The Times Australia
The Times House and garden

.
Men's Weekly

.

Step by Step Guide - How To Properly Clean Your Stove Top

  • Written by NewsServices.com

The kitchen stove is the most likely surface to be splashed and stained during the cooking process. Even worse, the extreme heat from the burners can cause baked-on messes that are difficult to clean off if left unattended.

With weekly dining and homecooked meals, messes are sure to happen. For minor spills and stains, sprinkle a little cleanser on a moist cloth to wipe down the kitchen counters. Your stovetop, however, may take a little more time and effort and may even require a gas stove cleaner or an electric coil burner cleaner c to remove grease.

Devote some time to an all-over scrub each week with our step-by-step cooktop cleaning procedure! We’ll even show you how to clean your rangehood.

How to Clean a Gas Cooktop

Cooking with a real flame makes gas stove cooktops popular in many home kitchens. Gas heating is responsive and even, and thanks to the various burner sizes and shapes available, you can use a variety of cooking surfaces. Stoneware and cast iron skillets work particularly well on a gas stove since they rest evenly on the grates.

Note: Cleaning a gas stove will take a little bit of elbow grease.

  • Safety first! Remember what your parents taught you. Ensure the stovetop isn't hot or warm before cleaning it.

  • Prepare your cleaning tools: a moist towel and multi-purpose spray cleaner.

  • Lift the stove grates to clean underneath. Wipe away any dirt and debris from the surface.

How to Clean Stove Grates

You’ll want to get the stove grates out of the way first. The buildup of grease and food particles from oil splatters on the grates leaves a sticky residue often challenging to clean by hand. To avoid getting out the toothbrush, chuck it in the dishwasher.

If you’re unsure what material your stove grates are made out of, check the manual should tell you whether or not your grates are dishwasher safe. If not, then here are some handy tips for cleaning stove grates.

  • Warm, soapy water soaks up cooked-on stains from the grates.

  • Dish soap or similar degreaser is an excellent way to remove the baked-on crud.

  • Gently scrub the grate using a soft scouring pad.

  • Large storage bins are an excellent option for cleaning if your grates are too big to fit in the sink.

How to Clean an Electric Cooktop

Electrified coil stovetops may do the same as gas stoves, just without a real flame. Electric cooktops use electricity to heat a ring of coils to cook food, making them popular for their easy-to-control heat levels and safety features thanks to the heat knobs on the electric-powered burners. A non-flame method of cooking is often preferred for families with small children or curious dogs.

Unfortunately, electric coil burners, like the grates on a gas stove, are susceptible to the buildup of food residue. You must remove the electric coil burners first to clean them thoroughly.

  • Disconnect the burner and clean it gently with a sponge dipped in warm, soapy water. Make sure you don't get the electrical connection wet while cleaning. If you do, ensure it’s bone-dry before reconnecting.

  • Rinse thoroughly, then lay out to dry completely. You may clean the rest of your electric stovetop while the burners are drying.

  • Use a moist cloth to clean every nook and corner. The burners can be reattached once they are dry.

  • If the drip plates beneath the burners can be removed, use Mary Findley of Go Clean's approach to clean them thoroughly.

  • In the microwave, heat the vinegar to a boil. Pour boiling vinegar into pans with baking soda sprinkled on top. For 30 minutes, let the combination do its magic.

  • Rinse the sponge after using it to clean. Repeat as necessary.

How to Clean Induction Cooktop

For the most part, modern kitchens are equipped with either a ceramic or an induction hob. The efficiency, safety, and slick appearance of induction cooktops make them excellent for the contemporary kitchen. And unlike gas and coil stoves, induction cooktops heat only the pan, not the actual stove.

Learning how to clean a ceramic cooktop is easy as long as you pay attention to the cleaning chemicals you use. To avoid damaging your stove, here are a few handy cleaning tips.

  • Before cleaning the stove, turn it off and allow it to cool completely.

  • Wipe the hob clean of leftover food or grime with a microfiber cloth.

  • Focus on the dirtiest regions of the vehicle.

  • To remove stains off the hob, use a damp sponge or cloth and a bit of eco scrubby for glass (a little goes a long way; don’t overdo it).

