How to Clean a Stove Top

Between splattering pans and forgotten crumbs, it doesn't take long for mess to build up on your stove top. Whether you’re dealing with everyday spills or a stubborn layer of grease, the right approach can eliminate grime and help your stove top look like new again.

A clean stove top not only looks better but also prevents odors, reduces fire hazards, and extends the life of your appliance. Read on to learn how to tackle any mess and keep your stove top sparkling with the right supplies and techniques. Once you’re done, give your oven a good scrubbing, too!

Supplies You’ll Need to Clean the Stove Top

You don’t need harsh chemicals to get your stove top sparkling. Gather these environmentally responsible household products to clean your stove top:

• Multiple microfiber cloths

• Baking soda

• White vinegar

• Mild dish soap

• Hydrogen peroxide

• Essential oils, like lemon or tea tree

• Soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush

• Plastic scraper

• Warm water

• Spray bottle

How to Clean a Glass Stove Top

Glass stove tops require extra-special care to avoid scratches and maintain their sleek appearance.

Step 1: Remove Loose Debris

Let your stove cool before cleaning. Wipe away loose crumbs or debris with a dry microfiber cloth to prevent scratching as you clean your stove top.

Step 2: Apply Baking Soda Paste

Create a spreadable paste by mixing a 1/2 cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water. Apply this mixture over the entire surface of your stove top or hot plate, focusing on areas with stubborn stains or burnt-on food. Allow the paste to sit for up to 20 minutes to break down grease and grime.

Step 3: Scrub Gently

Using a soft microfiber cloth or sponge, gently scrub the glass surface in circular motions. For especially tough spots, use a plastic scraper at a 45-degree angle.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Wipe away the baking soda cleaning paste with a damp cloth, then dry thoroughly with a clean microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.

How to Clean a Ceramic Stove Top

Ceramic stove tops share many similarities with glass tops, but cleaning requires slightly different methods. Ceramic retains heat longer than other materials, so wait until the surface is completely cool before starting.

Step 1: Remove Surface Grime

Wipe the surface with a damp cloth to remove loose bits. Like with glass stove tops, wiping away dried crumbs helps prevent scratching.

Step 2: Create and Spray a Vinegar Solution

Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle to make a natural solution that cuts through grease. Spray the solution onto the ceramic surface, then wipe with a microfiber cloth. Let the solution sit on stubborn areas for a few minutes before wiping.

Step 3: Polish to Shine

Finish by buffing the surface with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to restore your stove top’s shine.

How to Clean an Electric Coil Stove Top

Electric stove tops with raised coil burners and removable drip pans require an entirely different cleaning process than the flat surfaces of glass and ceramic stoves.

Step 1: Remove Burner Elements

Carefully lift and remove the coil burners from their sockets. Most simply lift out, while other models may have securing clips. Consult your owner’s manual if you’re unsure.

Never immerse electric coil burners in water. Instead, wipe them down with a damp cloth once they’re completely cool and unplugged from the stove top. For stubborn residue, apply the baking soda cleaning paste described above using a soft brush. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it clean with a damp cloth.

Step 2: Clean the Drip Pans

Remove the drip pans from underneath the burner elements and soak them in warm, soapy water. For heavily soiled pans, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the water for extra cleaning power.

Step 3: Wipe Down the Surface

Clean the exposed stove-top surface with a damp cloth and a mild dish soap solution. Pay attention to places that are easy to miss, like around small seams and crevices.

Step 4: Dry Everything Thoroughly

Once the components are completely dry, reassemble them on the stove top. Trying to reinstall the drip trays and burner elements before they’ve completely dried can be an electrical hazard.

How to Clean a Gas Stove Top

Gas stove tops are made of several parts that each require careful cleaning.

Step 1: Remove Burner Grates and Caps

Start by removing the gas stove burner grates and caps. Immerse them in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap, and let them soak to loosen grease and stuck-on food. If your grates are dishwasher-safe, you can run them through a normal cycle, but check your manufacturer’s guidelines to confirm first.

Step 2: Scrub the Grates and Caps

Once the grates and caps soak for about 15 minutes, scrub them gently to remove debris. For deeper cleaning, apply a baking soda paste and let it sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing with a soft brush. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

Step 3: Clean the Burner Head and Ports

Use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean the small holes where the gas flows to the burner. If needed, use a paperclip to carefully clean the ignition ports.

Step 4: Wipe the Stop Top Surface

Use a soft cloth or sponge with warm, soapy water to clean the stove top surface. For stainless steel stove tops, work in the direction of the grain.

Step 5: Reassemble the Burners

Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before reassembling. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the burner components or block gas flow. This same attention to detail applies when you clean the oven.

Tips to Keep the Stove Top Cleaner, Longer

Prevention is the best cleaning strategy, and these habits can make everyday cleanup easier:

• Wipe up spills immediately while they’re still liquid if possible. Don't attempt to clean spills around elements while they're still hot.

• Use splatter screens when cooking to minimize mess.

• Keep a microfiber cloth near your stove for quick daily wipe-downs.

• Address burnt-on food promptly before it becomes harder to remove.

For more tips that keep your kitchen sparkling, refer to our ultimate kitchen cleaning guide.

When to Call in a Pro

While most stove-top cleaning can be handled on your own, some situations justify professional help. If you’re dealing with extensive grease buildup, electrical issues, or damage to the surface, it’s time to call in the experts.

Professional cleaners have the specialized tools, knowledge, and experience to handle tough jobs. They can also tackle the rest of your kitchen, leaving everything from your refrigerator to your countertops looking refreshed.

Let The Cleaning Authority Tackle Your Kitchen Deep Clean

Maintaining a clean stove top is just one part of keeping your kitchen in top condition. To ensure every surface in your kitchen gets the scrubbing it needs, leave it to the pros. The Cleaning Authority’s professionally trained cleaners use environmentally responsible products and methods to make your kitchen shine.