An electric stove top is a popular kitchen appliance that many people use for cooking. It provides a fast, efficient, and clean way of cooking different types of dishes. But how to clean electric stove top? Like any other kitchen appliance, it requires regular maintenance and cleaning to function optimally. A clean electric stove top not only looks good but also prevents accidents and ensures the longevity of the appliance.
In this article, I will discuss some easy and effective methods to clean an electric stove top and keep it in top shape. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn stains or just need a routine clean-up, this guide will help you with the essential tips and tricks to get your electric stove top looking brand new.
Why cleaning an Electric Stove Top is important?
Cleaning an electric stove top is important for several reasons:
- Hygiene: Cooking can result in spills, grease, and food particles accumulating on the stove top. If left uncleaned, these can harbor bacteria and other harmful microorganisms, leading to health hazards.
- Aesthetics: A dirty stove top can look unsightly and make the kitchen appear unkempt. Regular cleaning ensures that the stove top looks clean and well-maintained.
- Safety: Grease and spills on the stove top can be flammable and can cause fires if not cleaned properly. Regular cleaning can prevent these hazards and ensure safe cooking.
- Maintenance: Regular cleaning of the stove top can prevent damage and wear and tear, prolonging the life of the appliance.
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before you begin cleaning your electric stove top, it’s important to gather all the necessary cleaning supplies. Here are some items you will need:
- Microfiber cloths or paper towels
- Mild dish soap
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Spray bottle
- Scrub brush or non-abrasive sponge
- Razor blade or scraper (optional)
- Drip pans and burner grates (if removable)
- Sink or bucket for soaking drip pans and burner grates
Having all these supplies on hand will make the cleaning process more efficient and effective. It’s important to use gentle cleaning solutions and tools that won’t scratch or damage the surface of your electric stove top. Once you have all your supplies, you’re ready to move on to the next step.
Turn Off and Cool Down Your Electric Stove Top
Before you begin to clean your electric stove top, it’s essential to turn it off and let it cool down completely to prevent any injuries or accidents. Here’s what you should do:
- Turn off all the burners and any other heating elements on the stove top.
- Wait for at least 15–20 minutes to an hour for the stove top to cool down completely.
- Touch the surface of the stove top to ensure it’s cool to the touch before you begin cleaning.
Remove Burners and Drip Pans
To clean your electric stove top thoroughly, you will need to remove the burners and drip pans. Here’s how you can do it:
- Turn off and unplug your electric stove top.
- Lift the burners straight up from the socket. Some burners may require a gentle wiggle to remove them.
- Remove the drip pans underneath the burners. If they are dirty, soak them in hot soapy water for at least 15 minutes.
- For stubborn stains or grease buildup, sprinkle baking soda on the drip pans and add a few drops of white vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a non-abrasive sponge or scrub brush.
- If your burners are dirty or greasy, clean them with a non-abrasive sponge or scrub brush and mild dish soap. Do not submerge them in water.
Once you have removed the burners and drip pans, you can move on to cleaning the surface of the stove top.
Soak the Burners and Drip Pans in Hot Soapy Water
After removing the burners and drip pans from your electric stove top, it’s time to soak them in hot soapy water. This will help loosen any buildup, grease, or grime. Here’s what you should do:
- Fill a sink or bucket with hot water and a few drops of mild dish soap.
- Place the drip pans and burners in the water, making sure they are fully submerged.
- Let them soak for at least 15–20 minutes, or longer if they are heavily soiled.
- After soaking, use a non-abrasive sponge or scrub brush to clean the burners and drip pans.
- Rinse them thoroughly with clean water and dry them with a clean towel or let them air dry.
Soaking your burners and drip pans in hot soapy water will make it easier to remove any buildup or grime, and it’s an effective way to clean them without using harsh chemicals. Once you have cleaned the drip pans and burners, you can move on to cleaning the surface of your electric stove top.
Wipe Down the Surface of the Stove Top
Now that you have removed the burners and drip pans and soaked them in hot soapy water, it’s time to clean the surface of your electric stove top. Here’s how you can do it:
- Wipe down the surface of your stove top with a microfiber cloth or paper towel to remove any loose debris or crumbs.
