Cleaning your stove doesn’t have to be a daunting chore. With the right hacks and tools, you can tackle grease, grime, and stubborn stains, leaving your stove spotless and shining. Whether you have a gas, electric, or induction stove, each type has its quirks, but the good news is there are specific techniques and products that make the job easier. Here are some tried-and-true stove cleaning hacks you should try, including natural solutions and product recommendations to keep your stove in tip-top condition.
Gather Your Supplies
Before you start, it’s helpful to have your materials ready. Here are the tools and cleaners you may need for cleaning most types of stoves:
- Microfiber cloths for wiping down surfaces
- Non-scratch sponge for scrubbing tougher spots
- Baking soda and white vinegar for a natural cleaning solution
- Dish soap (like Dawn) for grease removal
- Commercial cleaners like Bar Keepers Friend, Cerama Bryte, or Weiman Cooktop Cleaner
- A toothbrush for small, hard-to-reach areas
You’ll also want to wear gloves if you’re dealing with heavy-duty cleaning products.
If your stove just needs a basic wipe-down, dilute a teaspoon of dish soap in warm water, dip a microfiber cloth in the mixture, and wipe away grease and food splatters. It’s a simple first step before tackling tougher messes.
Gas Stove Cleaning Hacks
Gas stoves can be tricky thanks to their grates, burners, and nooks. Here’s how to tackle them effectively.
1. Grates and Burner Covers
Gas stove grates and burner covers often accumulate burnt-on food and grease. One of the easiest cleaning hacks is using a baking soda and vinegar paste.
- Step 1: Remove the grates and burner covers and place them in your sink.
- Step 2: Sprinkle baking soda generously over the pieces.
- Step 3: Spray white vinegar over the baking soda and allow it to fizz for a few minutes.
- Step 4: Scrub the grates with a non-scratch sponge or stiff brush, then rinse with warm water.
For tougher residue, soak the grates in hot, soapy water for 30 minutes before scrubbing. Consider investing in a soak cleaner like the Weiman Gas Range Cleaner and Degreaser for extra help.
2. Burners and Stove Top
Burners and the stove top can get grimy fast. A toothbrush is perfect for scrubbing around knobs and burner openings where spills collect. For grease stains, use Dawn Powerwash Spray or a degreaser like Method Heavy Duty Degreaser Spray.
Finish by wiping down the entire surface with a vinegar-water solution or Weiman Cooktop Cleaner to remove streaks.
Electric Stove Cleaning Hacks
Electric stovetops, with their smooth surfaces or raised coils, have their own cleaning challenges.
1. For Smooth-Top Stoves
Glass and ceramic-topped stoves are prone to streaks and burnt-on spots. Use a razor blade scraper, like the Cerama Bryte Cooktop Cleaning Kit, to gently lift burnt food without scratching. Here’s how it’s done:
- Step 1: Apply a cooktop cleaner or baking soda paste to the stain.
- Step 2: Hold the razor blade at a 45-degree angle and gently scrape off the burnt residue.
- Step 3: Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth and buff with a dry one for a streak-free shine.
Cerama Bryte Cooktop Cleaner is an excellent product specifically designed for keeping glass-top stoves spotless.
2. For Raised Coil Stoves
If you have raised coils, they’re fairly easy to clean. Unplug the burners and wipe the coils with a damp cloth and dish soap. If there’s heavy residue, apply a baking soda paste, scrub gently, then rinse. Don’t forget to clean underneath the drip pans—they’re magnets for burnt food. Replace heavily soiled drip pans for a quick refresh; you can find them on Amazon at affordable prices.
Induction Stove Cleaning Hacks
Induction stoves are all about sleek appearances, but they need careful cleaning to avoid scratches.
1. Non-Abrasive Cleaning
Always opt for gentle tools like a microfiber cloth or sponge when cleaning an induction stovetop. For food spills, a mix of vinegar and water will loosen residue without damaging the surface.
2. Restore Shine with Specialized Cleaners
To keep your induction cooktop gleaming, use a product like Bar Keepers Friend, which is safe for glass surfaces. Buff the surface with a clean cloth to prevent streaks.
Battle Burnt-On Food
Burnt-on food is a common yet maddening issue for all stove types. To attack this effectively, try this natural hack:
- Step 1: Sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda over the stain.
- Step 2: Spray white vinegar onto the baking soda and allow it to fizz for 10–15 minutes.
- Step 3: Use a damp sponge or cloth to scrub away the food—repeat as needed.
For really stubborn spots, consider using a heavy-duty option like Weiman Disinfectant Stovetop Cleaner or Easy Off Kitchen Degreaser Spray.
Preventing Future Buildup
The best cleaning hack is preventing messes in the first place! Here are a few prevention tips:
- Wipe Down Daily: After cooking, wipe the stove with a vinegar-water solution to remove grease and spills before they harden.
- Use a Splatter Screen: Protect your stovetop from oil splatters when frying food.
- Clean Spills Immediately: Address spills as they happen. Waiting only makes cleanup harder.
Knobs can get grimy from greasy hands, but they’re easy to clean. Remove them (if possible) and soak them in hot, soapy water. Use a toothbrush or small detailing brush to scrub stubborn spots. For knobs that don’t detach, dip a cloth in your vinegar solution to wipe them down thoroughly.
Must-Buy Products for a Spotless Stove
Here are some highly recommended cleaning products to make the process even easier:
- Bar Keepers Friend Cooktop Cleaner – Ideal for induction and smooth-top stoves.
- Weiman Gas Range Cleaner and Degreaser – A go-to for tackling burners and grates.
- Cerama Bryte Cooktop Cleaning Kit – Includes a scraper and cleaner for glass surfaces.
- Easy Off Kitchen Degreaser Spray – Great for lifting heavy grease build-up.
- Method Heavy Duty Degreaser Spray – Eco-friendly and effective for all stove types.
Cleaning your stove doesn’t have to feel like a battle. By combining natural DIY solutions with effective commercial products, you can tackle any mess your stove throws at you. And by taking preventive measures, you’ll save time and effort in the long run. Whether you’re scrubbing burnt grates or polishing a sleek induction surface, these hacks will leave your stove looking as good as new. Happy cleaning!