Your stove is one of the hardest-working appliances in your kitchen! It’s where you cook most of your food, whether that’s a full breakfast or a snack at 3 in the morning.
Spilled food, boiled-over soups, grease splatters – the stove top sees a lot of messes. That makes it essential you clean the cooktop regularly to keep things safe and hygienic.
How to clean a stove top? It depends on the type of stove! But your best bet is dish soap and water, a baking soda paste, or vinegar and water. You can also opt for commercial stove cleaners.
Whether you have a good old-fashioned gas stove or a sleek induction hob, cleaning the cooktop is a part of any kitchen cleaning routine. So grab some sponges and let’s get cleaning!
Types of Stove Tops
All stove tops have one purpose: to heat and cook your food.
The different types heat food in different ways, whether that’s using open flames, electricity, or electromagnetic induction.
Gas stove
A gas stove features gas burners protruding from the cooktop, which produce flames for cooking. These stoves are typically made of stainless steel, with cast iron stove grates to keep pots and pans off the burners.
Gas stoves are long-wearing and durable, and can reach higher temperatures faster. Stainless steel is rust-resistant and non-porous, so it’s very hygienic.
However, a gas stove incurs extra costs from fuel and poses a higher safety risk. It also needs more maintenance due to the additional components, like the burner heads.
Electric stove
As the name says, electric stoves use electricity to heat your food! They feature electric coil burners in a recessed cavity with a drip pan underneath.
An electrical current flows through the coil, which heats up and transfers that to your cookware.
Traditional electric coil burners can heat food unevenly, but allow pots of various sizes. You can also get elements such as dual coils or bridges (for using long cookware like griddles).
They’re less of a fire hazard than gas models, but add to your electricity costs. The residual heat on the stovetop surface can also pose an injury risk.
Glass stove
This is a type of electric cooktop that features a tempered ceramic glass surface over the electric coil burners. It’s also called a glass-top stove, radiant cooktop, glass-ceramic stove, or ceramic cooktop.
The heat transfers from the metal coil burners to the cookware via infrared energy.
Glass stove tops transfer heat more quickly and evenly than exposed electric coil burners. However, the surfaces are prone to scratching or burning during cooking, and food can “bake” on due to the residual heat.
Induction stove
Induction stoves also use electricity, but they heat cookware and food differently.
An induction cooktop uses electromagnetic fields to directly heat the cookware through a layer of tempered ceramic glass. This means the cooktop surface is free from heat, reducing the risk of burns.
Induction cookers also heat up faster, are more energy-efficient, and offer precise temperature control. However, they require compatible cookware with magnetic bases, such as cast iron or stainless steel.
How Often to Clean a Stove Top
Regular cleaning and maintenance keep your stove top hygienic, functional, and safe in your kitchen.
Wipe the stove after every use, or at least at the end of the day. Go over the surfaces with a damp cloth to help prevent grease and food debris from building up.
Tackle any stains or spills immediately, once the stove top surface has cooled.
Deep clean your stove top once a week, from the cooking surface to the knobs.
Of course, you can go hands-off and entrust your stove top – plus the rest of your kitchen – to a reliable cleaner.
Supplies for Cleaning Stove Tops
What you use to clean your stove top is just as important as how often you clean it!
You can check your owner’s manual for any specific cleaning instructions, but here’s a general rundown of cleaning solutions to use and avoid.
TIP: If you’ve lost the manual, look up your stove brand and model number online – there’s usually a digital version on the manufacturer’s website.
What to use when cleaning a stove top surface
There are several homemade solutions you can use when cleaning your stove, no matter the type!
Some great stove top cleaners include:
- Anti-grease dishwashing liquid and water
- Baking soda paste
- White vinegar and water
Pair these with microfibre cleaning cloths or non-abrasive sponges. You can use paper towels, but these can leave white fuzz.
For cooked-on food or other stains, opt for a cooktop scraper like this White Magic Cooktop Scraper or the one in Weiman’s Complete Cook Top Cleaning Kit.
For commercial cleaners, look for ones formulated for cooktop surfaces. For example, the Koala Eco Stainless Cleaner is great for stainless steel appliances, including your gas stovetop.
Meanwhile, for an electric or glass stove, try Bar Keepers Friend Multipurpose Cooktop Cleaner or Cerama Bryte Combo Kit.
You can disinfect stove tops using isopropyl alcohol, white vinegar, or specialised cooktop disinfectants.
