Cleaning Cooktops: Make them Spotless
Grease and boiled foods are not easy to remove and can cause a cook top to feel grimy and sticky, but by following these simple directions you can have a clean cook top with just a few minutes work.
Gas and Electric Stovetops
1. Remove any easy to clean messes by first wiping down the area with a wet cloth or sponge.
2. Place drip pans or reflector bowls in hot soapy water to soak for a few minutes. (The electric heating elements are self cleaning and should not be submerged in water. If any of them happen to have food or grease on them wipe them down with a damp cloth).
3. Remove all control knobs and place them in the warm soapy water as well.
4. Use a non-abrasive cleaner and cloth and clean all surfaces of the oven.
5. Dry the knobs with a soft towel and replace them.
6. Clean the drip pans or reflector bowls and return them to their place. (One great tip is to cover these with aluminum foil and poke the needed holes in the aluminum foil. Then when something boils over, which is inevitable, you only have to remove the dirty aluminum foil and replace it with a clean sheet. This also helps you avoid dry crusted, burned messes on the drip pans).
Ceramic Stovetops
It is important with a ceramic cooktop to make sure you do not damage or discolor the ceramic surface. It is best to use a non-abrasive cleaner or baking soda and water on these surfaces with a synthetic sponge. Always wait until the top is cool before wiping up spills and never put dirty pans on they surface they can permanently damage it.
Extra Tips
Clean spills as soon as possible after they happen. This is when it is easiest to remove them and you will run less of a risk of discoloration to the surface.
Keeping the reflector bowls clean looks nice, but also makes cooking more efficient.
Don’t soak knobs too long, because they markings may come off.
An alternative to commercial oven cleaners which are extremely toxic is to put a bowl of ammonia in the oven overnight and then wiping the walls with paper towels.
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