How to Clean a Stovetop?

The kitchen stovetop is the most stained, splashed, and spilled on the surface out of all. You can keep it looking nice by spot cleaning mishaps at mealtime or dedicating some time every week to do a thorough scrubbing. You can clean your stovetop during daily kitchen cleaning routine with a cleaner and damp cloth. This will prevent oils and food spills from hardening onto the cooktop.

You need to put a little more effort into cleaning your stovetop weekly. How to clean a stovetop depends on its type.

One basic rule for all is clean as soon as possible. There are three basic home stovetop types: gas burners, electric coils, smooth ceramic glass tops.

Follow the cleaning instruction meant for the type of glass stovetop that you have.

In This Article hide

1 How Often to Clean a Stovetop?

2 Things you will need

3 Cleaning a Ceramic Glass Stovetop

4 Cleaning an Electric Coil Stovetop

5 Cleaning a Gas Burner Stovetop

How Often to Clean a Stovetop?

The mess during the cooking time should be cleaned immediately. And for residue cleaning to prevent grease, you should clean your stovetop at least once a week thoroughly.

RELATED: 30 Day Cleaning Plan

Things you will need

Equipment / Tools	Materials
Sink or large bucket Spray bottle Microfiber cloth Sponge with a soft and a scrubbing side Razor-blade scraper Plastic scraper	Dish-washing liquid with grease-cutter Commercial ceramic cook-top cleaner (optional) Distilled white vinegar Baking soda Hot water

Cleaning a Ceramic Glass Stovetop

Follow these stovetop cleaning steps to get a smooth and shining ceramic glass stovetop in the kitchen.

Turn off and Cool Stovetop

Remember to turn off the controls and let the stovetop cool down before you start cleaning the stovetop surface.

Mix a Cleaning Solution

Fill two cups of hot water in a bowl and mix ½ teaspoon dishwashing liquid soap with grease-cutting ingredients.

RELATED: Homemade Glass Cleaner

Apply the Cleaner

Cleaning a stovetop with a cleaner with yellow gloves on

If you use the dishwashing liquid soap solution to clean, dip the sponge into the solution and wring out excess water slightly.
Start working in circular motions and wipe the entire stovetop surface using the abrasive side of the sponge.
For the areas that have hardened stains, let the solution sit for some time on the surface to soften it.

Wipe off the Cleaning Solution

After scrubbing and cleaning the stovetop, dip the sponge in freshwater and wipe the soapy solution to loosen any debris.

Tackle those Tough-to-Remove Spots

Father and son cleaning a stovetop in kitchen with a cleaner

If you still find burned food on the gas stovetop, you will have to put extra effort into cleaning it. Follow the steps below to achieve the best result.

Spray distilled white vinegar on the spilled area and then sprinkle some baking soda on top.
Cover the area with a towel soaked in hot water and wring the excess water.
Leave it for 15 minutes and wipe with a clean cloth to get rid of the excess.

For really hard debris, you can use a razor blade to get rid of the mess. Hold the blade flat and gently scrap the debris away.

Rinse and Dry

After cleaning the stovetop, wipe it for the one last time using a sponge dipped in clean water to get rid of any leftover residue. Use a microfiber towel for a streak-free finish.

Cleaning an Electric Coil Stovetop

If you have an electric coil stovetop, then follow the below-mentioned steps to clean it and get rid of any grime.

Heat Coils to Burn Off Debris

If you notice splatters and spills on the coils, then turn on the electric coils on a high setting for up to 3 minutes. This will burn off the food mess.

PRO TIP

If you notice that the coils are very dirty, then, in this case, you have to turn the kitchen hood fan on and open the windows to provide ventilation for the smoke. Keep a close check when you heat the coils and keep a fire extinguisher handy for just in case. Then let the coils cool completely for up to 20 minutes before you move onto the next steps.

Remove the coils and Clean them

Some coils are plugged into the stovetop. You can pull them away gently and remove them from the countertop.

Wipe the couples with a sponge dipped in hot liquid dishwashing soap solution to remove debris and spills.
For any buildup that is tough, then use dry baking soda and use a sponge to scrub it away.
You have to clean both the sides of the coils and then for finishing wipe it with a clean cloth dipped in clean water.
Keep the electric coils aside and let them air dry.

WARNING

You should never submerge the electric coils of the stovetop into the water. The electrical connection of the coils will get damaged.

Remove the drip pans and Clean them

You will see metal discs under the electric coils; these discs are called drip pans that help in catching any food residue.

Remove the drip pans and soak them in hot water and liquid dishwashing soap solution.
Soak them for up to 15-20 minutes to loosen the food stuck on it.
Use the abrasive side of the sponge to clean, and you can sprinkle baking soda if required.
Once cleaned, rinse with clean water and dry using a kitchen towel.

Clean Under the Stovetop

Most stovetops open like the car hood. And underneath, you will see a sheet of metal enameled catching all the spills and drips.

You have to clean this surface using hot soapy water solution to get rid of the debris after cleaning rinse with hot water and sponge and then dry with a kitchen towel.
If the top of your stovetop does not open, you can reach the underneath surface from the area where electric coils were attached and clean nicely.

Clean the Stovetop Surface

Whether the stovetop is made of stainless steel or enameled metal, wipe it clean with a sponge dipped on the hot water and liquid dishwashing soapy solution.

With the help of plastic scraper, loosen any baked-on food.
On stubborn areas, spray white vinegar and sprinkle some baking soda on top.
Cover the area with a kitchen towel dampened with hot water and let it sit like this for about 15 minutes before you start to scrub the debris.
You can remove the control knobs on the stovetop and then wipe with a damp kitchen towel.
Do not scrub the top surface of the stovetop; it can remove markings if any.

Rinse, Dry, and Reassemble

Once you have cleaned everything, do one last wipe on every surface with clean water and sponge. Using a microfiber towel dry every area and then resembles the components of the stovetop.

Cleaning a Gas Burner Stovetop

The stovetops with plates and grates will be benefited from a good cleaning. Follow these instructions to clean the grease and food residue.

Remove Burner Grates, Plates, and Controls

First, you need to remember to turn off the burners and let them cool before you start cleaning. They should be cool to touch.

Fill a large bucket or sink with hot water, and one teaspoon per gallon adds liquid dishwashing soap.
Place the plates and burner grates and also the control knobs in the soapy water solution.

You can use a small bowl for the controllers to soak.

Wipe off the Stovetop Surface

Wipe the stovetop with hot soapy water solution and sponge to get rid of grease, crumbs, and food stuck on it.
To remove any burned-on food spray distilled vinegar and also sprinkle baking soda.
Cover this area with a wet kitchen towel and let the towel sit on the debris for up to 15 minutes and then scrub it away with the abrasive side of the sponge.

Scrub, Rinse, and Dry the Burner Grates

To scrub the burner grates use the abrasive sponge. Rinse the plates, grates, and control knobs with clan water. Once cleaned, dry them microfiber towel.

Rinse and Dry the Stovetop Surface

Once the stovetop surface is free of any food residue and debris, rinse it nicely with fresh water using a sponge. Dry the surface with a microfiber towel to get a streak-free finish.