How to Clean A Stovetop Burner and Remove Burnt on Grease

A clean, well-maintained stovetop burner ensures efficient cooking and prevents potential safety hazards. However, many people are unsure about the proper techniques and tools required to clean their stovetop burners effectively. This technical and educational blog will provide a comprehensive guide on cleaning a stovetop burner, covering everything from the necessary cleaning supplies to step-by-step instructions for cleaning gas and electric burners.

Firstly, gathering the necessary cleaning supplies before starting the cleaning process is essential. You’ll need a bowl of warm water, mild dish soap, a toothbrush, and a soft cloth for gas burners. You’ll need baking soda, white vinegar, a bowl, and a soft cloth for electric burners. Once you have all the necessary supplies, you can start cleaning your stovetop burners.

Next, removing the grates and burner caps from your stovetop burner is important. For gas burners, gently lift the grates and caps off the base. For electric burners, unplug them from the socket and remove the coils. This will allow you to clean each component more thoroughly.

Place the grates and burner caps in a bowl of warm water and dish soap for gas burners. Let them soak for a few minutes to loosen any dirt or grime. Meanwhile, scrub the burner base with a toothbrush and mild dish soap, thoroughly cleaning each opening and vent. Once you’ve finished cleaning, rinse the grates and burner caps under running water and dry them with a soft cloth. Finally, reassemble the burner components and place them back onto the stovetop.

Start by generously sprinkling baking soda over the burner coils for electric burners, covering all the dirt and grime. Next, pour white vinegar over the baking soda, allowing it to bubble and react. This will help dissolve any stubborn stains and grease. Use a soft cloth to gently scrub the coils, ensuring not to apply too much pressure. Once you’ve finished cleaning, rinse the coils with water and dry them with a soft cloth. Finally, reassemble the burner components and plug them back into the socket.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, this article will provide all the information you need to keep your stovetop looking and functioning like new.

So, please wear your cleaning gloves, and let’s begin!

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Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean A Stovetop Burner Using Natural Cleaners

Ideally, you usually clean your cooktop often; however, how often do you clean your burners, grates, and caps? These components can get dirty over time, affecting their performance and efficiency.

Pro Tips On How to Clean Gas Stove Top Grates and Burner Caps

If your grates or caps look dirty or dingy, follow these tips to clean them.

Note: Ensure all controls are off before cleaning and the cooktop is cool. Soap, water, and a soft cloth or sponge are suggested first unless otherwise noted.

• Use a nonabrasive plastic scrubbing pad and a mildly abrasive cleaner. Clean as soon as the cooktop, grates, and caps are cool.
• During a Self-Cleaning cycle, do not clean burner caps or grates in the oven.
• Do not wash burner caps in the dishwasher unless noted in your Use and Care Guide.
• Some grates may be washed in the dishwasher. Use the most aggressive cycle. Cooked/burned soils on grates should be soaked or scrubbed before being placed in the dishwasher. Refer to your Use and Care Guide to verify if grates can be washed in the dishwasher.
• Food spills containing acids like vinegar and tomato should be cleaned when the cooktop, grates, and caps are cool. These spills may affect the finish.
• Do not bang grates and caps against each other or hard surfaces such as cast-iron cookware to avoid chipping.
• Don’t use abrasive materials: Avoid using abrasive materials such as steel wool or harsh chemicals that can scratch or damage the surface of your stovetop.
• Clean spills immediately: If you spill anything on your stovetop, clean it up immediately. This prevents the spill from hardening and becoming more challenging to clean later.
• Cover your burners: If you are cooking something likely to splatter, consider using a splatter screen or covering your burners with aluminum foil or a burner cover. This prevents food debris from getting into the burner and makes cleaning easier.
• Clean your stovetop burners regularly: Regular cleaning prevents buildup and makes cleaning easier.
• Use a specialized cleaner for tough stains: If you have a tough stain that won’t come off, consider using a specialized cleaner designed for stovetop burners.

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How to Clean a Gas Stove Burner 

Cleaning a stovetop burner is an essential task every homeowner should know how to do. A clean stove ensures that your cooking surface is hygienic and free of harmful bacteria, and it also prevents food debris from getting into your food, which can ruin the taste and texture.

However, cleaning a stovetop burner can be daunting, especially if you do not know how to do it correctly.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about cleaning a stovetop burner, from the tools and supplies you will need to step-by-step instructions on how to do it.

So, let’s get started!

