grease and filth are no match for these products.
Wearing Safety Gear (Gloves, Coat, etc.)
When cleaning your stove top, especially if you are using powerful cleansers, it is a good idea to wear rubber gloves and an apron or old clothing to protect your hands and clothing.
Preparing the Stove Top to Be Cleaned
Disconnecting the stove and taking off the burner grates, drip pans, and controls
Be careful! If your stove is electric, turn off the power and disconnect it. Take off the burner grates, the drip pans, and the knobs. This facilitates easier and more comprehensive cleaning.
Providing Fresh Air Flow While Cleaning
When cleaning your stove top, ventilation is essential. Make sure there is enough of fresh air circulating by opening windows or turning on the exhaust fan while cleaning.
Dusting off any loose grease and food particles using a soft cloth
Use a soft cloth or paper towels to remove excess grease and food particles from the surface before beginning a more thorough cleaning. This first step makes subsequent cleaning much easier.
Simple Method to Clean Kitchen Stove Top
Surface messes can be cleaned with a paste of baking soda, dish soap, and vinegar.
Baking soda, a few drops of dish soap, and enough white vinegar to make a thick paste can be used for basic cleaning. Spread the paste over the cooktop and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, scrub the area with a soft cloth or sponge in a circular motion. Use warm water to wash and rinse off any residue.
To remove stubborn grease deposits, use a nonabrasive cleaner and a scrub brush or steel wool pad.
Grease and dirt can be removed with a nonabrasive stove top cleaner or by washing the surface with a solution of dish soap and hot water. Scrub the buildup off with a scrub brush or steel wool pad (for glass-ceramic tops). Steel wool and other abrasive cleaners can scratch fragile porcelain and glass surfaces, so use caution when cleaning them.
Taking Care of Unexpectedly Blocked Vents by Vacuuming Out the Debris
Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to carefully clear any dirt or grease accumulation from the ventilation slots or vents of your stove. For your own safety, turn off the stove and disconnect it from the wall before proceeding.
Safety Tips When Working with Gas Appliances
Working with an open flame requires additional safety measures
Due to the presence of open flames, more care must be used when cleaning a gas stove top. Some precautions are as follows.
- Gas should be turned off before any maintenance is performed. Find the gas valve that shuts off the stove and close it before cleaning.
- This safeguards against the inadvertent discharge of gas during routine upkeep.
- If you’re working with powerful cleaners or there’s a chance of splatters, it’s a good idea to protect your eyes and lungs with safety goggles and a mask, and to cover up with a smock or old clothes if possible.
Conclusion
Cleaning your stove top regularly can not only make cooking more pleasant, but will also help keep your kitchen clean and healthy. If you commit to a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule, your stove will last longer and perform better.
FAQs
Can I use abrasive cleaners or steel wool on a glass-ceramic stove top?
Scratching the surface is a common problem with glass-ceramic cooktops, thus aggressive cleansers and steel wool are not suggested. Cleaning glass and ceramic surfaces should be done using nonabrasive products with a soft brush or pad.
How often should I scrub the surface of my stove?
How often your stove needs to be cleaned is directly proportional to how often and what you cook on it. The stove top should be wiped down after each use, and a more thorough cleaning should be performed once a week, or as needed, to eliminate stubborn stains or grease buildup.
Can I use the same cleaning method for all types of stove tops, including electric, gas, and induction?
This guide’s recommended cleaning approach is safe for use on both electric and glass-ceramic cook tops. Take the necessary precautions when cleaning gas stoves, especially when dealing with open flames. If you have an induction stove top, read the manufacturer’s instructions before using it for the first time.
Are there any natural alternatives to commercial stove top cleaners?
Lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, or a solution of water and lemon essential oil are all viable alternatives to the baking soda, dish soap, and vinegar paste recommended in the book. These all-natural options can remove stubborn stains and grease with ease.