Stoves are one of the hardest-working appliances in any kitchen. It’s where you cook most of your food, whether that’s a full breakfast or a midnight snack.

Spilled food, boiled-over soup, grease splatter — stove tops see a lot of messes. It’s essential to clean your cooktop regularly to keep it safe and hygienic.

If you’re wondering how to clean a stove top, it’ll depend on the type of stove! Your best bet is one of the following:

• Baking soda paste
• Dish soap and water
• White vinegar and water

Whether you’ve got an old-fashioned gas stove top or a sleek induction hob, cooktop maintenance is a key part of your kitchen cleaning routine.

Don’t put this chore on the back burner! Go grab your sponges and put in some elbow grease to remove all that cooking grease.

How Often to Clean | Before Cleaning | How to Clean a Stove | Cleaning Other Stove Parts | Removing Stains | Can This Work?

 

Types of Stove Tops

All stoves have one purpose: to heat and cook your food. Each type does that in different ways, whether that’s using open flames, electricity, or electromagnetic induction.

TYPE	ABOUT	CLEANING UPSIDES	CLEANING CHALLENGES
Electric stove	Features electric coil burners in a recessed cavity with a drip pan underneath, and an enamelled exterior. Electricity heats the coil, which transfers the heat to cookware.	Smooth, enamelled exterior is easy to clean, as are the removable drip pans.	Traditional electric coils can be fiddly to clean and require minimal moisture. Drip pan residue can be stubborn.
Gas stove	Traditional stove type with gas burners that produce flames for cooking. Typically made of stainless steel with cast-iron grates, but may also have a porcelain-enamel finish.	Cast-iron grates can take heavy-duty scrubbing, while non-porous surfaces like steel are resistant to stains.	Additional maintenance is necessary for burner caps and other parts, especially if they get clogged. Smudges and fingerprints show up when wiping steel incorrectly.
Glass stove	Commonly indicates an electric cooktop with a tempered ceramic surface over the coils. Also called a glass-top stove, radiant cooktop, or ceramic cooktop. Certain niche glass stoves are “gas on glass,” with burners sitting on tempered glass surfaces.	The glass surface has no grates or coils to clean around, so maintenance is straightforward.	Surfaces are prone to scratching or burnt residue, which can be tricky to remove.
Induction stove	Uses electromagnetic fields to directly heat cookware through a layer of tempered ceramic-glass.	The flat, glass-ceramic surfaces are simple to wipe down. Spills don’t burn on as badly since the cooking surface stays cool.	Surfaces are prone to scratching or scuffing, and stains show up less easily on black cooktops.  Residues like sugar or melted plastic may adhere to the surface if not cleaned ASAP.

 

How Often to Clean Your Stove Top

For regular maintenance, here’s a quick chart to guide your routines:

Tackle spills or stains	Immediately (after the surface has cooled)	Blot or wipe spills with cloths or paper towels
Wipe down the stove	After every use, or at the end of each day	Use a damp cloth to prevent grease and food buildup
Deep clean the stove top	Every 1–2 weeks	Go over all parts, from the cooking surface to the knobs

Just cooked up a storm or want a break from kitchen cleaning? Maid2Match’s professional home cleaners will take on the job!

 

Before Cleaning a Stove Top

What you use to clean a stove top is just as important as how often you clean it!

Using the right products and cleaning tools lessens the risk of damaging the stove, as does preparing properly for cleaning.

 

What are the best stove top cleaners?

Wondering what to clean your stove top with? Mix one of these homemade stove top cleaners:

• Water + a few drops anti-grease dish soap
• 2 parts baking soda + 1 part warm water
• Equal parts vinegar and water

Alternatively, choose a good commercial cooktop cleaner like the Bar Keepers Friend Cooktop Cleaner. Follow the product instructions for use.

In addition to your cleaner, you’ll need microfibre cloths or non-abrasive sponges. Then use a cooktop scraper for baked-on food, such as this White Magic Cooktop Scraper.

 

What should you not use to clean a stove?

Avoid products that contain bleach, ammonia, and other harsh chemicals, since these can damage the finish on your stove. They might also leave a residue that contaminates your food.

Do not use oven cleaner or glass cleaner either, as they’re not formulated for use on stoves.

Skip any abrasive cleaners (like steel wool or scouring pads). These can leave scratches on glass/ceramic and stainless steel, which may trap dirt and lead to mould or bacteria growth.