Tools and Supplies Needed

Before you start cleaning your stovetop burner, you will need to gather the following tools and supplies:

1. Soft-bristled brush or a paper towel will remove any food debris or residue from the burner.
2. Cleaning solution: You can make your cleaning solution by mixing equal parts of water and vinegar or dish soap in a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can use a commercial stove cleaner.
3. Scrubber or non-abrasive scrubbing pad: Gently scrub the burner and remove any tough stains or burnt-on residue.
4. Damp cloth: This will wipe down the burner and remove any cleaning solution and residue.
5. Dry towel: This will be used to dry the burner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have gathered all the necessary tools and supplies let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions on how to clean a stovetop burner.

Step 1: Turn off the burner and let it cool down

Before cleaning your stovetop burner, you must ensure it is completely turned off and cooled down. This will prevent accidents and ensure you can clean the burner without burning yourself.

Step 2: Remove any food debris or residue

Once the burner has cooled down, use a soft-bristled brush or a paper towel to remove any food debris or residue from the burner. Be gentle so as not to scratch the surface.

Step 3: Apply the cleaning solution

Now, it is time to apply the cleaning solution. If you are using a commercial stove cleaner, follow the instructions on the label. If you are making your cleaning solution, mix equal parts of water, vinegar, or dish soap in a spray bottle and shake it well. Spray the cleaning solution over the burner and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen any grime or buildup.

Step 4: Scrub the burner

Once the cleaning solution has had time to work its magic, use a scrubber or non-abrasive scrubbing pad to scrub the burner gently. You may need a scraper or a non-abrasive scrubbing pad for tough stains or burnt-on residue. Be careful not to scratch the surface of the burner.

Step 5: Wipe down the burner

After scrubbing the burner, use a damp cloth to wipe down the burner and remove any cleaning solution and residue. Make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies of the burner.

Step 6: Dry the burner

Finally, use a dry towel to dry the burner or let it air dry. Make sure the burner is completely dry before you turn it on again.

How to Clean Electric Stove Burners?

Electric stove burners are popular for many households due to their ease of use and convenience. However, they can be prone to getting dirty and stained, making them less efficient and less attractive.

In this section, we’ll look at how to clean electric stove burners and get them looking like new.

1. Turn off the stove: Before cleaning your electric stove burners, ensure the stove is turned off and cooled down completely. This is crucial to avoid any accidental burns or damage to the stove.
2. Remove the burners: Once the stove is cooled, remove the electric burners from the stove. This can typically be done by simply lifting them out of their socket. If you’re unsure how to remove the burners, consult your stove’s instruction manual.
3. Soak the burners: Fill a sink or large container with warm water and add dish soap or a specialized stove cleaner. Place the electric burners in the water and let them soak for about 15 minutes. This helps to loosen any dirt or grime accumulated on the burners.
4. Scrub the burners: After soaking the burners, take a sponge or soft cloth and scrub away any remaining dirt or grime. Be gentle, as the surface of the burners can be delicate. Avoid using any abrasive materials that could scratch the surface.
5. Rinse and dry: Once you’ve scrubbed the burners clean, rinse them with warm water to remove any soap or cleaner residue. Dry the burners thoroughly with a clean towel or cloth before reinserting them into the stove.
6. Clean the stove surface: While the burners are soaking, take the time to clean the stove surface. Use a gentle cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar to wipe down the surface, paying close attention to any areas around the burners where dirt and grime can accumulate.
7. Reinsert the burners: Once the burners and stove surface are clean and dry, reinsert the electric burners into their sockets. Make sure they are securely in place before turning on the stove.

How to Clean Your  Stovetop Burner 

Stovetop burners can get dirty and stained over time due to grease, food spills, and other factors. This not only affects the appearance of your stove but can also impact its performance and safety.

In this section, we’ll look at how to clean your stovetop burner effectively and efficiently.

1. Gather your supplies: Gather the necessary supplies before cleaning your stovetop burner. This may include a stove cleaner or degreaser, a sponge or soft cloth, a scraper, and a toothbrush or small cleaning brush.
2. Turn off the stove: Before you begin cleaning, turn off the stove and let it cool down completely. This will help prevent any accidental burns or damage to the stove.
3. Remove the burner from the stove to make it easier to clean. This can usually be done by gently lifting the burner from its socket.
4. Scrape away any debris: Use a scraper or other tool to remove large pieces of debris or burnt-on food from the burner. Be careful not to scratch the surface of the burner.
5. Apply cleaner or degreaser: Apply a stove cleaner or degreaser to the burner’s surface, carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions. Let the cleaner sit for the recommended time to loosen dirt or grime.
6. Scrub the burner: Use a sponge or soft cloth to gently scrub the burner, paying close attention to areas where dirt or grime has accumulated. Use a toothbrush or small cleaning brush to clean any hard-to-reach areas.
7. Rinse and dry: Once scrubbing the burner, rinse it thoroughly with warm water to remove any cleaner residue. Dry the burner with a clean towel or cloth before reinserting it into the stove.
8. Clean the stove surface: While the burner is out, take the time to clean the stove’s surface. Use a gentle cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar to wipe down the surface, paying close attention to areas around the burner where dirt and grime can accumulate.
9. Reinsert the burner: Once the burner and stove surface is clean and dry, reinsert the burner into its socket. Make sure it is securely in place before turning on the stove.

