This lesson is 662 words, a 2 min and 38 second read time. It is the second lesson of The Weekly Kitchen Cleaning Routine.

📍 Introduction 

Like a painter approaching a blank canvas or a writer sitting down to a neat desk - a home chef at a shiny cooktop is likely to feel more inspired & at ease. 

With that said, a stovetop isn’t always so easy to clean. Splatters, spills, smears - there are many ways that grease and residue build up and cake on. This lesson is about how to keep the stovetop clean. Let’s dive in. 

⚙️ Required Gear 

* Towel or sponge for cleaning (e.g., terry bar mop) 

* Towel for wiping and drying 

* All-purpose cleaning spray (or dish soap)

* Baking soda (optional)

✅ Instructions

Gas stove with burners 

* Ensure the stove is off and cool. 

* Remove all grates (what pots and pans sit on) and burner caps (disks on tops of burner heads). If needed, wash everything in the dishwasher or by hand.

* Dry-wipe debris and crumbs off the stovetop. 

* For a light clean, spray 2-3 times with cleaning spray, allow it to sit for one minute, and wipe the surface down with a cloth. Wet one side of a fresh cloth to rinse, using the other side to wipe dry. 

* For a deeper clean, use a warm soapy non-abrasive sponge. Wash down the stovetop using minimal water to avoid getting burner heads wet and damaging components. To remove burnt or stuck on food, add a paste of baking soda and water for 2-3 minutes. Wring and reuse sponge to rinse or use a fresh towel (half for rinsing, half for wiping dry).  

* Reassemble the stove. 

Electric stove with coils

* Ensure the stove is turned off and cool.

* Wipe down coils with a damp cloth. If coil burners are heavily soiled, turn coils on high for a few minutes to burn off residue. Once cooled, use a dry toothbrush or abrasive sponge to scrape off any remaining residue. 

* If drip pans are heavily soiled, pull coils out of the stove and remove drip pans. Wash them in warm soapy water or soak in a mixture of one part vinegar and two parts baking soda.

* Rinse and wipe down with water and allow to dry. 

* Lift the top to check for burnt food underneath, removing as necessary. 

* When all parts are dry, reassemble.

Glass or ceramic cooktop

* Dry-wipe surface to collect any food pieces or crumbs. 

* Spray with warm water or all-purpose cleaner. Wipe with a microfiber cloth or clean towel. 

* To deep clean, sprinkle baking soda on top and cover with warm damp soapy cloths. Let sit for 15-30 minutes. Remove towels, using cloths to wipe down the cooktop.

* Use a lint-free cloth (e.g., microfiber) to dry and polish.

📓 Notes, Tips & Tricks 

* Ideally, wipe down the stovetop after every use. Messes are easiest to lift off when fresh. More quick cleans = less deep cleans. 

* If you don’t have time to do a proper clean, at least wipe off new spots, drips, or spills.

* If you have many crumbs on or inside the stove, you can use a vacuum cleaner to sweep them up. 

* Avoid abrasive cleaning solutions and pads that can scratch the stovetop.

* To scrape off hardened foods, use a plastic knife or spatula. Avoid metal, which can scratch.

* Stovetop cleaner is highly optional and rarely required. Soap, all-purpose cleaner, and baking soda are almost always sufficient. 

* Cotton cloth works well for this job as it’s strong, absorbent, & inexpensive. Terry cloth is particularly effective as it has extra texture for scrubbing. Dedicated bar mops (like these) or old towels cut up into rags work quite well. 

🎓 Further Study: 

* The Daily Kitchen Cleaning Routine [Life School]

* How to Launder Your Kitchen Towels 🎬 [Life School]

* How to Clean a Stove Top [YouTube]

* The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide to a Clean Stove [Food52]

* Cleaning Routine - Electric Stovetop 🎬 [YouTube]

* How to Clean Your Glass Stovetop! 🎬 [YouTube]

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