How to Open a Whirlpool Stove

Over time, debris, grease and food can build up on and under your stove top, causing increased food smells and risk of fire. No matter how clean you attempt to keep your kitchen, it may be difficult or impossible to avoid all such buildup. By opening your Whirlpool stove, you will gain access to the area under the burners and be better equipped to get everything spick-and-span.

Before you attempt to do anything to your oven involving moving parts or cleaning them, you should ensure that it is unplugged. If you cannot reach the plug or just want to be extra safe, you can also turn off power at the circuit breaker. This is a good idea in general when you will be working with appliances.

If you will be moving your oven out from the wall for better access, you should get assistance from another adult. Ovens are large and heavy, and they can also be a tipping hazard. Get another adult who feels physically capable of lifting a heavy appliance to help you slide or gently lift the oven. Be sure all children and pets are situated away from your workspace.

Whether you have a Whirlpool gold glass top range or a Whirlpool electric cooktop with downdraft, you may need to clean it from time to time. To open the stove, first remove the burners. You can do this by lifting the burner where the coil plugs in to the stove. Set the heating elements to the side.

Next, open the oven and look to the top, where you should see two screws. They will likely be Phillips head screws. Once you've found the screws, remove them with a screwdriver. Set them aside, ideally in a zipped bag or an empty ice cube tray where they will be safe while you work.

Tightly grasp the front corners of the top of the oven (the bottom of the stove) and pull them upward. They will move up much like the hood of a car. They also have support rods like the hood of your car, which will lock into place after you have raised them adequately. Never stick your head under the lifted oven top, and take care if you put your hands or fingers underneath while cleaning.

Once your Whirlpool stove is opened, you can thoroughly clean it. If you prefer an all-natural clean, you may use white vinegar on a damp rag. For tough stains, Home Depot suggests that you use a paste of warm water and baking soda to scrub debris that is greasy or thick.

If you choose to use commercial cleaners or chemicals, check your oven manual before doing so. Some appliances, particularly glass-topped stoves, operate best when they are cleaned in certain ways. Be careful on glass-topped stoves of using any cleaner or sponge that is too abrasive, as it may scratch. If you have stainless steel appliances, wipe down the outside of the appliance with a microfiber cloth or special stainless steel wipes to get a streak-free shine.