How to clean stovetop?

Stubborn grime on stove burners, ceramic cooktops, or induction hobs can be difficult to remove with regular cleaning products. Thankfully, there are several effective methods to clean your stove burners and restore them to their former shine.

Wipe Immediately

First things first: try to wipe up any spilled food right away. We know how it goes—once the food is ready and being served, wiping down the stove might not feel like a priority. But if you have the chance, do it. It’s much easier to clean the surface before food residue has had time to dry and stick.

Even if something boils over, you can usually wipe it off with a damp cloth and a bit of dish soap. Just be careful not to burn yourself if the burner is still hot.

If the residue has dried, you may need a stronger cleaning method. Here are our favorite solutions:

Clean Stove Burners with Vinegar and Baking Soda

Using vinegar and baking soda is a simple yet effective method against baked-on grime. By preparing a mixture in a spray bottle, you’ll always be ready to tackle new messes.

Here’s how to do it:

• Fill a spray bottle with warm water.

• Add 100 ml of vinegar and 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Close the bottle and gently shake it to mix.

• Spray the solution on the stove and let it sit for a few minutes.

• Scrub with a damp sponge.

You can keep the spray bottle on the counter for easy access whenever something sticks. This mixture also works great on induction cooktops.

If you have a stove with cast iron plates, it may be hard to get into the crevices with a sponge alone. An old toothbrush helps reach the edges around the plates, and for grooves on the cast iron surface, a toothpick can help scrape away the grime.

Clean the Stove with Baking Powder

Baking powder is a powerful tool for removing tough, baked-on stains.

Here’s how:

• Wipe the burners or cooktop with a damp cloth before applying anything.

• Sprinkle baking powder across the surface. Let it sit for a while. For deep grime, you can leave it overnight.

• Heat water in a kettle and carefully pour it over the stove. It will bubble and fizz—be cautious.

• Once the bubbling stops, wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Clean Stove Burners with Soap

Soap is an underrated cleaning agent in modern homes, but it’s a tried-and-true method for removing stubborn food residue. It's tough on grime but gentle on your hands.

To clean using soap:

• Mix 500 ml of water with 5 ml of liquid soap.

• Store the mixture in a spray bottle and keep it in the kitchen.

• Alternatively, apply a small amount of soap directly to a damp cloth and scrub the grime. Simple but effective.

How to Clean Rusty Stove Burners

If you have cast iron burners that have started to rust, it takes a little extra effort—but it’s not hard.

Here’s how:

• Sprinkle baking soda and baking powder on the burners.

• Mix 100 ml vinegar with warm water in a spray bottle and spray over the surface.

• Let it sit for a few minutes.

• Use a steel wool pad (like a scouring pad) to scrub away the rust. For tight crevices, use a toothpick.

• Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

• Heat the stove on low to evaporate any moisture or condensation.