How to – clean stovetop burners
Cooking a full meal can be quite a job, which is why it’s no surprise that cleaning the stovetop burners is sometimes neglected. However, putting this task off can allow unsightly grease and food residue to build up and set. If your stovetop is in need of some love, here’s how to whip it back into shape in less than 30 minutes.
Tools and supplies
- Dishwashing soap
- Sponge
- Baking soda
- Scouring pad
- Clean cloth
Step 1
Make sure your burners are completely cool. Remove the grates (on a gas range) or burner coils (on an electric range). If the coils can’t be removed with a gentle tug, consult your appliance manual on how to remove them.
Step 2
If you have gas range grates, check your appliance manual on how to best clean them. Some grates can simply be run through the dishwasher. If that’s not an option, soak them in a sink full of warm, soapy water, then scrub uncoated grates with a gentle scouring pad or coated grates with a sponge.
Electric coils can be scrubbed with a soapy sponge and then rinsed and dried. Take care not to get the electrical connections wet, however.
Step 3
To clean the stovetop surface, fill a bowl with lukewarm water and add a little dishwashing soap. Dip a cloth or sponge into the liquid, then scrub the surfaces. If you have an electric range, make sure you don’t get the sockets wet.
Step 4
For the more difficult stains, baking soda can be used. Mix a handful of the powder with some water to create a thick paste. Apply the paste to your burners, then allow it to sit for around 20 minutes before wiping away the paste and the softened stains beneath with a sponge. Rinse off any paste that remains.
Step 5
Pat away any moisture with a clean cloth or paper towels, then allow the burners to air-dry. If you have an electric range, make sure the coils and sockets are both fully dry before reconnecting them.
To help keep your burners in pristine condition, try spraying them with vinegar after they cool following each use, then wipe them down with a clean cloth or paper towel. This helps prevent grease and residue from building up and can save you from needing to perform the deep cleaning steps listed above.