11 Tips on How to Clean Stovetops After Cooking. Stovetop cookers are one of the most popular cooking appliances. They are easy to use and clean, but they can be dangerous if not properly kept. The best way to clean the stovetop is by cleaning it after each use.
Cleaning the stovetop after cooking helps prevent the buildup of food debris and grease, which can cause health problems such as burns, fire hazards, and clogged pipes if left unattended for long periods. Here are some tips on how to clean your kitchen‘s stovetops after cooking. Read on – How to Clean Stovetops After Cooking:
Tips on Clean Stovetops After Cooking
1. Use Soap and Water
The best way to clean a stovetop is with soap and water. You can use a little bit of dish soap and water or a spray cleaner if you are in a hurry. However, if you choose the latter option, ensure that the spray cleaner does not contain chlorine-based chemicals, as these will cause damage to your stainless steel surface. Method:
- Take a bowl of warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Mix it well so that it becomes a homogenous solution.
- Dip a sponge into the bowl and squeeze it out thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Now, wipe your stovetop with this moistened sponge in a circular motion until all stains are removed from your cooktop.
- Rinse off your cooktop entirely with warm water by dipping the sponge into another bowl of warm water and squeezing it out again before wiping it over your cooktop once again with this dampened sponge in a circular motion until all traces of soap are removed from it.
2. Use Damp Paper Towel
Damp paper towels are a great way to clean stove tops and other surfaces in the kitchen. They are less abrasive than sponges but just as effective at removing food residue and grease, which can often cause stains.
- Use a damp paper towel to remove excess food debris on the stovetop.
- Use another damp paper towel to wipe down the entire surface of the stovetop. This will remove any remaining grime and grease not released in step 1.
- Use a dry paper towel to remove any remaining moisture from your stovetop.
3. Use Baking Soda
Cleaning a stovetop is not a difficult task. It takes time and effort to make it clean and shiny again. You can use baking soda or vinegar to clean your stovetop. The baking soda will help remove the grease stains from your cooktop, while vinegar will remove the odor from the food that might be left behind on your stovetop. To clean your stovetop with baking soda:
- Fill a bowl with water and add 1/2 cup of baking soda. Stir well until the baking soda dissolves completely.
- Dip a sponge in this solution and apply it to your cooktop. Let it dry for about 15 minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth or paper towel.
4. Use Vinegar and Baking Soda
Cleaning your stove is a task that should be done regularly. It keeps your home clean and fresh and prevents dirt and grease accumulation. The best way to clean a stovetop is with vinegar and baking soda.
Vinegar is a great cleaning agent because it’s an acid that dissolves grease. It also has antibacterial properties to kill bacteria or germs in your kitchen. The baking soda acts as an abrasive, helping to remove stains from the surface of the stovetop.
- Mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda in a bowl or plastic container with a lid. Pour this mixture onto your stovetop and let it sit for 10 minutes to loosen any stuck food particles. Wipe away the mixture with paper towels or rags when you’re done soaking it up
- If there are stubborn stains on your stovetop that won’t come off after using the vinegar/baking soda mixture, try scrubbing them away with steel wool pads.
5. Use Dishwasher Detergent
Dishwasher detergent is a safe and effective way to clean your stovetop. It contains powerful degreasing agents and is designed for heavy-duty cleaning. The only drawback is that it smells like dish soap, so it might not be suitable for those who prefer the scent of citrus or pine.
- Pour 1 cup of dishwasher detergent into a bowl of warm water and mix well until it forms a thick paste.
- Transfer this paste onto a clean sponge or cloth and rub it over the surface of your stovetop as if you were polishing it with wax
- Leave the paste for at least 15 minutes before wiping it off with a dry cloth.
6. Use Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is an effective solvent that cleanses surfaces quickly and easily. You can use rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol to clean your stovetop after cooking. Apply to rub alcohol on a cotton ball or cloth and wipe off any food residue from your stovetop surface. This will make sure that there is no food residue left on your stove top surface after you have finished eating dinner or doing other activities in the kitchen area. Method:
- Boil some water in a pot, then pour the hot water onto the stovetop. Use a paper towel to wipe off spills or splatters on the stovetop.
- Pour rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle, then spray on the stovetop. Use another paper towel to wipe off any excess liquid from the surface of your stovetop.
7. Use Glass Cooktop Cleaner
You can use a glass cooktop cleaner to clean your stovetops. The cleaner will eliminate any oils and food residue accumulated on the surface, leading cause of staining. Using a glass cooktop cleaner specifically designed for glass surfaces is essential. Most major brands make one, and you can easily find it at any hardware store or home improvement center. The best way to clean your stovetop is with a wet rag and soap (or scrubbing pad).
For areas where hard-to-remove food is stuck on the surface, spray some glass cooktop cleaner directly onto the stain and let it sit for about five minutes before scrubbing with a wet cloth or scrubbing pad. If needed, repeat this step until all stains are gone (don’t forget to rinse well afterward!). If you have stubborn stains that won’t come off even after repeated attempts at cleaning.
8. Use Scrubbing Pad and Cream Cleanser
The best way to clean your stovetop is with a cream cleanser. You can buy one from any store or make one at home. To make your cream cleanser, put some baking soda in a bowl and add water until it reaches the consistency of thick yogurt or whipped cream.
Use a scrubbing pad to remove stains on your stovetop, and then apply the cream cleanser using a clean cloth or sponge. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it with warm water.
9. Use Ammonia
If you want an alternative method that does not involve harsh chemicals, try ammonia instead! Ammonia has antibacterial properties that help kill germs and eliminate odors from your stovetop. Just spray some ammonia on a clean rag or sponge, then wipe down the entire surface of your stovetop until it’s spotless.
10. Use Straight White Vinegar (For Electric Stoves)
The best way to clean a stovetop is to use straight white vinegar. It’s cheap, effective, and non-toxic. Wipe down the stovetop with a wet sponge or cloth, then wipe it dry with a dry cloth or paper towel.
You can also use baking soda and water to clean your stovetop if you don’t have any vinegar on hand. Still, I don’t recommend it as much because it doesn’t work as well at removing stains, and it can leave behind a film on your stovetop that looks like lint from fabric softener sheets. Vinegar does not leave behind any residue.
11. Use Cleaning Oil Splatters
The easiest way to remove splattering oil from your stovetop is using a paper towel, or cloth dipped in mineral oil. Rub the surface with this cloth until all traces of oil have been removed. Then wipe down with a paper towel or regular dishcloth to remove any leftover residue.
Wrapping Up
It’s essential to clean stovetops immediately after cooking because food particles can begin to harden and stick to the surface if not cleaned. Do not use abrasive cleaners on your stovetops, as these can lead to scratching over time. Instead, shop for a dedicated cleaner specifically meant for stovetops that will not damage the surface when used.
You should also avoid using too much water when cleaning up spills. Care to dry up any spills while still fresh, and ensure they have been cleaned off well before proceeding with future cooking.