- If there are any stubborn stains or spots, mix together the baking soda and white vinegar until it forms a thick paste and then apply. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a non-abrasive sponge or scrub brush.
- For light cleaning, mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water and use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to clean the surface of the stove top.
- Wipe down the entire surface of the stove top with a clean, damp microfiber cloth or paper towel to remove any soap residue or cleaning solution.
It’s important to use gentle cleaning solutions and tools that won’t scratch or damage the surface of your electric stove top.
Use a Scrub Brush or Razor Blade to Remove Stubborn Stains
If there are any stubborn stains or burnt-on residue on your electric stove top that won’t come off with gentle cleaning solutions, you can use a scrub brush or razor blade to remove them. Here’s how you can do it:
- For stains that won’t come off with baking soda and vinegar, use a non-abrasive scrub brush or sponge to scrub the affected area gently.
- If the stain is still not coming off, you can use a razor blade or scraper to carefully scrape away the residue. Hold the blade at a 45-degree angle and use short, gentle strokes to avoid scratching the surface.
- After using a razor blade or scraper, wipe down the surface with a clean, damp microfiber cloth or paper towel to remove any residue or debris.
Clean the Control Knobs and Surface Areas
Cleaning the control knobs and surface areas of your electric stove top is an essential step to ensure that your stove top is thoroughly cleaned. Here’s how you can do it:
- Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water.
- Dampen a non-abrasive sponge or cloth with the cleaning solution.
- Wipe down the control knobs and surface areas of your stove top, paying close attention to any areas that may have grease or grime buildup.
- Use a toothbrush or cotton swab to clean any hard-to-reach areas around the control knobs.
- Rinse the surface with clean water and dry it with a clean towel or let it air dry.
#Note: It’s important to clean the control knobs regularly as they can accumulate dirt, grease, and food debris over time. A thorough cleaning of the control knobs and surface areas will help to prevent the buildup of bacteria and ensure that your electric stove top remains in top condition.
Reassemble Your Electric Stove Top
After cleaning all the parts of your electric stove top, it’s time to reassemble it. Here’s how you can do it:
- Ensure that all the parts are completely dry before reassembling them.
- Place the drip pans back on the stove top.
- Carefully place the burners back in their respective positions, ensuring that they are securely in place.
- Attach the control knobs back onto the stove top.
- Ensure that the knobs are aligned correctly and push them firmly into place.
- Finally, turn the power back on and test the stove to ensure that it’s working correctly.
Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when reassembling your electric stove top to avoid damaging any parts or components. A properly reassembled electric stove top will function correctly and look great in your kitchen.
Maintenance Tips for Keeping Your Electric Stove Top Clean
Keeping your electric stove top clean is essential to ensure that it functions correctly and looks great in your kitchen.
Here are some maintenance tips that can help you keep your electric stove top clean:
- Clean up spills as soon as they happen. This will prevent food debris and stains from building up on the surface of your stove top.
- Use drip pans to catch spills and food debris. Drip pans can be easily removed and cleaned, preventing any mess from spreading to other parts of the stove.
- Use gentle cleaning solutions and tools. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh scrub brushes that can scratch or damage the surface of your electric stove top.
- Regularly clean the control knobs and surface areas of your stove top to prevent the buildup of dirt, grease, and bacteria.
- Remove and clean the burners and drip pans at least once a month to ensure that they are functioning correctly and prevent the buildup of grime and grease.
- Use a cover when not using your electric stove top to prevent dust and dirt from settling on the surface.
- Use cookware that is appropriate for electric stovetops. Flat-bottomed cookware is best as it ensures even heat distribution and prevents spills and messes.
By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your electric stove top looking and functioning like new for years to come.
Conclusion
Cleaning an electric stove top is an important task that should be done regularly for hygiene, safety, and maintenance reasons. It is a simple process that can be done using household items like vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap.
Daily cleaning can be done using a damp cloth or sponge, while deep cleaning may require a little more effort and time. Stubborn stains can be removed using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar or a specialized stove top cleaner. Preventive measures such as using a splatter screen or wiping spills immediately can also help keep the stove top clean.
By following these steps, one can ensure a clean and well-maintained electric stove top that is safe for cooking and aesthetically pleasing.
