How to Clean a Cooktop Stove

There are several types of cooktop stoves. Flattop and element cooktop stoves are practically cleanable in the same method. Harsh abrasives can damage the finish and cause unnecessary scratches. With element stoves, you can remove the pans and sometimes the elements as well and wash them in the sink. If you are renting an apartment or home, you could have some of your security deposit taken because of an unclean stove. It is important to maintain this appliance to prevent fires as well.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dish soap
• Baking soda
• Sponge
• Washcloth
• Hard bristle brush

1. Remove all of the detachable elements from the stove. Run hot water into your sink. Once the water from the faucet has become steaming hot to the touch, place a stopper to hold the water. While the water is filling the sink, squeeze approximately 1 tbsp. of dish soap. Once it is full, turn off the water and use your sponge to mix the water and soap. Place the cooktop stove elements into the sink of water. If you have a flattop stove, skip this and move on to step 2.

2. Sprinkle baking soda on the stovetop. Use approximately 2 tbsp. of soda on your cook top stove. Dust it evenly over the stove. Let this sit for about 5 minutes.

3. Run the faucet with hot water. Moisten your sponge and then wring it out. Scrub the cooktop stove in rows. The water will fuse with the baking soda to create a paste. Rub this onto your stovetop to clean all of the food particles and dirt. Use a circular motion after you complete the rows. This will clean the cooktop stove thoroughly. Wring the sponge out frequently through the cleaning process.

4. Damp the washcloth. When you moisten it, wring it out. Wipe the remanding baking soda off the stovetop. Wring the cloth out frequently to remove all the baking soda.

5. Repeat steps 2 to 4 as necessary. If you have elements soaking, run cold water into the sink. This will cool the water so you can unplug it without burning your hand. Pull the stopper out. Run warm water and begin scrubbing the elements with the hard bristle brush. Use a dime-size amount of dish soap on the element. Scrub thoroughly and rinse. Place in the dish drainer until completely dry. You may use a towel to dry the components. However, remember not to return the elements to the stove until they are completely dry.

Tips & Warnings

• To avoid difficultly removing food particles after they have sat, clean up the mess while it is still warm and flexible.
• Do not remove the cooktop elements while they are still warm. Wait until they are entirely cool before you soak them in hot water.