Oil- or wax-based products aren’t recommended, as they can leave a film that attracts more grime. The same goes for sharp metal blades on coated surfaces — you might damage the coating!

Lastly, leave out the paper towels, as they can track lint that could become a fire hazard.

 

Preparing to clean the stove top

Before anything, always make sure the stove is shut off and cooled down. Unplug your electric or induction cooktop, if possible. This minimises the risk of accidents or burns.

For glass or electric cooktops, check that the indicator light is off to confirm it’s safe. You can dot some water on the surface to test — if it sizzles, it’s still too hot!

If you need to scrape off burnt-on residue, though, you can work when the stove is just warm to touch. That makes it easier to remove since the residue hasn’t hardened.

Check the owner’s manual of your stove for specific cleaning instructions. You don’t want to damage the stove and void the warranty!

(If you don’t have the manual, look up the stove brand and model online. There’s usually a digital version on the manufacturer’s website.)

Lastly, start by wiping the stove surfaces with a soft cloth or brush to remove crumbs and other debris, or quickly vacuum using the crevice attachment.

 

Best Way to Clean Stove Tops (By Type)

Your method for stove top maintenance depends on what type of stove you have.

But no matter the material, regular cleaning helps the stove work better for longer!

 

How to clean an electric stove top

STOVE TOP CLEANER	Dish soap and water
TIP	Avoid getting the burners wet to prevent damage

Start when the cooktop is still a bit warm (but unplugged) so it’s easier to remove any cooking residue. Remove the burners and set them aside to clean separately.

Use a cooktop scraper at a 30–45º angle to remove food debris from flat surfaces. Work carefully and on one spot at a time so you don’t get hurt!

You can clean your electric cooktop with anti-grease dish soap and water. Mix them in a bowl, then dip in a microfibre cloth and wring out the excess water.

Carefully wipe the stove’s surface clean before following with a damp cloth to rinse off any soapy residue.

For the burners, wipe them with a cloth dampened in hot water and let them air dry.

On the other hand, soak the drip pans in hot, soapy water in the sink before scrubbing them clean.

Never submerge the electrical coils or place them in the dishwasher, or you could destroy the components!

In cases of heavy buildup on the burners, you can turn them on high for 2–3 minutes to burn off any debris. Switch on the rangehood or exhaust fan to vent any fumes.

Turn the stove off afterwards and let it completely cool before wiping the burners clean.

 

How to clean a gas stove top

STOVE TOP CLEANER	White vinegar solution in a spray bottle
TIP	Wipe with the grain to prevent scuffs or smudges

Cleaning a gas stove is straightforward, and regular maintenance helps keep that signature sheen, especially on stainless steel.

Once the cooking surface is completely cool, take off all the removable elements, including the stove grates and burner caps. Consult the manual for instructions if needed. Set aside the parts for washing later.

Lightly spritz the surface with the diluted white vinegar. Wait a minute or two before wiping the surface clean.

Wash the burners and grates separately with hot water and dish soap — or check the next section for detailed instructions. Then make sure they’re completely dry before returning them to the stove.

NOTE: Do not let the vinegar sit for longer than 5 minutes for porcelain-enamel surfaces, or 10 minutes for stainless steel. It could dull or etch the finish!

 

How to clean a glass stove top

STOVE TOP CLEANER	Dish soap and water; baking soda for tough stains
TIP	Use long, zigzag strokes when wiping to prevent streaks

Glass cooktops are simple to clean thanks to their smooth surface. However, streaks and smudges can show quite easily!

Once you’ve removed crumbs and debris, thoroughly wash the glass surface with a soft cloth dipped in warm, soapy water. Follow with a damp cloth to remove detergent residue.

For stubborn stains, use a damp sponge to spread the paste of 2 parts baking soda, 1 part water.

Leave for about 5–10 minutes before scrubbing with the sponge. Wipe off the residue with a fresh cloth dampened with water.

As an optional step, spritz a little diluted vinegar onto the cooktop and buff the surface for a streak-free finish.

NOTE: If you have a gas-on-glass stove top, this method will also work for the tempered glass surface! Then check the stove grates section for how to wash those separately.

 

How to clean an induction stove top

STOVE TOP CLEANER	White vinegar solution in a spray bottle
TIP	Dry thoroughly to prevent water spots

Cleaning an induction cooktop is as straightforward as cooking on one!

Lightly spray the vinegar solution onto the cooktop and let it sit for 3–5 minutes. Use a microfibre cloth or soft sponge to wash the surface clean.

