How to clean stove burners is something your friends will talk about and ask you after your party. Something as common as cleaning can make a small kitchen look new, in just 10 minutes. The most important part of cleaning stove burners is – You just need a toothbrush, pan and detergent to clean stove top burners.

What Is A Stove Burner?

A stove burner is a gas or electric heating device for cooking. It uses either a gas flame or an electric element to warm a pan placed upon it, and is usually intended for use with a single pot or pan. Such burners are generally found in conjunction with an oven, which is designed to hold several pots at once. Stove burners are also used in laboratory settings to perform small-scale heating operations, such as evaporating liquids or melting chemicals.

Stove burners have been common household appliances since the late 19th century. While early burners were fueled by coal gas, most modern ones use propane or natural gas, as these are cleaner and more efficient fuels. Electric stoves use ceramic elements to heat the pot on the burner.

The parts of a burner include valves that control the flow of fuel, igniters that spark the fuel into flame and controls that turn the burner on and off and adjust its temperature. In many stoves, these components are combined into a single unit called a module; this makes it easy to replace individual parts without having to disassemble the entire stove.

Why You Should Clean Stove Burners

Stove burners are used daily for cooking, and after a while, the burners can get really dirty. Food splatters and spills on the stovetop and the cookware gets dirty from being heated up, causing even more dirtiness.

Stove burner grates can be removed and then soaked in soapy water and then wiped down with a soft cloth to remove all the grime.

How Often to Clean A Stove Burners

The best way to keep your stove burners clean is to wipe them with a damp cloth after every use.

If you let food and grease build up, it can be time consuming to get your burners clean.

There are a few steps you should follow when cleaning your stovetop. First, remove the grates and burner caps. Next, soak the burner caps and grates in hot soapy water. While they are soaking, use the proper supplies to tackle the burners themselves. Use steel wool or a nylon brush to scrub off any stubborn gunk on the burner heads. Finally, dry all of your stove parts and reassemble before using your stove again.

How to Clean Stove Burners

The stove is one of the most frequently used appliances in any kitchen. Since it’s constantly exposed to grime, food debris and grease, a clean stove is essential to prevent hazards and fires. Regular cleaning is important, so you should know how to clean stove burners properly.

• Step 1: Pull the heated surface elements from the stovetop by lifting up on them gently. If there is any resistance, stop trying to lift them up and instead slide the element to one side or another until it comes out easily.
• Step 2: Place the surface elements in a large plastic bag filled with ammonia, then seal the bag. Let them soak overnight.
• Step 3: Remove the surface elements from the bag, then scrub them with a green scrubbing pad or an old toothbrush until all debris has been removed.
• Step 4: Wipe away any remaining debris with a paper towel. Rinse each element under running water to remove any dust or other particles that may have gotten onto them during cleaning, then set them aside to dry completely before returning them to the stovetop.

How to Clean Electric Stovetop

If you have a gas stovetop, you’ll need to remove the burner caps before you can clean them and the surrounding areas thoroughly. Every model of gas stove is different when it comes to removing these caps; check your owner’s manual if you’re not sure how to do so.

Wipe down the inside of the burner caps with a rag or paper towel soaked in hot water and dishwashing liquid. Be careful when wiping down the inside of the caps — if they’re bent out of shape or warped, they won’t fit well on your burner heads anymore.

Scrub around each gas stove burner head with a metal brush or metal-bristled toothbrush until all residue (such as food) is removed from around the hole. Dip a sponge into warm water and dishwashing liquid and scrub down each burner head until all residue has been removed from it as well.

Here’s how to do it.

Tools: Sponge, dish soap, spray bottle, soft cloth, vinegar or ammonia

Step 1: Remove the Grates and Burner Caps

Remove all the grates and burner caps from the gas stovetop and set aside. If you have an electric stove, remove the drip pans and heating elements. Set aside any removable parts for later cleaning.

Step 2: Wipe Down the Burners

Wipe down the burners with a sponge or soft cloth soaked in hot soapy water. Scrub off any stuck on dirt or grease with a nylon scrubber or brush. Rinse with clean water and wipe dry with a towel. Allow to air-dry completely before replacing burner caps and grates. Lightly oil the burners to prevent rusting if they are cast iron or steel.

Step 3: Clean Removable Parts

Soak any removable parts in a solution of vinegar and hot water for about 30 minutes if they are heavily soiled. If there is still stubborn buildup on the parts after soaking, make a paste of baking soda and water, then soak for about 15 minutes and rinse.

How to Clean Gas Stovetop

If you have a gas stovetop, you’ll need to remove the burner caps before you can clean them and the surrounding areas thoroughly. Every model of gas stove is different when it comes to removing these caps; check your owner’s manual if you’re not sure how to do so.

Step to Clean Gas Stovetop Burners

• Step 1: Remove the burner grates and burner caps. Place the parts in a large bowl or bucket, and cover with a generous amount of ammonia. Allow them to soak for at least 4-6 hours.
• Step 2: Check on the grates and caps after about 4 hours. If the grime is easily removed, use a sponge to wipe off the cleaner and remaining dirt. Then rinse thoroughly with water and dry completely with a soft cloth before replacing them on your stovetop burners.
• Step 3: If there is still some buildup remaining, allow them to soak longer or even overnight until you can easily remove all of the dirt and grime using a sponge, hot water, and soap if necessary.
• Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 until your stovetop burners are clean, then replace them on your gas range or stovetop so they’re ready for your next meal!

How to Clean Glass stovetop

By removing grime and grease build-up, you’ll help prevent messes and keep your glass top looking like new.

• Step 1: Make a baking soda paste. Use a 50/50 mix of baking soda and water. Put it in a small bowl and stir until it’s a paste. If you have a large burner, use more baking soda and water. You’ll need enough to cover the surface of the burner.
• Step 2: Apply the paste to the burners (both sides). Take your time and make sure all of the crud is covered with the paste. If you have removable burners, take them out and clean them separately in the sink.
• Step 3: Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, but not much longer than 30 minutes or so.
• Step 4: Scrub with damp cloth or sponge. It should wipe right off! If it doesn’t, let it sit another 5-10 minutes and try again. For really tough stains on metal grates, try using steel wool soap pads or Bar Keepers Friend cleanser rather than baking soda if you need.

Tips to Keep Your Stove Burners Safe

1. Keep all things that can burn, such as pots and pans, towels, and food packaging, away from your stove burners.

2. ​Never leave cooking food unattended—stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling, or broiling food.

3. ​If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly and remain in the home while food is cooking. Use a timer as a reminder that the stove or oven is on.

4. ​Keep children at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from the stove.

5.​ Store matches and utility lighters out of children’s sight and reach; store them up high in a locked cabinet with the lighters facing down.

6.​ Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet (1 meter) around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried through.

7. ​Keep anything that can catch fire—pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, towels or curtains—away from your stove top.

Conclusion

Now that you have the information and tools to rid your stove burners of sticky messes, smears and scorch marks, all you need to do is remember these tips each time you want to create a brand new shine. Remember, clean stove burners will make your kitchen look brighter and cleaner, but be sure to practice these safe maintenance steps for yourself and for others.