How to clean stovetops in a few simple steps
Get ready to whip up your family’s go-to pasta sauce or a hearty weekend breakfast without spending the rest of your day struggling with a messy cooktop. Whether you have a stainless steel or glass cooktop, keeping it clean and ready for action is simple. If you’re dealing with spills or removing cooked-on residues, read on to learn how to simplify the process, leaving your kitchen ready for your next family meal.
How often should you clean your stovetop?
Clean your stovetop after each use to take care of everyday messes, spills and splatters. You can do this with warm water and a bit of dish soap. Using a cooktop cleaner on a bi-weekly or monthly basis also helps keep your cooktop in good condition and helps prevent damage.
How to clean an electric stovetop
Cleaning your electric stovetop is a simple process that helps maintain your appliance so it is ready for your next pot of spaghetti or homemade soup. To learn how to clean an electric cooktop, follow these straightforward steps.
Supplies
Cooktop cleaner, like affresh® Cooktop Cleaner1 Cooktop Cleaner
White vinegar in a spray bottle (optional)
Baking soda (optional)
Tools
Cooktop scraper
Non-abrasive cleaning pad
A soft, dry cloth
Step 1: Allow the stovetop to cool
Allow the stovetop to cool until it’s slightly warm. Spritz minor marks or spills with white vinegar and let it soak while the stovetop continues to cool.
Step 2: Remove food residue
While the cooktop is still barely warm, use a cooktop scraper at a 45-degree angle to eliminate any food residue. Remember to wear an oven mitt and steer clear of tools like steel wool which could scratch the cooktop.
Step 3: Apply and buff cooktop cleaner
Apply non-abrasive cooktop cleaner directly onto the glass surface, making sure to follow the label instructions. Be careful to avoid stainless steel areas. Gently rub the cleaner onto the surface using a non-abrasive cleaning pad. Let it dry until a white haze forms, then buff it away with a soft, dry cloth until the haze disappears. For stubborn stains, you can also use a cleaner such as affresh® Cooktop Cleaner. Apply dime-sized drops and vigorously rub with a cleaning pad using firm pressure.
Step 4: Maintain stainless steel surfaces
For stainless steel appliances, use a cleaner such as affresh® Stainless Steel Brightener and apply it along the grain to avoid damage. If you don’t have this product handy, you can also dilute liquid dish soap in water and softly scrub with a non-abrasive sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth. Steer clear of harsh cleaners and abrasive materials. Remember to sanitize your sponge in the microwave after each use.
Step 5: Clean stovetop knobs
Gently pull all cooktop knobs away from the control panel to remove them from the stovetop. Clean them in the sink using water and dish soap, ensuring you don’t soak or remove the seals underneath the knobs to prevent damage. Dry them completely before reattaching them.
How to clean a black glass electric or induction stovetop
To clean a black glass or induction cooktop surface and help avoid streaking, first, allow it to cool before gently scraping off burnt-on residue using a flat cooktop scraper. Once cooled, spray the surface with a cleaning solution or diluted vinegar, letting it sit for 10-15 minutes to loosen stains. You can also apply a glass and ceramic cleaner to stubborn spots, gently rubbing with a non-abrasive pad. Polish the surface with a dry cloth to remove any remaining residue, repeating the process if necessary until the surface is shiny and clean.
How to clean an electric coil stovetop
To clean an electric coil stovetop, be sure the stovetop is off, wait until the coils are cool to the touch and then unplug the coils, following the manufacturer’s instructions for safe removal. For routine cleaning, use a damp cloth and dish soap, avoid submerging or soaking the coils and use an old toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas.
For stubborn residue, make a baking soda paste, apply it, mist it with white vinegar and wipe it clean after five minutes.
Wash drip pans in soapy water or the dishwasher and wipe integrated drip pans with soapy water or diluted white vinegar.
If possible, lift the stovetop to carefully clean underneath with a damp cloth and dish soap, then wipe dry.
Finally, reinsert the coils carefully, ensuring the connections are not twisted or bent.
Additional electric stovetop cleaning tips:
Keeping your electric stovetop clean may help both its longevity and functionality. Read the additional tips below to help you keep your cooking space clean and ready for family dinner every night.
If you don’t have a cooktop cleaning kit, you can use a plastic scraper to remove residue. Then, spray white vinegar on the cooktop and scrub with a non-abrasive pad.