  • Wipe away excess moisture with a delicate microfibre cloth before buffing it dry.

  • Clean the entire ceramic cooktop with a ceramic or induction cooktop cleaner.

How to Clean Stove Burners

Burner heads need to be cleaned from time to time. Ensure the stove is turned off before you begin. Lift the burner caps to reveal the underside.

  • Wipe off the burner head and slots with a moist cloth.

  • Use a toothbrush to clean the burner slot.

  • Use a wet cloth to remove any residue.

Remember that models and brands vary widely in how they are manufactured. Always follow the instructions in your product manual to avoid damaging your stove.

If you cannot locate your manual, check the manufacturer's website for more information.

Cleaning The Rangehood

An often overlooked part of your stove is the range hood. Sitting just above the burners, this essential part of the kitchen works as an exhaust fan, sucking up the smoke and steam from your culinary creations, drastically improving air quality.

Unfortunately, all this sucking accumulates grease and grime, which, if left uncleaned, can often create blockages in the exhaust filters, leading to a much smellier kitchen. And not in a good way.

A clean hood is critical to a well-functioning kitchen, so let's show you how to clean a range hood correctly.

  • Wipe away any dust with a damp cloth. Place a towel down onto the stove beforehand for any dirt and debris that falls below.

  • Rub exterior and interior surfaces with a scrubbing brush using soap or dish detergent. Vinegar is an excellent substitute if you’re low on detergent.

  • Detach filter from the range hood and clean using a towel or sponge. Soak in water for 20 minutes, then rinse dry.

Look at your crystal-clean stovetop once you’ve reattached the range hood filter. Remember how it looks because it can stay that way all year round with a bit of regular maintenance.

Times Magazine

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Science Behind Reverse Osmosis and Why It Matters

What is reverse osmosis? Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that removes contaminants by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. This membrane allows only water molecules to pass through while blocking impurities such as...

Foodbank Queensland celebrates local hero for National Volunteer Week

Stephen Carey is a bit bananas.   He splits his time between his insurance broker business, caring for his young family, and volunteering for Foodbank Queensland one day a week. He’s even run the Bridge to Brisbane in a banana suit to raise mon...

Senior of the Year Nominations Open

The Allan Labor Government is encouraging all Victorians to recognise the valuable contributions of older members of our community by nominating them for the 2025 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.  Minister for Ageing Ingrid Stitt today annou...

CNC Machining Meets Stage Design - Black Swan State Theatre Company & Tommotek

When artistry meets precision engineering, incredible things happen. That’s exactly what unfolded when Tommotek worked alongside the Black Swan State Theatre Company on several of their innovative stage productions. With tight deadlines and intrica...

The Times Features

Running Across Australia: What Really Holds the Body Together?

How William Goodge’s 3,800km run reveals the connection between movement, mindset, and mental resilience As a business owner, I’ve come to realise that the biggest wins rarely com...

Telehealth is Transforming Healthcare Services in Australia

It has traditionally not been easy to access timely healthcare in Australia, particularly for people who live in remote areas. Many of them spend hours on the road just to see a...

Launchd Acquires Huume, Strengthening Creative Firepower Across Talent-Led Marketing

Launchd, a leader in talent, technology and brand partnerships, has announced its acquisition of influencer talent management agency Huume from IZEA. The move comes as the medi...

Vietnam's "Gold Coast" Emerges as Extraordinary Investment Frontier and Australian Inspired Way of Life

$2 Billion super-city in Vung Tau set to replicate Australia's Gold Coast success story A culturally metamorphic development aptly named "Gold Coast" is set to reshape Vietna...

Choosing the Wrong Agent Is the #1 Regret Among Aussie Property Sellers

Selling your home is often one of the largest financial transactions you’ll make, and for many Australians, it’s also one of the most emotional. A new survey of Australian home se...

Travel Insurance for Families: What Does it Cover and Why it’s Essential

Planning a family trip is exciting, but unexpected mishaps can turn your dream vacation into a stressful ordeal. That’s where travel insurance comes in—it’s your safety net when ...