For burnt food or other residue, use a cooktop scraper at an angle.

Dry the induction stove thoroughly so there’s no moisture left on the cooking surface. Water may interfere with the magnetic connection, get burnt onto the cooking surface, or leave hard water stains.

 

How to Clean Other Parts of a Stove

Beyond the cooking surface, your stove has other components that need regular attention.

These specific parts will vary based on stove type, so refer to the manual for removal instructions.

 

Cleaning stove top burners

Take the burner heads and rings off your gas stove once they’ve cooled. Soak them in hot, soapy water for up to 5 minutes to loosen stuck-on food and grease, then scrub them clean.

Make sure to dry the parts fully before returning them to the stove! Any remaining moisture may prevent ignition or cause sputtering.

Don’t forget to check the burner ports (small holes for the flames)! Burnt residue from food, grease, or mineral deposits can clog the ports, leading to uneven flames or ignition failures.

If the ports are clogged, soak the burner heads for an extra 10–15 minutes, then use a toothpick or straightened paper clip to poke out any debris. Work carefully — you just want to dislodge the residue without enlarging the port.

 

Cleaning stove grates

Most modern gas stove tops have porcelain-enamelled, cast-iron grates. The cast iron can handle high temperatures, while the enamel protects it from rust and corrosion.

Older stoves may have uncoated grates, which need minimal exposure to moisture so they don’t rust.

Wash the stove grates every 1–2 weeks to prevent grease and food buildup. Begin by soaking them for 10–15 minutes in an empty sink or laundry tub filled with hot, soapy water.

Work off any residue with a non-abrasive sponge or stiff nylon brush. Rinse the grates before drying them thoroughly with a clean cloth.

 

Cleaning knobs and buttons

Don’t forget all the knobs or buttons on your stove! Grease and general dirt can also build up on these surfaces, and in any nooks and crannies.

Use the vinegar cleaning solution, this time in a bowl instead of a spray bottle — you don’t want moisture to seep into the internal components.

Instead, dampen a microfibre cloth with the cleaner and wring out the excess moisture. If the knobs are removable, gently pull them off for a more thorough clean. Otherwise, wipe them in place.

Go over the knobs or button panel with your soft cloth. For any crevices, opt for a cotton bud or toothpick. Dry everything afterwards.

 

Cleaning between the glass and frame

The narrow gap where a glass cooktop meets the metal frame is a notorious trap for grease, crumbs, and other debris. Standard wiping typically can’t reach inside, but letting the grime build up could turn unpleasant.

You’ll need an old toothbrush or cotton buds, plus some warm, soapy water. Do not use a spray bottle, as water can seep into the gap and lead to corrosion or damage.

Dip the toothbrush in the soapy water and work the bristles into the gap so you can scrub. The brush should dislodge any food particles or grease residue. For tight corners, swap to a cotton bud.

If there’s hardened buildup, push it out with an old credit card or plastic knife. Avoid metal tools, which may scratch the glass or damage the seal.

Once the area is clean, go over the surfaces with a damp cloth to wipe away debris. Follow with a dry cloth to remove excess moisture.

TIP: A quick wipe after cooking helps minimise buildup inside the gap!

 

How to Clean Stains Off a Stove Top

Stoves see a lot of stains with regular use, from typical ones (burnt grease) to more unusual ones (melted plastic). Take the correct approach so you’re cleaning effectively instead of scrubbing with the wrong product.

Thankfully, most stove top stains respond well to simple pantry ingredients like baking soda and vinegar!

TYPE OF STAIN	STAIN REMOVER	CLEANING METHOD	TIPS
Burnt grease	Baking soda paste (2 parts baking soda, 1 part water, 1 tsp dish soap)	Use a damp sponge to spread the paste and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. Work the paste into the stains until they lift.	Give a quick spritz of vinegar after scrubbing to make the residue easier to remove.
Burn marks	Baking soda paste or specialised cleaner	For light burn marks, apply some of the paste and leave for 5–10 minutes. Gently scrub with a damp sponge. For tougher marks, use a specialised cleaner or a cooktop scraper at a 30–45º angle.	Some burn marks (especially on glass) may actually be permanent heat damage. If scrubbing doesn’t work, stop and reassess the stain.
Fresh grease or oil	Plain baking soda and hot water	Sprinkle a little baking soda over the stove top surface, then lay a hot, damp cloth on top for a steam effect. Leave for 5–10 minutes before wiping clean.	Corn flour is an alternative for glass-type stoves, but avoid it on gas stoves as it’s more combustible.
Hard water stains	Equal parts vinegar and water	Spray onto the mineral deposits and leave for 3–5 minutes before going over the surface with a damp microfibre cloth.	For more stubborn stains, opt for 1 part citric acid powder to 20 parts warm water.
Melted plastic	Cooktop scraper	Switch off the stove and let it begin cooling. Once it’s just warm, use the cooktop scraper to remove the plastic residue.	Open the windows or exhaust fan to vent any fumes from the melted plastic, and wear an oven mitt for protection.

