How to Clean Your Stove

Cooking is an enjoyable way to unwind after a busy day. But when you use your appliance regularly, you’ll eventually need to take on the less-than-desirable task of cleaning the stove. Whether you tidy up after every meal or wait until the appliance needs attention, here are some helpful tips to clean your stove.

Supplies You’ll Need to Clean Your Stove

Prepare to clean the stove by gathering everything you’ll need: rubber gloves, baking soda, vinegar, a stovetop cleaner (optional), and cleaning cloths and sponges.

Clean Your Glass-top Stove

If you have a glass stovetop, wait until it’s completely cooled before beginning the project. Most feature a light that alerts you when the stovetop is too hot to touch. Once the appliance has cooled, sprinkle baking soda over the surface. Scrub the area with a damp, soapy sponge until you remove the build-up. Use a non-abrasive scrubbing sponge, so you don’t scratch the glass.

Next, wipe the residue away with a dry microfiber cloth; you may have to do this a few times until all the food debris is removed. If you prefer a commercial cleaning product, purchase a specially formulated cleaner for glass cooktops.

Gas Stovetop

First, remove the burners and set them aside to clean your gas stovetop. Scrub the stovetop with a non-abrasive damp sponge to remove solid material. Once that’s done, mix a quarter-cup of baking soda with a half-cup of vinegar, spread it on the surface, let sit for about five minutes, and then scrub with a microfiber cloth. Wipe the area clean with clear water and a damp sponge. Soak the burners in warm soapy water and gently remove stuck-on food particles with a plastic scraper.

Cleaning the Oven

It is easy to overlook cleaning the oven when the appliance door is usually closed. If you’re not using the oven’s self-cleaning feature (which should be used very sparingly due to the extremely high temperature), spread a paste of baking soda and water evenly throughout the interior.

Then, fill a spray bottle with about a half-cup each of vinegar and water. Spray it all over the baking soda mixture and let it sit overnight. The next day, wipe the entire oven down with a towel and plenty of clean water. Clean the inside of the oven door with an all-purpose cleaner and a damp sponge.

Cleaning your stove is a chore that most people put off, even if they keep the rest of the kitchen spotless. Incorporate regular cleaning of this much-used appliance into your routine for a more sanitary kitchen and better-tasting food.

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