What not to use when cleaning a stove top surface
Do not use cleaning products containing bleach, ammonia, and silicone since these can corrode the stovetop surface or degrade the material. They can also leave a residue that could contaminate your food or cause a fire risk.
Do not use commercial glass cleaners as these are not formulated for cooking surfaces.
Avoid using abrasive cleaners like steel wool, metal brushes, and scouring pads. These can scratch the finish of your cooktop, leading to damage or rust.
How to Clean a Gas Stove Top
Gas stoves (or stainless steel stoves) are old-school but reliable and familiar.
Cleaning a stainless steel stove top is straightforward, but it does require regular maintenance to keep that iconic sheen.
Before cleaning a gas stove
A gas stovetop is typically made of stainless steel, so you can use a homemade solution or commercial cleaners. Opt for a microfibre cloth or non-abrasive sponge so you don’t scratch the finish.
Always switch off the gas before cleaning, and allow all the stove elements to cool completely. This minimises the risk of burning yourself or your cleaning products.
Cleaning a gas stove
Take off all removable elements, including the gas stove grates and burner caps. Check the manual for instructions.
Wipe the stove top surface with a damp sponge or cloth to remove any crumbs and debris.
Clean the stove top with equal parts vinegar and warm water mixed in a spray bottle. Lightly spritz the cooktop then wipe immediately with a damp cloth.
Wash the grates and burner heads in hot water and anti-grease dish soap. Scrub with a non-abrasive sponge and thoroughly dry before reattaching them.
For stainless steel, focus on wiping with the grain to prevent scuffing or smudging. Avoid letting the vinegar cleaning solution sit on the material for too long, as it can etch the surface.
How to Clean an Electric Stove Top
Cleaning an electric stove top needs some elbow grease, as you’ll need to tackle the coil burners and the drip pans.
Before cleaning an electric stove
Always let the electric stove cool down before cleaning. You can check if the indicator light is still on, or place a little water on the surface. If it sizzles, it’s still too hot.
Ensure all knobs are off, and unplug the cooktop if you’re able to minimise the risk.
Cleaning an electric stove
Remove the coil burners and drip pans, which you’ll clean separately. Then while the cooktop is still warm (not hot!), wear an oven mitt and use a cooktop scraper at an angle to remove food debris.
The easiest way to clean the stove top is with some anti-grease dish soap and warm water. Mix it up in a bowl, then dip a microfiber cloth in the soapy water.
Wring it out, then wipe the entire surface. Follow with another damp cloth to rinse off any residue, then use a clean cloth to dry.
For the coil burners, turn them on high for a few minutes to burn off any debris or residue. Then after the stove has cooled, remove the burners and drip pans.
You can clean these with a microfibre cloth dipped in hot, soapy water. Never soak the coils or place them in the dishwasher, as you could destroy the electrical components.
How to Clean a Glass Stove Top
Cleaning a glass cooktop is easier than other types, thanks to the smooth surface.
Everyday maintenance is key to keeping a clean stove.
Before cleaning a glass stove
Make sure the glass cooktop is switched off and completely cool before cleaning. Check the indicator light or try the water drop test to see if the surface is still hot.
Unplug the cooktop if you’re able to minimise any risk.
Cleaning a glass stove
Wipe the glass stove surface with a damp microfiber cloth or sponge to remove crumbs and other debris.
You can give the cooking surface a thorough washing with some anti-grease dish soap and water. Dip in a soft cloth or sponge and wring it out.
Use the soapy sponge or cloth to wipe the cooktop, then rinse with a fresh cloth. Wipe dry.
When deep cleaning a glass cooktop, use baking soda. Sprinkle some all over the glass surface, then cover with a wet cloth dipped in hot water. Let the cloth sit for up to 10 minutes.
Wipe the residue away with the same cloth, then dry the surface.
How to Clean an Induction Stove Top
Cleaning an induction stove top is similar to cleaning a glass stove!
Their surfaces are made of the same material: tempered ceramic glass.
Before cleaning an induction stove
Shut off the induction hob before cleaning, and unplug it if possible.
Check for any residual heat before you start – the cooktop itself might be cool, but the cookware can warm the surface.
Cleaning an induction stove
Start by wiping the flat surface with a damp cloth to remove any debris and residue. Then mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle, plus a bit of dish soap.
Spritz the cooktop with the cleaning solution and let it sit for up to 15 minutes. Use a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth to wipe the stove clean.
For burnt food and other residue, use a cooktop scraper after the vinegar has loosened the debris.
Dry the induction stove thoroughly before use. Water can cause damage when trapped between the cooking surface and the cookware, and may leave hard water stains.
