Of all the surfaces in the kitchen, knowing how to clean your stovetop is critical to keep this most-used appliance in tip-top shape. Constant use, spills, and high heat can make cleaning and maintenance challenging. Not to mention how spills that bake onto the stovetop surfaces can cause leftover food and grease buildups, which can lead to poor-performing burners. Use our cleaning and maintenance guide to keep your gas stovetop burning smoothly.
Before you start
Gas stoves have inner parts, like the gas tube and ignition, that can be intricate and delicate, varying from model to model and brand to brand. Before you unravel these inner parts, you’ll want to read your owner’s manual for reference, so you don’t damage them and cause your stove to malfunction or become a hazard.
If you don’t have a physical manual, you should be able to find an online version. Otherwise, give the brand a call for guidance, or book an expert to come and help you service the gas burners while you stick to cleaning and maintaining the surfaces and burners.
What you’ll need
Tools
- Microfibre cloth
- Clean toothbrush
- Soft metal scrubber
- Soft scrubber
Supplies
- Mild dish soap
- Warm water
- A big plastic container
- Gas stove cleaning solution or white vinegar
Gas stove cleaning steps
Ensure the gas stove has cooled sufficiently before cleaning. This prevents you from burning or cleaning solutions from heating, leading to fumes that are dangerous to inhale while you work.
1. Remove the grates and soak
Remove the grates and soak in a big plastic container (or the sink) in warm, soapy water. Let this sit while you tackle the rest.
2. Remove the burner cap and base
Remove the burners from each corner and place them into the same container as the grates. Leave to soak.
3. Clean surfaces
Spray a gas stove cleaning solution onto the cleared gas stove top. Use a soft scrubber to work the solution over the area and into crevices. Use a toothbrush to scrub around the burner bases, being careful not to scrub the gas igniter and tube. Repeat as is necessary. For stubborn stains, spray on white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using the toothbrush or soft metal scrubber to gently clean.
Finally, using a damp microfibre cloth, wipe the surfaces clean and leave to dry while you tackle the grates and burners.
4. Scrub the grates
Use a metal scrubber and gas stove cleaning solution to scrub the grates, making sure to scrub off food and grease buildup. Rinse with warm water and allow to air-dry.
5. Scrub the burners
Scrub both the burner base and cap with a toothbrush or soft scrubber in warm, soapy water. Set aside to air dry.
Refrain from washing the burner and cap in the dishwasher or scrubbing it with an abrasive metal scrubber or cleaning solution.
6. Replace burners and grates
Replace the burner base, cap and grates. As a final check, switch on each gas burner to check that the gas tube and ignition are working efficiently. If one or more are blocked, follow your owner’s manual for guidance or call and book an expert for a service.
Maintenance
Keeping your gas stove clean is half the job. Maintaining it is the other half.
- Make sure you keep food bits, spills and grease buildup to a minimum to prevent blockages.
- Clean the burner caps and bases regularly, at least once a week.
- Use your owner’s manual to keep the gas tube and ignition clear of any blockages (using a straight, thin metal needle).
- Do not clean burners or grates in the dishwasher.
- Never use harsh cleaning solutions, like bleach, to clean the gas stove top.
- Wipe acidic food spills, like tomato sauces and vinegar-based dishes, as soon as possible. The acidity may affect stovetop finishes.
First published by Food & Home
Compiled by Annemieke van Nieuwkerk
Also see: How to detect a gas leak
