3 Ways to Clean a Black Stovetop

If you've chosen black kitchen appliances, you were probably attracted to their low-maintenance, easy-clean appeal. Because even the tidiest households can't get away from the occasional spill or splatter in the kitchen, and even if the mess isn't especially visible, you know it's there. So, as with any small or large kitchen appliance, you need to know how to clean your stove so that it looks like new for the foreseeable future. Here's how to clean a black stovetop with stuff you probably already have in your kitchen.

Before You Begin: Make sure that your stove is completely turned off and cooled down before cleaning. Resist the urge to wipe up spills and stains right after you're done cooking, even though they're easier to clean before they dry. Wait until a few hours later or the next day before doing a good wipe-down to prevent burns and accidents. Be sure to avoid using bleach or any cleaning products that could stain or discolor your dark appliances.

1. A Mixture of Vinegar and Water—Vinegar is one of the heavy-lifters of the cleaning supply category, and we love it because it does the job right without introducing any harsh or abrasive chemicals to the mix. Vinegar is naturally acidic, which means it will break down buildup so it's easier to wipe away. You'll want to create a 1:1 mixture of warm water and white vinegar for this method.
2. A Mixture of Dish Soap and Water—If you don't have vinegar around the house, some gentle dish soap can serve as a stand-in. In fact, because the dish soap is specifically designed to cut through grease and heavy cooking stains and buildup, it can actually work better on certain kitchen messes. To create a dish soap mixture, add five or six drops of soap to a spray bottle of warm water.
3. A Mixture of Vinegar, Rubbing Alcohol and Dish Soap—This streak-free appliance cleaner recipe is great for wiping down black stainless steel appliances that have accumulated fingerprints and marks. It requires mixing a cup of water, a cup of white vinegar, a cup of rubbing alcohol and two or three drops of dish soap to create a concoction that gently cleans away imperfections without leaving behind streaks.
   

• Step 1: To clean your black gas stovetop, first remove the grates, burner caps and other removable elements and allow them to soak in a mixture of warm water and dish soap to loosen up any caked-on grease or food particles.
• Step 2: To clean your electric stovetop or the flat areas around the burners on your gas stove, start by removing crumbs or loose debris using a gentle sponge that will scrub away layers of dried debris without scratching the surface of your appliance.
• Step 3:Fill a spray bottle with your desired cleaner. Spray the surface of your cook top with the mixture, allowing it to sit on particularly tough stains. Use a sponge or a microfiber cloth to wipe away the dirt and debris.
• Step 4:Use a sponge to wipe away any stubborn buildup on the grates and removable components of the stovetop. Rinse and allow them to dry completely before replacing them.

Although your black appliances don't need as much attention as your old white ones or even your stainless steel ones, they're not dirt- or grease-proof. In fact, you may even find that, if you get close enough, they get even dirtier than other styles because it's not as easy to see when you spill something.

With that being said, they're among the easiest to clean of major kitchen appliances, so don't fret! The key is to make sure you include their maintenance in your daily and weekly cleaning routine. Give it a daily wipe-down and a weekly deep-clean and you'll constantly see that gorgeous, sleek finish you love so much!

Before you start cleaning, ensure the surface is completely cool. If you have a stovetop with grates, remove them for full access to the surface of the cooktop. Then, gently scrub the greasy spots with a paste of baking soda and water or a 1:1 mixture of vinegar and warm water. If the grates or burner caps are also greasy, gently scrub them in warm, soapy water and dry completely.

On a gas stovetop, start by removing the grates, burner caps and burner heads; if your cooktop is induction or electric, you can skip this step. Check to see if your grates are dishwasher safe; if so, this is the easiest way to remove grease from them. If the grates aren't dishwasher safe, scrub them in warm, soapy water and dry them completely. Repeat this method for the burner caps and heads. Be sure each piece is completely dry before replacing on the cooktop. To clean tough greasy spots on the cooktop itself, make a paste with baking soda and water, letting it sit, then wipe away. If you need to scrub stubborn spots, be sure to use a non-abrasive brush so you don't scratch off the black finish.

The easiest way to keep your stovetop clean is to wipe it down after each use. Deep cleaning on a weekly basis (or after a particularly messy meal like fried food) will help prevent greasy or burnt-on residue from accumulating on the cooktop surface.