How To Clean & Maintain a Gas Stove
The cleaning up part certainly isn’t as fun (or as tasty) as the cooking part, but it’s a job that must be done. Check out these handy tips for a stovetop your mother would be proud of!
Cleaning as you go truly is the best way to save yourself from having to cleanup a disaster of a mess like the one above. But sometimes life gets busy and there just isn’t time between the cooking and the eating and the evening’s engagements to wipe down that stove. If you’re there, keep reading, we’ve got your back!
What You Need
Materials
- Vinegar
- Dishsoap
- Scrub brush
- Rags or paper towels
Instructions
1. Start by removing the grates, set them in your sink and fill it with hot, soapy water.
2. With a dry brush or paper towel, brush any loose crumbs from the stove top.
3. Spray your stove top generously with a 1:1 mixture of vinegar + water and let sit for a minute or so. Wipe down with a clean rag or paper towel.
Don’t forget the knobs and back panel!
The vinegar spray will easily remove spills and splashes, but if it’s been a while since you’ve cleaned your range and have any sort of grease buildup you will need to attack it with soap.
4. Apply dish soap to a small brush (a toothbrush is ideal for this technique!) and begin to work away the stain by moving the brush around in small circular motions. Rinse away the mess with a damp rag.
5. Remove burner caps and set them in a warm, soapy bath to soak. If your caps are greasy, use dish soap and a scrub brush to work away the residue. Apply this same method when washing the grates.
6. Remove the burner heads (just lift straight up, they come off easily) and wash away any gunk that found it’s way under there. Take a small pin or needle and clear out any debris.
7. Before you put the grates or burner plates back on the stove, lift the range and vacuum all the crumbs up. Most gas ranges are attached by spring hinges, just wiggle the front loose until it opens up like the hood of a car. With your brush attachment, vacuum out any crumbs or debris. Note: My range is one of the few that won’t open in this way. If your oven is like mine, you’ll have to insert a putty knife to the front L and R sides and release a pin that keeps the range in place. Once released, the pins will allow you to get just under the front panel to wipe away any grossness.
Put the burner caps and grates back on and there you have it! A lovely, clean stove!
More great tips and tutorials: Cleaning Basics