To help prevent residue buildup on your stove, ensure pots and pans are thoroughly dried before heating. If deposits are already present, use a cooktop cleaner to clean the stove. While marks may not vanish completely, regular cleaning can diminish their visibility over time.
Induction cooktops offer rapid heating and cooling, which helps facilitate quick cleanup. Consider whether an induction cooktop might be the right fit for you.
To help protect your glass top stove from damage, avoid using steel wool, abrasive powders, chlorine bleach, rust remover, or ammonia during cleaning. Always refer to the instructions on your cleaning products for optimal results.
After cleaning your cooktop thoroughly, don’t forget about your oven door glass.
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How to clean a gas stovetop
Cleaning your gas stovetop is a simple process that will help maintain your appliance and keep your cooking area clean for your next meal. Read the steps below to learn how to clean your gas stovetop, burners and grates and help keep it free of spills and splatters. And always check your user manual first, in case there are specific cleaning instructions geared toward your model.
Supplies
Soap and water
A mildly abrasive cleaner
Cleaning solution
Tools
Non-abrasive scrubbing pad
Straight pin, needle or small-gauge wire
Bristled brush
Damp cloth
Cooktop scraper
Screwdriver
Step 1: Remove grates and burner caps
After the surface cools, remove cooking grates and burner caps. For certain models, a screwdriver may be necessary. If your range has a standing pilot light, be sure to turn off the gas valve before disassembly.
Step 2: Soak in hot, soapy water
Immerse the cooking grates and burner caps in hot, soapy water for a minimum of 20 minutes. Unless specified in your owner’s manual, refrain from soaking uncoated cast iron grates. If you are uncertain about cleaning uncoated cast iron grates, consult the manual for instructions.
Step 3: Make a baking soda paste
For heavily soiled grates or caps, mix three parts baking soda with one part water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the grates and let it sit for 20 minutes.
Step 4: Clean the burners
Using a non-abrasive scrubbing pad, soft cloth or cleaning wipe, wipe down the burners. If you’ve applied baking soda paste, rinse it off first to prevent damage. Use a soft-bristled brush for stubborn residue. Locate and detach the burner tubes underneath the burner base. Clean clogged burner port openings with a straight pin, needle or small-gauge wire, avoiding the use of wooden toothpicks to prevent enlarging or distorting the openings. Be careful not to damage the openings during cleaning.
Step 5: Reinstall burners and burner caps
Once cleaned and dried thoroughly, reattach the burners and burner caps. Dry them with a soft, dry cloth before reconnecting the tubes. If necessary, use a screwdriver to secure the burner caps, ensuring they are stable and sit flush with the burner base.
Step 6: Reinstall grates
After ensuring the grates are clean and drying them with a soft cloth, put them back in place. Make sure they sit stably above the burners.
Additional gas stovetop cleaning tips:
In addition to the basic cleaning steps, here are some extra tips to ensure your gas stovetop stays sparkling clean:
Use a degreaser for tough grease stains.
Utilize a non-abrasive pad to help remove stubborn food residue.
Clean burner ports and tubes regularly to help prevent clogs and encourage proper gas flow.
Consider using a cooktop cleaner specifically formulated for gas stovetops for optimal results.
For heavy buildup, soak burner parts in a solution of vinegar and water before cleaning.
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What is one of the best ways to clean a stovetop?
For all stovetop types, start with warm, soapy water for safe cleaning. For tougher stains, use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Then, soak a cloth in hot water, place it over the cool stovetop and wipe off the vinegar and baking soda paste after 10-15 minutes.
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How do you clean a burnt or gunky stovetop?
Vinegar is a great solution to keep around for different cleaning projects, and it is useful as a degreaser for cleaning your cooktop. Just transfer the vinegar into a spray bottle, generously apply it to the cooktop surface, and use a damp cloth to help wipe away any burnt-on food residue.
How to keep your stovetop clean
Simply wipe down the stovetop daily with warm water and a small amount of dish soap to control messes. Incorporating this quick and easy routine into your daily kitchen cleaning regimen helps simplify clean-up time and helps prevent a bigger mess from building up over time.
Explore Whirlpool® Ranges and Cooktops
Browse the selection of Whirlpool® Ranges and Cooktops to find the perfect match for your cooking routine. With convenient features like EZ-2-Lift™ Hinged Grates on select models, cleaning up spills is quick and nearly hassle-free, saving you valuable time. Select cooktops come with an easy-wipe surface and a hot surface indicator light to make clean-up a breeze.
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1. affresh® brand products and the recommending brands’ products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.
