The Right Way to Clean Your Stovetop, From Gas to Electric

Your stovetop is a workhorse in the kitchen, so it's important to keep it clean. Over time, spills and debris left on the stovetop can cause permanent stains and even pose a fire hazard if not addressed. Beyond safety, your stovetop is a focal point of the kitchen, so cleaning it regularly will help enhance the overall aesthetic of your cooking space. Whether you have a gas, electric, or glass stovetop, these cleaning tips will help keep the surface sparkling.

How Often to Clean Your Stovetop

You should wipe down your stovetop after every use to clear away spills and debris from cooking. "Fresh grease is much easier to clean compared to grease and stains that have been sitting for a long period of time," says Marla Mock, President of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company. In addition to cleaning as needed, you should aim to give your stovetop a thorough clean weekly.

Materials Needed

Make sure you have these materials on hand when cleaning your glass stovetop.

• Microfiber cloth(s)
• Distilled white vinegar
• Water
• Baking soda
• Dish soap
• Old toothbrush
  

How to Clean a Glass Stovetop

You can clean your glass stovetop with an all-purpose cleaner suitable for glass or make your own solution with water and vinegar, says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of AspenClean.

1. Let the stovetop cool completely.
2. Use a microfiber cloth to remove loose debris.
3. In a spray bottle, combine equal parts distilled white vinegar and water.
4. Spray the vinegar solution onto the glass stovetop and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. 
5. Sprinkle baking soda over any stained areas.
6. Dampen a microfiber cloth with water and scrub the stains gently.
7. Wipe down the entire surface with a damp sponge or cloth so no residue remains.
8. Dry with a clean cloth. 
   

How to Clean an Electric Stovetop

The steps for cleaning an electric stovetop are similar to cleaning a glass stovetop, but you should remove the drip pans and burners and soak them if possible, says Sokolowski.

1. Let the stovetop cool completely.
2. Fill your sink with hot water and a few drops of dish soap.
3. Remove the drip pans and burner coils (if yours are removable) and place them in your sink.
4. Let the pans and coils soak while you clean the rest of your stovetop.
5. Use a microfiber cloth to remove loose debris from your stovetop.
6. In a spray bottle, combine equal parts distilled white vinegar and water.
7. Spray the vinegar solution onto the stovetop and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. 
8. Sprinkle baking soda over any stained areas.
9. Dampen a microfiber cloth with water and scrub the stains gently.
10. Scrub the drip pans and burner coils clean with an old toothbrush and rinse with warm water.
11. Wipe down the stovetop with a damp sponge or cloth so no residue remains.
12. Dry the drip pans, coils, and stovetop with a clean cloth and reassemble your stovetop.

How to Clean a Gas Stovetop

When cleaning a gas stovetop, make sure you remove the burner grates and caps and soak them separately, as these can build up with stubborn grease and cooking debris over time.

1. Let the stovetop cool completely.
2. Fill your sink with hot water and a few drops of dish soap.
3. Remove the burner grates and burner caps and place them in your sink.
4. Let the grates and caps soak while you clean the rest of your stovetop.
5. Use a microfiber cloth to remove loose debris from your stovetop.
6. In a spray bottle, combine equal parts distilled white vinegar and water.
7. Spray the vinegar solution onto the stovetop and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. 
8. Sprinkle baking soda over any stained areas.
9. Dampen a microfiber cloth with water and scrub the stains gently.
10. Scrub the grates and caps clean with an old toothbrush and rinse with warm water.
11. Wipe down the stovetop with a damp sponge or cloth so no residue remains.
12. Dry the grates, caps, and stovetop with a clean cloth, and reassemble your stovetop.

Tips for Maintaining Your Stovetop

Keep these tips in mind to ensure your stovetop stays sparkling in between deep cleans.

• Wipe down after each use to prevent stains from forming. 
• Use cookware lids to minimize food splatter.
• Clean the burners and grates regularly.
• Avoid harsh cleaners, which can scratch the surface of your stovetop.
• Avoid using abrasive scrubbers, as these can also scratch the surface of your stovetop.