How do you clean a stove top naturally?

1. Baking soda and vinegar: This method removes tough grease and grime. Mix enough baking soda and water to create a thick paste to spread easily. Apply the paste to your stovetop and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, spray vinegar on the surface and wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge. The vinegar reacts with the baking soda to create a foaming effect that helps loosen and lift away the grime.
2. Lemon and salt: Lemon has natural acidic properties that help cut through grease, while salt is a mild abrasive to scrub stubborn stains. Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle salt on the cut side. Use the lemon to scrub the stove top, applying pressure on any areas with stubborn stains. Rinse with water and wipe clean with a cloth.
3. Vinegar and water: This method is simple and effective for regular maintenance cleaning. Mix equal vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then spray the solution on your stovetop. Let it sit for a few minutes to loosen any grime, then wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge. Vinegar has natural acidic properties that help dissolve grease and grime, while the water helps dilute the vinegar to prevent damage to the stovetop.
4. Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda: This method is effective for stubborn stains and burnt-on food. Mix hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to form a paste. Apply the paste to your stovetop and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Then, wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge. The baking soda is a mild abrasive to scrub the grime, while the hydrogen peroxide helps break down the stains.
5. Dish soap and water: This method is a great all-purpose cleaner for regular maintenance cleaning. Mix dish soap and water in a spray bottle, then spray the solution on your stovetop. Let it sit for a few minutes to loosen any grime, then wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge. Dish soap effectively cuts through grease and grime, while water helps dilute the soap to prevent damage to the stovetop.
6. Olive oil and vinegar: Mix olive oil and vinegar in equal parts in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on your stovetop and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen any grime. Then, wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge. Olive oil effectively breaks grease, while vinegar helps dissolve stubborn stains.
7. Castile soap: Mix a few drops of Castile soap with water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on your stovetop and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge. Castile soap is a natural, gentle cleanser that removes grease and grime.
8. Tea tree oil: Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on your stovetop and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge. Tea tree oil has natural antiseptic properties that help kill bacteria and disinfect the surface.
9. Cornstarch: Sprinkle cornstarch on your stovetop and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge. Cornstarch effectively absorbs grease and grime, making it easier to wipe away.
10. Steam cleaning: Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil on your stovetop. Let the steam rise and loosen any grime or stains. Then, wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge. This method is effective for regular maintenance cleaning and can be done without any cleaning products.

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Best Stovetop Cleaners to Remove Everyday Spills and Splatters

1.     Cerama Bryte –Best Value Kit

Get your cooktop clean and looking like new with the Cerama Bryte Best Value Kit.

It’s tough on grease and stains and is suitable for use on various radiant and halogen stovetops.

This cleaning kit includes everything you need to keep your stovetop clean, including a 28 oz bottle of Cerama Bryte cooktop cleaner, a Cerama Bryte scraper, and a pad combo with ten cooktop cleaning pads and one 2 oz bottle of burnt-on grease remover.

Pros:

• Removes tough stains
• The number one ceramic cooktop cleaner
• Suitable for use on all radiant and halogen stovetops

2.     Affresh W11042470 Stove Top Cleaner Kit

Affresh cooktop cleaning kit polishes your cooktop to keep it looking like new.

Cuts through harsh cooked-on residues for a streak-free polished shine.

The cooktop cleaning kit includes a nonabrasive cleaner and nonabrasive cleaning pads that are safe for all glass and ceramic cooktops.

The kit includes everything you need to clean and polish your cooktop for a streak-free shine.

Some benefits include removing soil buildup and cooked-on spills without scratching or harming cooktop surfaces, polishing your cooktop, and keeping it looking new.

3.   Bar Keepers Friend Multipurpose Cooktop Cleaner

Some cleaners contain harsh abrasives that can scratch glossy surfaces, so the best way to clean a glass or ceramic cooktop clean is to use a product formulated for those surfaces.

This cleaner not only removes cooking oils and hardened food debris without scratching or dulling the cooktop but also can use it to clean metal and ceramic cookware.

Additionally, it also removes hard water mineral deposits.

