Cooking on a gas cooktop is satisfying—there’s something about the open flame and precise control that makes cooking feel like cooking. But picture this: a bubbling sauce pot of marinara bubbles over and splatters of tomato are everywhere. Pancake batter drips onto the grates while flipping your breakfast masterpiece. And don’t even get me started on the aftermath of frying bacon. A dirty stovetop with burnt-on food spills and crumbs galore are inevitable. Deep cleaning sessions aren't anyone's favorite, but once you get the routine down, cleaning your gas range doesn’t have to be a headache.
What Not to Do
- Don’t Use Sharp Metal Tools or Abrasive Scrubbers: Steel wool, razor blade scrapers, and metal spatulas scratch stainless steel, or damage sensitive parts like ignitors or gas holes.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Oven cleaner, bleach, and abrasive cleaners can damage the cooktop’s surface.
- Don’t Soak Burners: Water can cause clogged gas burner ports and affect functionality.
- Avoid Excessive Water: Too much water can seep into burners and cause issues with gas flow or ignition port functionality.
- Don’t Skip Drying: Leaving parts damp can lead to rust, especially on grates.
- Don’t Remove Control Knobs by Force: Check if they pop off gently to avoid breaking them.
You'll Need
- Dish soap
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Degreasing spray
- Microfiber cloth
- Non-abrasive sponge
- Stiff-bristled brush or Soft toothbrush
- Plastic scraper
- Wooden toothpicks or safety pin
- Couple of dish towels
- Cotton Swabs
1. Prepare the Cooktop
- Turn off the burners and let them cool completely.
- Remove stovetop grates and burner caps, and control knobs (if removable).
2. Soak the Stove Grates
- Fill a sink with warm water and a few drops of dish soap.
- Soak the grates and burner caps in the soapy water for 20-30 minutes to loosen grease and food residue.
3. Degrease the Surface
- Use a clean cloth to wipe up food particles and easy to remove sticky residue.
- Spray a vinegar-water mix onto the cooktop or an all-purpose cleaner for some extra cleaning power.
- Wipe down with a damp towel, focusing on greasy areas. Hot water will help warm and loosen thick greasy buildup.
- Grab a clean towel and wipe off the bits of grease and the degreaser residue.
4. Clean Gas Holes and Ignitors with Toothpicks
- Use a wooden toothpick to gently clean the gas holes on each burner. Insert the toothpick into each hole to remove debris, but avoid forcing it in too hard.
- For the ignitor, give it a careful cleaning with a toothpick or cotton swab to carefully clear grease or grime from around the electrode. This ensures your burners ignite properly.
- If needed, use a soft toothbrush to brush away any loosened food debris.
5. Tackle Stubborn Spots
- Sprinkle baking soda over tough stains.
- Add water to make a paste, then gently scrub with a sponge and a bit of persistence in a circular motion.
6. Clean and Dry Stove Grates
- After soaking, scrub the grates and burner caps with a stiff-bristled brush or sponge.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
- Dry immediately with a towel to prevent rust.
- Preventing Rust: Lightly coat the dry grates with a thin layer of vegetable oil to create a protective barrier. If you do spot rust, make a baking soda paste with a little water and scrub gently.
7. Tackle Control Knobs
- For removable knobs: Wash them in warm, soapy water using a soft toothbrush to scrub away grease. Rinse and dry thoroughly before replacing them.
- For non-removable knobs: Use a cotton swab or microfiber cloth dampened with vinegar to clean around the knobs and remove grime.
8. Final Wipe and Reassembly
- Give the gas stove top a final wipe with a damp cloth to remove any residue from cleaning products.
- Dry all parts thoroughly.
- Return the burner caps to their correct burner base. Replace the grates and reassemble the knobs (if removed).
FAQ
How Often Should I Clean My Gas Cooktop?
Cooking can be messy and all the parts of a gas stove can make every regular cleaning feel like an all-out deep cleaning. To make it easier on yourself, wipe up fresh spills and do frequent quick cleanups by wiping it down after every messy use. Deep clean it weekly to prevent a buildup of grease and food residue that cause dirty burner ports.
Can I Clean My Gas Burners in the Dishwasher?
Most grates and burner caps are dishwasher-safe, but check your manufacturer’s guidelines to be sure. Excess moisture can cause rust.
What If My Burner Won’t Light After Cleaning?
Check for clogs or excess water in the gas ports. Use a needle/paper clip, toothbrush, or cotton swab to gently clean out debris, then test the burner. This will also help if your gas burner flame is lighting unevenly.
