How to Clean a Dirty Stove Top - Easy Cleaning Tips that Really Work!

Simple Tips on How to Clean a Dirty Stove Top

Learn how to clean a dirty stove top. These simple and easy cleaning tips will help keep your cooktop clean and sparkling like new.

If you cook frequently your stovetop gets a lot of use and abuse. It catches flying food particles and grease splatters.

If your cook top is not cleaned well after each meal then before you know it your cook top can become unsightly from burned on food particles and grease. And we all know that a dirty stove can make your kitchen look messy and untidy.

Depending on the type of stovetop you have (glass/ceramic, stainless steel and other metal) the method for cleaning will vary slightly.

Here are some tips and tricks to help you get and keep your stovetop clean and sparkling.

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Cleaning Your Glass Stove Top

Most glass stovetops are a combination of glass and ceramics. They are extremely popular in modern kitchens due to their smooth flat looks.

However, while these stovetops are attractive, even the smallest splatters on your glass top will stand out like a dirt beacon.

Here is the best way of cleaning your glass cook top.

Make sure all burners are off and the stovetop is completely cool before attempting to clean.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions for specified cleaning products to ensure that you keep your warranty.
Wipe off stovetop with warm soapy cloth to remove all loose dirt and grease.
For slight build-up, put white vinegar in a spray bottle and spray on the cooktop and allow to sit for a few minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth. Repeat if necessary.
If necessary, for more stubborn build-up, sprinkle the surface liberally with baking soda. Wet a towel with warm water and wring out and place over the stovetop. Allow to soak for 15 minutes.
Remove towel and wipe with damp sponge. Any remaining spots, coat with a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice and allow to sit for a few minutes and then use a cook top scrapper to remove those really stuck on spots of cooked on grease and food.
Clean again with vinegar and then rinse with clear water and buff dry.

How to Clean a Stainless Steel Cook Top

Stainless steel cooktops are attractive and long lasting, but burned on food particles and grease can mar the looks of your stovetop.

Here is the simplest and easiest way to clean your stainless steel stove top.

Make sure all your stove’s burners are turned off and the surface of your stove is clear of pots and pans.
Check your stove’s users manual for proper cleaning directions.
Remove your stove’s grates or cooking coils and wipe stove top with a damp soapy sponge to remove all loose dirt and grease.
Spray stove top with white vinegar and allow to sit 10 to 15 minutes. Then sprinkle with baking soda and add a few drops of dish soap. Allow to sit for a few minutes.
Scrub with the soft side of a sponge
Rinse with a moist damp towel
Wipe dry and buff with a soft towel.
Clean electric coils by rinsing with warm water and placing them on paper towels. Spray coils with cleaner and use a medium non-metal bristle brush to scrub coils, making sure to clean the areas between the coils. Rinse with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly making sure that you keep the electric coils dry.
To clean gas stove top grates clean with soapy water and medium bristle brush rinse and dry.

There are also some things you should not use on your stainless steel cook top, and these include bleach and abrasive cleaners.

You should also always wipe following the grain of your stainless steel (don’t wipe against the grain.)

How to Clean Other Metal Stovetops

Some stovetops are made from other types of metal other than stainless steel.

Here are some tips to help you clean other metal stovetops.

Make sure that all burners are turned off and the stovetop is cool before cleaning.
Check your stove’s instruction manual for cleaning products that you are allowed to use.
Remove electric coils or gas cooking grates and drip pans and set aside.
Place drip pans in the sink with dish soap or all-purpose cleaner and allow to sit for 15 minutes or more. Scrub with a non-abrasive scrubber, rinse and dry.
Wipe off electric coils with a damp cloth and sit on a paper towel and then spray with an all-purpose cleaner. Using a medium bristle brush scrub the coils to remove any stuck on dirt or burned on grease. Wipe with a clean damp cloth to remove cleaning residue and wipe dry. Make sure not to get electric prongs wet.
For gas cooking grates you can place the grates in soapy water, scrub with a medium bristle non-metal scrub brush. Then rinse with warm water and dry.
To clean the stove top wipe down the cooktop with a damp cloth to remove any loose food particle or grease.
Spray with your cleaning solution or spray with white vinegar. Let sit a few minutes and clean with a sponge. For more stubborn build-up, use a cook top scraper to remove stuck on particles.