Of course your stove top would stay clean if you cleaned it thoroughly after every use, but in my house that is simply not the reality! So, in the real world, how do you tackle the greasy buildup and dried on food that has taken over your gas stove top?
Begin by removing the grates and drip pans from each burner. Place them in hot soapy water to soak. If the grates are really grimy or have a lot of burned on food, you can place them in a closed container, such as a trash bag, with ammonia to soak. You don’t have to cover them with the ammonia; just make sure the bag is closed so the fumes can work at loosening the grime. Leave the grates in the ammonia for at least an hour, then remove them and rinse with hot water. Make sure you wear gloves and open a window for ventilation when using ammonia. If you prefer not to use ammonia, just let the grates soak with the drip pans in soapy water, then scrub them clean. You can also pull off the knobs and put them into the soapy water.
While the grates are soaking, wipe any loose food particles off the stove top. Now you are ready to get the real mess taken care of! There are different ways of cleaning a stove top that are effective, so you may choose what to use based on the types of cleaners you like to use and what you find works best on your stove top. The easiest thing to try is water with liquid dish soap in it. Dip a cloth or sponge in the soapy water and scrub the stove top with it.
If soapy water is not enough to get through the grime, then you can try a commercial degreaser. Many kitchen cleaning solutions are formulated to cut grease and will work well to break through the buildup.
You can make your own cleaning solution with baking soda mixed with lemon juice or vinegar. The baking soda acts as a mild abrasive that should not damage your stove top, but will help scrub away whatever is stuck on there. The lemon juice or vinegar acts as a degreaser to break up the grease that tends to build up on gas stove tops in particular. Use a cloth and scrub the solution all over the stove top, then wipe it away with a clean wet cloth.
Another alternative is to use Magic Erasers by Mr. Clean. These sponges just require that you wet them, squeeze out excess water, and wipe. They will clean almost anything.
Whichever cleaning solution you choose, remember not to get too much liquid on the stove top; you do not want the liquid running down into your burners. If you have a spray bottle, spray the cleaner onto your sponge and then wipe. If you are using water, dip your cloth into the water instead of trying to pour or spray water onto the stove top itself.
Avoid abrasive cleaners as they can scratch the surface of your stove. If there is dried on food that you cannot get off, try using an old credit card to scrape it. The plastic will not scratch like a knife will, but it is stiff enough to scrape off the stubborn spots.
After you have removed the grease and dried food from the stove top, scrub the grates, drip pans, and knobs. Dry them well and put them back in place. Don’t forget to check the front of your stove and wipe it down with the same cleaning solution you are using for the top.
It will take some work on your part, but with the right methods cleaning your gas stove top may be easier than you think!
