Knowing how to clean a stovetop is not a skill we naturally pick up. Our stovetops take a beating from grease splatters and sticky utensils left on the surface -- even boiling water can leave spots from the minerals in the water if you allow it to boil over. And like most messy things in our homes, a stovetop doesn't clean itself; the longer you ignore it, the worse it gets.
Since stovetops can have gas burners, electric coils, or a smooth glass surface, it's important to follow the proper cleaning method to prevent damage. Fortunately, we're here to help you clean that stovetop with minimal elbow grease and then give you tips to keep it looking its best longer.
You likely know what type of stove you have just by looking at it. However, it's important to read the manufacturer's user guide for instructions on disassembling your specific model. Can't find it? Almost every guide is online, so give it a quick glance. They will let you know if you need to disconnect gas lines or unplug the stove while cleaning the cooktop.
Also, even though these cleaning methods are relatively gentle, it's best to ventilate the area anytime you clean grease and burnt-on spills. Open a window or turn on the exhaust fan for adequate airflow.
As far as the method, always avoid abrasive cleaners and tools like steel wool or wire brushes, which can damage glass and metal stovetops by leaving tiny scratches. In addition, there is no reason to flood any cooktop with water. Too much water can cause problems with electrical and gas components.
You should clean the stovetop as it gets dirty, which could mean cleaning it daily. Ideally, splatters and spills should be wiped away as they happen to prevent them from becoming cooked-on and more difficult to remove later. Even if you don't use the stovetop often, wipe it down weekly to remove crumbs, drips, and greasy residue.
Glass stovetops are made from a ceramic/glass-blend or polycrystalline material that covers radiant heating coils. While very durable, the glass can be scratched if harsh cleaners are used to remove stubborn stains or if scrubbed with anything too abrasive; also, avoid scraping stuck-on food with metal utensils. You can purchase a commercial glass cleaner for cooktops, like Weiman's, or make your own with pantry ingredients.
In a spray bottle, add 1 cup of distilled white vinegar, 1 cup of hot water, and 1/2 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Shake to mix and label the bottle. The cleaner can be used for daily or weekly cleaning.
Always wait until the cooktop is cool to the touch before attempting to clean it, then do the following:
Burned-on food on a stovetop can be hard to remove. Follow these steps:
If your glass stovetop has been neglected for a while, you may have to scrape away the burnt food or grease stains.
There are more crevices for food to get stuck on a gas stove than a smooth glass top, so this method may take a little longer. Whether the gas stovetop has a stainless steel or porcelain enamel finish, you can use the same cleaning supplies.
Remove the grates, the plates that cover the gas outlets, and the controls from the stovetop. (See instructions below for how to clean the grates.) Never try to clean a hot stovetop. Make sure the burners are turned off and cool to the touch.
Use a non-abrasive sponge dipped in a solution of hot water mixed with a degreasing dishwashing liquid to wipe away grease and food particles.
Once the stovetop is free of grease and stains, dry it with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free shine. Reassemble all of the components.
Coil cooktops are among the most difficult and frustrating to clean because you have to do more prep work. Instead of just cleaning around the coils, you'll burn food off them, let them cool, then remove them before you can touch the surface. This might take more time, but the result is worth the effort.
If the coils are greasy or have food spills, turn each unit on high and let them heat for three minutes to burn away the problem. Turn on the kitchen vent fan and keep a fire extinguisher on hand during the process in case of a flare-up.
When the coils have cooled down, remove them (most plug-in and can be removed with just a little pull), the drip pans, and the control knobs for easier cleaning. If you're having trouble with removal, check your manual. If you opt to clean without removing them, it's vital that you unplug the unit so you don't accidentally flip on a burner as you're cleaning.
Most electric coil stovetops open like the hood of a car. Lift it to clean the sheet of metal underneath that has caught all the drips and spills. Follow the same steps you used on the upper surface. Once every component is clean (see how to clean the drip pans below), reassemble the stovetop.
You may think you can while in place, which might work for a quick wipe-down. However, you need to remove and soak these components while doing a deep clean to help you thoroughly remove grease and other stains.
Remove the drip pans that catch most of the residue from boilovers if you have an electric stove. Grates should easily lift off.
Fill a sink or large plastic tub with hot water and several squirts of a dishwashing liquid that contains a degreaser. Add the drip pans or grates and let them soak for at least 15 minutes, but longer is better. (Up to an hour is better if you haven't cleaned them lately.)
Use a nylon scrubber or brush to scrub away grease and food particles. Sprinkle on dry baking soda to act as a mild abrasive for stuck-on food. Use a non-abrasive sponge on the control knobs, then rinse everything with water.
If soaking didn't remove burnt food, follow these steps:
When the components are clean, rinse them in hot water and dry them with a towel before reassembling the stovetop. Dry the pieces with a microfiber towel and reassemble your freshly cleaned stovetop.
Drip pans are inexpensive to replace and easy to find in standard sizes. If your drip pans have never been cleaned and are coated with burned-on food, toss them and replace them with new ones.