You don’t have to admit that you clean your cooktop twice a year or twice a day, but it deserves a good cleaning. How you do it is a topic worth discussing.
Quick cleanings don’t always get rid of the gunk that has embedded itself on the surface. Like the pot spills that build up around the burners. Or sauce splatters. Or dried oil splatters from whatever you cooked four days ago.
You’ve got to get rid of them. If you don’t have a store-bought oven cleaner (this works for stoves too) or a commercial cleaning solution on hand, you can do the job yourself. Make your glass plate, ceramic burners or stainless steel stove look fresh without any scratches. Check out the tips below!
Baking soda + towels
Make a little magic with baking soda! It’s all about sprinkling baking soda generously on your cooktop. Soak rags or towels in warm soapy water, then lay them on the surface. Check out the method by clicking on Clean My Space to see how easy and effective this method is!
Razor blade scraper
You probably have a small razor scraper in your toolbox or garage, but did you know they are great for removing old food? Spray the surface first, then carefully scrape away burnt food and other debris. Push it down and away with gentle pressure. If you don’t have a scraper, you can buy one at a hardware store. Rubber scrapers are also an option.
Ammonia
Whenever you work with ammonia, ventilate! For this method, you need to gather rags or paper towels and plastic wrap to cover them. This method is very effective for areas around the burners where dirt accumulates. You can remove the material from the burner if you wish.
Place rags or paper towels around the edges of the burner where they get very dirty. Pour ammonia on the rags until saturated. Use a small cup or spoon if necessary. Cover the stove top with plastic wrap for at least 3 hours or overnight. Remove the covers and wipe off.
Vegetable oil
It may seem counterintuitive, but oil actually helps remove grease stains from your cooktop. Put olive oil or another vegetable oil on a paper towel and wipe down your greasy stovetop. Try it on knobs, range hoods and the control panel too!
Baking soda + hydrogen peroxide
Combining these two household products can help you clean your stovetop. Mix ½ cup of baking soda with enough peroxide to make a thick paste. Apply it to your cooktop and leave it on for 15 minutes. Wipe off any gross areas with a soft sponge or paper towel.
Lemon + Salt
For non-glass cooktops, rub a lemon half over grease or food stains. Sprinkle salt on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Use a damp cloth to remove them. The lemon is a natural degreaser and the salt acts as an abrasive cleaner.
We’re not going to lecture you on how to deal with problems before they mummify on your stovetop, but incorporating any of these methods into your routine can reduce the amount of food scraps left to rot.
If you have a stainless steel stove, be sure to avoid metal scouring tools or abrasive cleaners. With all of these methods, wipe with a clean cloth or paper towel.