 

Can I Use This When Cleaning My Stove?

Your stove can take a beating from all the heat and grease, but it’s not invincible! Things like baking soda may work well, but other cleaners could do more harm than good.

If you’re unsure, test the cleaner on a tiny corner spot first and look for any damage.

 

Can I clean a stove top with baking soda and dish soap?

Yes! A thin paste of baking soda, water, and a bit of dish soap is great for removing grease or oil stains. The baking soda breaks down the grease and acts as a mild abrasive for scrubbing.

Just avoid using dry baking soda, as it can scuff the cooktop surface!

 

Is it safe to use a razor blade scraper on a glass cooktop?

It’s technically safe, but not recommended — the metal can scratch the glass if not angled correctly.

Stick to dedicated cooktop scrapers, which are designed for use on glass-ceramic surfaces and just as effective.

 

Can I use a Magic Eraser on my stove top?

Magic Erasers (or melamine sponges) are generally safe for glass/ceramic-topped stoves, like glass and induction cooktops.

But since they’re made of fine abrasive foam, they’re not recommended for stainless steel to avoid scuffing.

Keep the Magic Eraser damp during use to prevent it from scratching the glass.

It’s best to use them for spot-cleaning or tackling stains — you don’t want to use up a whole Magic Eraser every time you deep clean!

 

Can you use bleach on stove tops?

No, you should not use bleach on your stove top. It can discolour or damage protective coatings, and leave a residue that may create fumes when heated.

If you need to disinfect your stove top, stick to isopropyl alcohol (at least 70%) or specialised disinfectants.

Apply the solution with a damp cloth rather than spraying directly, and only when the stove is cool.

More Questions About Stove Top Cleaning

Maybe you’re dealing with years of grease buildup or mysterious discolouration that won’t budge.

Here are some common questions that address trickier scenarios or specialised surfaces.

 

How to clean an enamel stove top?

Certain gas or electric stove models may have porcelain-enamel finishes. They’re durable, but sensitive to prolonged exposure to acidic substances like vinegar, tomato sauce, and fruit juices.

To clean an enamel stove, wash it with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Use a mild abrasive (like baking soda or Bar Keepers Friend) to tackle tough stains.

 

How do you remove years of burnt grease?

Heavy, baked-on grease needs a more intensive approach than regular buildup. The key is patience, a good cleaner, and a lot of elbow grease.

Make a thicker paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water, plus a teaspoon of anti-grease dish soap. Spread it all over the burnt areas and lay a hot, damp towel on top for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight).

Afterwards, use a non-abrasive sponge or nylon brush to work the paste into the grease. You’ll likely need to repeat the process 2–3 times, focusing on one spot at a time until it’s clean.

For glass or ceramic cooktops, follow with a dedicated scraper to lift the softened residue.

If baking soda isn’t effective enough, swap to a commercial degreaser that’s safe for stoves. Test it on an inconspicuous spot first, and follow the product instructions for use.

TIP: Wipe your stove after each use (or the end of each day) to minimise buildup — it’ll save you tons of scrubbing time later.

 

What causes white haze or discolouration on glass stove tops?

Cloudy white haze on a glass cooktop can be from either mineral deposits from hard water or heat damage to the glass surface.

Hard water deposits appear when water evaporates and leaves behind minerals like calcium and magnesium. The haze feels slightly chalky, and can be removed with diluted white vinegar.

Prevent mineral deposits by mopping up spills promptly and drying the cooktop after cleaning so you don’t leave water spots.

On the other hand, heat damage occurs when the glass is subjected to extreme temperatures, like heating an empty pot or spills that burn onto the surface.

The white discolouration is a change in the glass structure and appears as a cloudy patch.

Unfortunately, since heat damage is structural, it can’t be cleaned off. Prevent heat damage by using correctly-sized cookware and avoiding empty pots on high heat.