How to Clean an Electric Stove Top & Common Mistakes Cleaning PROs Warn You to Avoid

Posted: 29.10.2024

Keeping your electric stovetop spotless can be a tough task. After all, it’s where spills, grease, and food splatters tend to accumulate. A clean stove not only improves the look of your kitchen but also prevents lingering odors and potential fire hazards.

The good news is that with a few simple techniques and the right tools, cleaning your electric stovetop can become a breeze.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to clean an electric stove top, different methods you can use, and the mistakes to avoid to get the best results.

Understanding Your Electric Stove Top

Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s essential to understand the type of electric stove top you have. This will determine the best method and materials to use for cleaning.

Ceramic Stove Tops: These have a smooth surface that’s easy to clean but can scratch easily. Ceramic is delicate, so avoid harsh chemicals and scrubbers. Stick to soft sponges and gentle cleaners like vinegar and baking soda.
Glass Stove Tops: Similar to ceramic, but may require more careful handling to avoid streaks. Glass tops scratch easily, so it’s important to use non-abrasive pads. A glass-specific cleaner works best to prevent streaks.
Coil Burner Stove Tops: These have removable coils, which makes them easier to clean around but harder to wipe down. Remove the coils before cleaning and make sure to wipe down the area underneath.

Identifying the type of surface you’re working with will ensure that you avoid damaging your stove top during the cleaning process.

Supplies You’ll Need for Cleaning Your Stove Top

Before you start cleaning your electric stove top, make sure you have the following supplies ready:

Microfiber cloths: Great for wiping down surfaces without leaving streaks.
Non-abrasive sponges (e.g., cellulose sponges or silicone sponges): Cellulose and silicone sponges are gentle enough to avoid scratches while still effectively cleaning.
Vinegar: Great for breaking down grease and grime.
Baking soda: A natural abrasive that works wonders when combined with vinegar.
Commercial stove cleaner: Fast and efficient for tough jobs, but make sure they’re safe for your specific stove top.

Dish soap: Use for regular, light cleaning.
Lemon juice: An eco-friendly option for those looking to avoid chemicals, this method is most effective for removing recent grease or food spills
A scraper or razor blade for stubborn stains (optional): If the grease and stains are too old and cannot be removed with standard cleaners, it may be necessary to use a stronger solution.

Optional tools:

Toothbrush (for tight areas)
Stove top cleaning pads (designed for glass/ceramic surfaces)

Step-by-Step Guide to Clean an Electric Stove Top

Method 1. Using Vinegar and Baking Soda

This is one of the most popular methods for cleaning electric stove tops because both vinegar and baking soda are natural, non-toxic, and highly effective at cutting through grime.

Step 1: Unplug the stove for safety.
Step 2: Sprinkle baking soda over the stove top, especially on greasy or stained areas.
Step 3: Spray vinegar over the baking soda. The mixture will start to fizz, which helps lift stubborn stains.
Step 4: Let the solution sit for 10-15 minutes to work its magic.

Step 5: Use a microfiber cloth or a non-abrasive sponge to scrub the surface. The fizzing action will loosen dirt and grime, making it easier to clean.
Step 6: Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Pro Tip: Microfiber cloths are excellent here as they trap dirt without scratching the surface.

Method 2. Using a Commercial Cleaner

If your stove top is extremely dirty or you’re short on time, commercial cleaners designed for stovetops can work wonders. When using commercial cleaners, always ensure good ventilation to avoid inhaling any fumes.

Step 1: Spray the cleaner directly onto the stove.
Step 2: Allow it to sit for the time recommended on the product label (usually 5-10 minutes).
Step 3: Use a soft sponge or scrubber sponge (with a cellulose base and a non-abrasive scrubbing side) to wipe down the stove. Avoid using steel wool or harsh pads as they may scratch the surface.
Step 4: Wipe away the cleaner with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any residue.

Note: Always check the product’s ingredients to ensure it’s safe for your particular stove.

Method 3. Using Dish Soap and Water

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the most effective. Dish soap and water are perfect for regular, light cleaning.

Step 1: Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water.
Step 2: Dip a non-abrasive sponge into the soapy water and gently scrub the surface.
Step 3: Rinse the sponge, and wipe down the stove top with clean water.
Step 4: Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe away any excess water.

Mistake to Avoid: Make sure the sponge is wrung out properly to avoid too much water coming into contact with the electrical components.

Method 4. Using Lemon Juice for Tough Stains

Lemon juice is not only a natural cleaner but also leaves your stove smelling fresh.

