How to Clean a Gas Range Top

Looking for an effective way to clean your gas range top? There are several approaches you can take so today we’re sharing a few tips for your consideration.

In this article, you’ll learn how to clean a gas range top safely.

How to Clean a Gas Range Top

If you have to choose the messiest appliance to clean in your kitchen, what would your answer be? For many, choosing the oven, microwave, or refrigerator may be the first choice. After all, you always wipe down your stovetop after you use it so it should be clean, right?

Truth be told, your gas range top goes deeper than just the surface. Food may overflow, crumbs will drop, and heat will make any debris burnt and crispy. Thankfully, There are ways to clean a burnt stovetop mess that accumulates on and under the surface. And, you should know that it is easier than it may seem!

Here’s how to clean a gas range top …

Gather the Proper Materials

The first step to any cleaning project is to get the proper materials together. When it comes to cleaning your gas range top, you will be happy to know that the cleaning materials you need are probably already in your home.

Here is what you will need:

• Mild dish soap
• Scrubbing sponge
• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• A soft, dry cloth

There are other methods that use store-bought, chemical products. And, while they do offer a nice clean shine, the method presented here will provide the same shine sans chemicals.

Cleaning the Grates

So, how do you clean stovetop grates? The first step in cleaning your gas stovetop would be to remove the grates. These heavy, cast iron grates may be durable, but they do take a beating while cooking. Spills and other residues get burnt onto the burner every time you use it. Over time, this buildup gets thicker and thicker. This may lead you to believe that getting the grates clean will take a lot of work and require heavy scrubbing.

But, fear not! There is an easy way!

Fill up your sink or a bucket with hot soapy water, using your dish soap. Then place the grates in the soapy water to soak. Then, as they are soaking, mix baking soda with a little bit of water, creating a thick, paste-like substance. Remove the grates from the soapy water and cover them with this baking soda paste. Let them sit for about 20-minutes.

Use a sponge and scrub the residue on the grates and run it under water to clean it off. All debris that was on these burner grates should be removed.

Make this process easier in the future by performing routine care. Fill a spray bottle with plain white vinegar and spray down the burners after each use. Let the vinegar sit on the grates for approximately ten minutes or so, then wipe off. The vinegar does not allow the grease to latch on, keeping your burners cleaner.

Careful with the Fuel Ports

When you remove the grates, you are looking at the burner caps. Remove these and add them to the bucket of hot, soapy water to soak. If they are too bad, they may require the above baking soda paste treatment.

Below the burner cap is where you will find the fuel port. This is where the flame comes from when you light your burner. Sometimes, in gas ranges, food particles can find their way down into these fuel ports, clogging them and making it more difficult to distribute even heat. If you have ever seen a bright burst of flame when lighting your burner, this comes from food bits around the fuel ports, too.

Examine them and make sure all holes are open and debris free. Rumor has it that the best tool for clearing a clogged port is an unbent paperclip. It seems to be the perfect size to fit right in the space.

Caring for the Surface

Initially, you want to wipe down the surface to make sure that you remove all unstuck debris. Get it off of there so you know what you are working with. Then, using a wet, soapy sponge (NOT the scrubbing side) gently begin wiping down the surface. You may need smaller rags to find your way into crevices. Or, sometimes a soft toothbrush will be beneficial. Note: Do not use any other type of toothbrush than soft or you may risk scratching the surface. If you have a stainless stove top, ensure you use appropriate cleaners to prevent damage.

If you find you have areas that are heavily soiled with stuck-on debris, here’s what you can do. Wet a cloth and place it in the microwave for 30-seconds. Then, place the steamy wet cloth over the stuck-on debris and let it sit for a few minutes. This will loosen what is stuck, allowing you to wipe it off much easier.

Once your surface is clean, wipe it down with a dry cloth. Then, replace your burner tops and grates.

Don’t Forget the Knobs

Lastly, it is easy to forget about your knobs if you are simply focused on the top of your range. But, believe it or not, your knobs get really dirty, too. Follow the same method as with cleaning the surface above. If possible, remove the knobs and place them in the hot, soapy water to soak. Then, gently wipe them down, dry them with the soft cloth, and replace them.

How Often Should You Clean Your Gas Range Top?

Congratulations, you have got yourself a clean gas range top. So, now you may be wondering what you can do to keep your range looking as good as it does at this very moment, right? As well as how often you should follow these deep cleaning steps.

The answers to these questions will vary, of course, based on how often you cook. For instance, someone who uses the stovetop regularly will want to clean the range more frequently than someone who occasionally cooks a meal on the stove.

So, simply stated, you should clean your gas range top after every use by wiping it down, carefully cleaning up crumbs and spills. Then, every month or two (or when you notice a lacking appearance), perform a deeper cleaning.

Conclusion

Your gas range top is an investment. You will find that by following these simple steps, it will remain a shining addition to your kitchen.

To learn more, take a look at our article about cleaning kitchen appliances.