The stovetop cleanser is safe on most surfaces: stainless steel, copper, aluminum, bronze, glass, porcelain, ceramic, and more.

However, when cleaning any surface or item in your home with a scouring powder, spray cleaner, or soft cleanser, it’s advisable first to test the product on a small, inconspicuous area.

4.   Easy-Off Specialty Kitchen Degreaser Cleaner

It’s the number one oven and grill cleaning brand.

Easy-Off formulas can cut grease on ovens, stoves, microwaves, broilers, grills, and countertops with minimal wait and effort.

Undoubtedly it’s a solution to grease on the backsplash, cooktop, stovetop, kitchen counters, cabinets, oven, sink, and microwave cleaning.

Moreover, you can choose from fast-acting, deep-cleaning, or fume-free formulas.

Choose the best spray for gas and electric ovens, self-cleaning ovens, broilers, grill racks, stainless steel, and more.

If you live in the kitchen, you probably want to rest assured your kitchen is clean.

Easy-Off kitchen cleaners work on a variety of surfaces and appliances.

Do you have a stainless-steel surface? You won’t need a separate stainless-steel cleaner when you’ve got Easy-Off for ovens or grills.

5.   Drill Brush Power Scrapper

Clean your gas grill, smoker, oven, or charcoal grates with this no-wire kit.

Modernize your arsenal of old-fashioned wire brushes that never get clean and also tend to rust.

Replace all your wire brush drill attachments with these aggressive, Ultra Stiff Black, all nylon, drill-powered upgrades.

These brushes can also be used for industrial applications such as heavy-duty stripping of loose paint and other harsh scrubbing applications.

Moreover, you can also erase stubborn painted graffiti from stone walls or metal surfaces.

Ultimately with this kit, you don’t have to deal with broken and loose flying wires.

Note: It’s advisable not to use a wire brush to clean barbecue grills. Sometimes, the bristles break off the brush and are deposited in food cooked on the grill.

Unwittingly, ingestion of these bristles can cause gastrointestinal perforation.

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Tips on How to Keep Your Stove Top Burner in Optimal Condition

By following these simple tips, you can help extend the life of your stovetop burner and keep it in optimal condition. Remember, a clean, well-maintained burner looks great and ensures optimal cooking performance and safety.

1. Wipe up spills immediately: Don’t let spills and splatters sit on the burner for too long. Wipe them up immediately with a damp cloth or sponge to prevent them from hardening and becoming more difficult to clean later.
2. Use the right cookware: Make sure you use the right cookware for your stove. If your burner is not flat, avoid using pots and pans with a warped bottom, as they can cause uneven heating and damage the burner over time.
3. Use the right size burner: Use a burner that is the right size for your pot or pan. Using a smaller burner for a larger pot or pan can cause heat to transfer unevenly, leading to scorching and staining on the burner.
4. Avoid abrasive materials: Avoid using steel wool or rough sponges to clean your stovetop burner, as they can scratch and damage the surface. Stick to gentle cleaners and soft cloths or sponges.
5. Use burner covers: Consider using burner covers to protect your stovetop burner from spills and splatters. These covers can be easily removed and washed and will help keep your burner clean and free from stains.
6. Use a protective mat: If you frequently use heavy cast iron or other cookware that can scratch or damage your burner, consider using a protective mat or trivet. This will help protect your burner from scratches and other damage.
7. Clean the burner after each use: To prevent the buildup of grease and grime, it’s a good idea to clean your stovetop burner after each use. This will help prevent stains and make cleaning easier in the long run.
8. Don’t let pots boil over: Boiling over pots can cause food and liquids to spill onto the burner, leading to staining and damage. To prevent this, watch your pots while they’re boiling and adjust the heat as needed.
9. Check for damage: Regularly inspect your stovetop burner for signs of damage, such as cracks or chips. If you notice any damage, stop using the burner immediately and have it repaired or replaced.
10. Use vinegar: If you have stubborn stains or buildup on your burner, try using vinegar to remove them. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water and apply it to the burner with a cloth or sponge. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub gently and rinse with water.

Final verdict On How to Clean A Stovetop Burner 

In conclusion, maintaining a clean stovetop burner is essential for safe and efficient cooking. Whether you have a gas or electric burner, the cleaning process is straightforward and can be completed with a few simple steps using the right cleaning supplies.

By regularly cleaning your stovetop burner, you’ll not only enhance its performance but also extend its lifespan. Additionally, following the tips and tricks outlined in this guide, you can keep your burner in optimal condition, preventing the buildup of grease and grime.

Remember always to exercise caution when cleaning your stovetop burner and prioritize safety. These techniques and tools allow you to enjoy clean and efficient cooking on your stovetop burner for years.