Step 1: Cut a lemon in half and rub the juicy side over the stained areas.
Step 2: Let the lemon juice sit for 10 minutes to break down any grease or food particles.
Step 3: Use a cellulose sponge to gently scrub the surface.
Step 4: Wipe the stove down with a damp cloth to remove any residue.

Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Your Electric Stove Top

Even though cleaning a stovetop seems straightforward, there are common mistakes that people make which can lead to damage or unsatisfactory results.

1. Using Abrasive Sponges

One of the most common cleaning mistakes is using abrasive materials like steel wool, hard scouring pads, or harsh scrubbers. These can scratch the surface of your stove top, especially if it’s made of glass or ceramic.

Why it’s a problem: Scratches not only affect the appearance but can also make future cleaning harder, as grime can get trapped in the scratches.

What to use instead: Opt for non-abrasive sponges such as microfiber, cellulose, or silicone sponges, which are gentle on the surface but still effective at removing dirt and grime.

2. Applying Excessive Water

Using too much water during cleaning is a mistake that can lead to damage. Excess water can seep into the electrical components of the stove, potentially causing short circuits or long-term damage.

Why it’s a problem: Water can reach electrical elements, leading to malfunction or dangerous situations.

What to do instead: Always wring out your sponge or cloth well before wiping down the stove. Use a damp, not soaking wet cloth or sponge, and avoid pouring water directly on the surface.

3. Neglecting to Unplug the Stove

Safety should always come first. A common oversight is forgetting to unplug the electric stove before cleaning, especially when cleaning around the burners or control knobs.

Why it’s a problem: Water and electricity don’t mix. Failing to unplug the stove can result in a shock hazard or even damage to the internal components.

What to do instead: Always unplug the stove before cleaning, even if you’re just wiping down the surface. This adds a layer of safety and helps prevent accidents.

4. Ignoring Burnt Food

Burnt-on food is often tough to remove, and many people either ignore it or try to scrape it off aggressively with abrasive tools.

Why it’s a problem: Ignoring burnt food makes future cleaning harder and increases the risk of scratches or discoloration.

What to do instead: For tough, burnt-on food, use a combination of baking soda and vinegar or a commercial cleaner. Let the solution sit on the stain for a few minutes to break down the residue, then use a non-abrasive scraper or plastic razor blade to gently lift off the burnt food.

5. Ignoring Manufacturer Guidelines

Each stove top is unique. Ignoring the cleaning guidelines provided by the manufacturer can lead to unintentional damage. Always consult the user manual.

6. Overlooking Burner and Coil Maintenance

If your stove has coils, don’t forget to clean underneath and around them regularly. Dirt can accumulate and cause inefficiencies in heating.

7. Not Letting Cleaning Solutions Sit Long Enough

It’s tempting to spray and immediately start scrubbing, but allowing the cleaner to sit gives it time to break down grease, making the cleaning process easier.

8. Using Harsh Chemical Cleaners

Not all chemical cleaners are suitable for electric stove tops. Some harsh cleaners can damage the surface or leave behind harmful residues that affect cooking.

Why it’s a problem: Harsh chemicals may cause discoloration or strip the protective layer on the stove, making it more prone to stains and wear.

What to do instead: Stick to stove-specific commercial cleaners or natural cleaning solutions like vinegar and baking soda to safely clean your stove top without damaging it.

9. Scrubbing Too Hard

In the effort to remove stubborn stains, it’s tempting to apply extra elbow grease. However, excessive scrubbing can do more harm than good.

Why it’s a problem: Scrubbing too hard can lead to scratches or even damage the surface, especially on glass or ceramic stove tops.

What to do instead: Be patient. Use the right cleaners and let them sit on the surface for a few minutes before gently scrubbing with a soft sponge.

Why Cleaning Your Electric Stove Top is Important

First things first: why is it so crucial to keep your stove top clean? Aside from the obvious aesthetic reasons, a dirty stove top can lead to a few problems:

Fire Hazards: Grease and food particles left on your stove can ignite.
Odors: Burnt-on food creates a lingering smell that can ruin the atmosphere in your kitchen.
Efficiency: A cleaner stove will heat up more efficiently, as the elements are not obstructed by burnt-on food or grease.
Bacteria and Germs: A dirty stovetop can harbor bacteria, which isn’t something you want near your cooking area.

Now that we know why it’s important, let’s dive into how to get that stove sparkling clean!

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