You can clean a stovetop with simple products and cleaners. You can even use it to quickly remove burnt-on items on the stove.
It is in the nature of things that the stove top gets dirty while cooking or accidentally burns something on it. But with simple home remedies and suitable cleaners, you can quickly clean your stove again. Even burnt-in or stubborn dirt can be removed with the right cleaning products and tricks. Depending on whether you have a stainless steel hob or a glass ceramic hob or ceramic hob, the procedure is slightly different.
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Cleaning the stove top: The rules of thumb
- You can remove fresh dirt more easily than burnt-in or dried-on dirt. If you clean the hob after cooking, cleaning will be easier and your stove will stay clean.
- Older stove tops made of stainless steel are usually quite insensitive when it comes to cleaning with a sponge or brush. A little more caution is required when using a glass ceramic hob.
- In addition to the tried and tested home remedies such as baking soda, which sometimes require a little patience, there are also practical cleaning products and some tricks for special dirt such as burnt or rust. If you have them to hand, that’s half the battle.
Clean stainless steel stovetop
You can easily wipe off common dirt that comes from cooking with a little dish washing liquid, hot water and a sponge once the stove is no longer hot. To clean electric stove tops, you can use an old toothbrush. With this you can also reach the grooves and spaces at the transition to the stainless steel. The following home remedies are suitable for stubborn dirt such as burnt-in, dried-in or rust:
Clean the stove top: burnt-in and dried-out items
A paste made from baking soda and water can help with burnt-on food residue on the round electric plate. To do this, mix baking soda and water (1:1) to form a creamy paste and apply it to the crusts. Let the whole thing take effect for a good two hours. Then rub the paste well again with a steel sponge and then wipe everything clean with a damp cloth. You should not use steel wool on the stainless steel around the plates as this can cause scratches.
You can use oven spray on both the stainless steel hob and the hobs themselves to remove incrustations and burnt-on food. Apply the spray to the affected areas and let it absorb. You can then wipe the stove clean with a damp cloth. If something is badly burned, repeat the process.
Remove rust from stove
Old stovetops in particular can develop rust on the surface over time. You can rub this away with a steel sponge and a special stove cleaner. If the grate is on the edges and therefore at the transition to the hob, you should not use steel wool. Vaseline can help here instead. Rub the Vaseline well with a cloth and then wipe the plates clean.
Clean glass ceramic stove
A glass ceramic stove, also known as a ceramic hob, offers many advantages, but is also a little more sensitive than the traditional stainless steel stove top. That’s why you should pay attention to a few points when cleaning.
How to clean a glass stove
- You should wipe the glass stove clean with a damp cloth or microfiber cloth before and after cooking. Dirt is easier to remove after cooking if the hob is still slightly warm.
- You should always clean sauce blobs, water splashes from pasta water or fat droplets with a damp cloth while cooking.
- Use a scraper for light crusts on glass top. Hold the scraper straight and press it gently onto the ceramic hob. Otherwise, scratches may occur on the material.
- You should not clean the ceramic hob with detergent or cream cleaner, otherwise limescale residues or even damage will remain on the material. Use cleaning products suitable for glass ceramics.
Clean burnt-in and incrustations on glass ceramics
Before cleaning, you should remove the coarse incrustations of burnt residue with the scraper. You can remove what remains of burnt food and other heavy dirt with the following home remedies and cleaners:
Baking soda
Baking soda is very good against burnt-in stains. Mix a creamy paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the stained areas. Leave it on for a good hour. You can then wipe the ceramic hob clean with a wet cloth and rub it dry with a cloth.
Fresh lemon juice
Fresh lemon juice is also a proven remedy in the fight against burnt food. Apply the lemon juice to the affected areas. The acid dissolves burnt and lime stains equally.
Oven spray and glass cleaner
Oven spray and glass cleaner remove incrustations without leaving streaks. Simply spray the entire field with one of the two cleaners, let it work for three to four minutes and then wipe it off with warm water. Finally, wipe the stove top dry with a tea towel.
Good to know : Sugar can seriously damage glass ceramics if it caramelizes on the hot surface. Therefore, if you accidentally get it on the hob while cooking, you should wipe it away immediately. The same applies to plastic. If it melts on the hot surface, it can damage the plate.
Moreover, while cleaning the stove, don’t forget to wipe the backsplash because it often gets food splatters while cooking.
Cleaning the Stove Top- FAQs
Q: How do I clean an electric stove top?
A: To clean an electric stove top, start by wiping away any loose debris with a clean cloth. Then, use a mixture of dish soap and water to scrub away grease and spills. For tougher stains, you can use a paste of baking soda and water, or a glass stove top cleaner. Make sure to clean the surface of your stove with a clean cloth dipped in clean water and dry it thoroughly.
Q: What is the best way to clean a gas stove?
A: The best way to clean a gas stove involves removing the burner caps and grates, soaking them in soapy water, and then scrubbing them clean. For the stovetop surface, use a mixture of dish soap and water to wipe away grease and spills, and a toothbrush or scraper for tough stains. Finish by drying the surface thoroughly.
Q: How can I clean a glass stove top?
A: To clean a glass stove top, start by wiping away loose debris with a clean, dry cloth. Then, use a mixture of dish soap and water to gently scrub away grease and spills. For tougher stains, make a paste of baking soda and water, and use a razor blade or glass stove top cleaner. Finish by drying the surface thoroughly with a clean cloth.
Q: What are some remedies to clean a gas stove burner?
A: You can clean a gas stove burner by removing it from the stovetop, soaking it in a mixture of white vinegar and water, and scrubbing away any remaining grease and build-up. For tough stains, use a toothbrush or a plastic scrubber. Make sure to dry the burner completely before reassembling it.
Q: How do I keep my stove top clean?
A: To keep your stove top clean, it’s important to wipe away spills and grease as soon as they occur. Regularly cleaning the surface with a mixture of dish soap and water, and using a scraper or razor blade for tough stains, can help maintain a clean stove top. Additionally, make sure to dry the surface thoroughly after cleaning.
Q: What is the best way to clean an electric coil stove?
A: The best way to clean an electric coil stove involves removing the coils, soaking them in soapy water, and scrubbing them clean. For the stovetop surface, use a mixture of dish soap and water to wipe away grease and spills, and a toothbrush or scraper for tough stains. Finish by drying the surface thoroughly.
Q: What type of cleaners should I use for my stove top?
A: For your stove top, it’s best to use mild cleaners such as dish soap, soapy water, or a mixture of baking soda and water. You can also use specialized stove top cleaners for tougher stains on specific types of stovetops. Always ensure that the surface is thoroughly dried after cleaning.
Q: How do I clean a glass stovetop to keep it scratch-free?
A: To clean a glass stovetop and prevent scratches, it’s important to use a soft cloth, such as a microfiber cloth, to wipe away debris and gently scrub the surface. Avoid using abrasive materials that can scratch the glass. When dealing with tough stains, opt for a razor blade specifically designed for glass stove tops.
Q: What are some effective remedies for tough grease and stains on a stove top?
A: Effective remedies for tough grease and stains on a stove top include using a paste of baking soda and water, a glass stove top cleaner, or a mixture of white vinegar and water. These remedies can help break down and remove stubborn grease and stains, restoring the cleanliness of the stove top.
Q: How can I deep clean the surface of my stove top?
A: To deep clean the surface of your stove top, start by removing any removable components and soaking them in soapy water. Then, use a mixture of dish soap and water to clean the stovetop surface, and a scraper or razor blade for tough stains. Finish by thoroughly drying the surface to ensure it’s completely clean.