Do not use additional water after the initial wash.
How to Clean Other Parts of the Stove
Some stoves, such as gas or electric models, have additional parts that require cleaning.
Make sure you check your owner’s manual for proper removal methods!
Cleaning stove grates
Most modern gas stoves have porcelain-enamelled cast iron grates. The cast iron can handle high temperatures, while the enamel protects the iron from rust and degradation.
Older stoves may have uncoated grates, which should have minimal exposure to moisture as they could rust.
Clean gas stove grates weekly to prevent grease and food buildup.
When cleaning stove top grates, soak them in an empty sink or large container filled with hot water and anti-grease dish soap. Leave them for 10-15 minutes to loosen grease and food.
Use a stiff-bristled nylon brush or a non-abrasive sponge to scrub the grates clean. Rinse with more water, then wipe thoroughly dry with a clean cloth.
Cleaning burner caps
Take off the burner heads and rings after they’ve cooled. You can wash them in some hot, soapy water – or soak them for up to 5 minutes for any stuck-on food and grease.
Scrub them clean, then dry them using a microfiber cloth before returning them to the stove.
Cleaning knobs and buttons
Don’t forget to clean any knobs or buttons on your stove! Grease, food residue, and general dirt can also build up on the surfaces and in any nooks and crannies.
You can use the vinegar cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth to wipe down the knobs or button panel. Use a toothpick to get into any crevices.
Tips for Cleaning Stove Tops
We’ve got a few more tips for how to clean a stove top, especially for stains and burned-on food.
How to get tough stains off a stove top?
Brown stains on a stove top can come from burned food, grease, and other residue. Your best bet for stains is baking soda!
Make a paste using 3 parts baking soda and 1 part warm water. You can add a few drops of anti-grease dishwashing liquid for an extra cleaning punch.
Use a soft sponge to apply the paste to the stains, and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Then take a clean sponge or cleaning pad and gently scrub the surface.
Baking soda is only mildly abrasive, so it will loosen stuck-on food or stubborn stains. Follow with a damp cloth to “rinse” the surface and remove any residue. Dry with a clean cloth.
How do I degrease my cooktop?
For greasy residue that hasn’t dried, sprinkle some dry baking soda over the area. It will absorb the grease, and you can just wipe it away with a damp cloth afterwards.
Baking soda is safer than corn flour, as it is not combustible and is less of a fire risk.
For burnt-on grease, use the paste form or try some hot water and vinegar.
How to remove burned-on residue from a stove top?
You can loosen burnt food or liquids by spraying the vinegar cleaning solution or applying the baking soda paste. Gently scrub the burnt debris off, then follow with a damp cloth to clean any residue.
For gas or electric stoves, wear an oven mitt and use a cooktop scraper to remove any burned-on food while the surface is still warm (not hot!).
If you’ve melted some plastic on your stove, open all windows and switch on the exhaust or range hood to vent the fumes. Switch off the stove and get your protective gear, including an oven mitt and face mask.
Use a cooktop scraper or dull knife to remove as much plastic residue as possible. Wipe the residue off on a paper towel as you work.
Once you’ve removed as much as you’re able, turn the stove on to its lowest possible setting to warm the plastic. Use a wooden spatula or spoon to scrape off the rest of the plastic.
How do you clean a badly burnt stove top?
Burn marks often happen if something boils over, or if you trap food or liquids between the cookware and cooktop surface.
Try making a thin paste of baking soda and water, then applying it to the burn marks with a soft sponge. Let it sit for a few minutes, then use a cooktop scraper on the burn residue so it flakes off.
Alternatively, mix some vinegar in hot water and carefully pour it onto the burnt surface. Immediately follow the hot vinegar with a cooktop cleaning pad or sponge to scrub the burn marks off.
Wipe the surface dry immediately, especially for a gas stove top.
How to remove scratches from a stove top?
On any type of stove, you’ll only be able to tackle mild or surface-level scratches. Try a thin paste of baking soda or some white toothpaste (not gel) to buff the scratch away.
For stainless steel stoves, try a powder-based cleaner such as the Bar Keepers Friend Powder Cleanser.
You can prevent scratches by lifting cookware, not dragging it across a surface. Keep your cookware in good condition so there’s no damage at the bottom that could cause scuff marks.
What is the best way to clean a black stove top?
Black stoves typically have a glass-top surface, and are either electric or induction.
You can use any of these cleaning methods to clean a black stove top, such as the vinegar cleaning solution or the baking soda paste.
