How to Clean Pilot and Portholes on Gas Stoves

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If you have tried to light the pilot on your stove and it won't light, the problem may be that the pilot or portholes are clogged up. If this is your problem, you should be up and cooking with gas in just a few minutes. Read on to learn how.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Long straight pin or sewing needle

Step1

Find the ports on the burner that won't light. These are the little holes or slots where flames come through. These can get all clogged up with cooking debris.

Step2

Check for clogged ports when the burner will only light partially around the cooking area. It will most certainly be bocked ports in that case.

Step3

Clean the holes by gently poking a long pin or needle into the hole. You don't have to push it in very deep. The length is only to help you hold onto it. Be very careful not to make the holes bigger. Doing so will make the burner light and cook unevenly.

Step4

Take the burner heads off if they are really dirty. Submerge them in really hot water with dishwasher detergent. Dissolve the detergent in a little water before adding the burner heads.

Step5

Leave them to soak for several hours. You can change the water out once or twice to keep it hot and help the process along.

Step6

Rinse and dry the burner heads thoroughly. Put them back in place. Unclog the ports very gently with the needle or pin. This should do the trick.

Tips & Warnings

A very careful touch is important when cleaning the ports so that you don't damage the stove.
Call the gas company if you have a strong gas odor. Do not attempt to fix anything. Never strike a match. A gas leak can explode a stove or a whole house depending on how bad it is. Don't take any chances.