How to Properly Clean a Gas Stove

Professional chefs and even amateur chefs can make a mess when simmering sauces and frying meats on the stove. But while cleaning is never fun, it's imperative to make your gas stove last. Even for the tidier cooks who clean as they go, this only applies to sinks and countertops. For gas stoves, you have to wait until it cools, which is usually when everyone is sitting comfortably, having just enjoyed a delicious meal.

But while it's more pleasant to kick up your feet and save the clean-up for tomorrow, a gas stove should be cleaned right away. After all, it's one kitchen appliance that takes a beating.Discover how to properly clean your gas stove top and have it sparkling after each use.

Clean gas stoves appear as flawless as the day you installed it. But there are more important reasons than a glimmering polish to keep your gas stove top range in tidy condition.

Crumbs and grease buildup can become nasty culprits. Not only are they unhygienic, growing bacteria and such, but it can impact your cooking and even create a fire hazard as well.

Cleaning a gas stove is actually easier than you think. Even if you don't regularly maintain it, here is the best way to cut through all the disgusting gunk and grime:

1. Start by filling your sink with soap and hot water, then remove and place the grates inside.
2. Using a dry brush or towel, brush loose crumbs from the stovetop surface.
3. Spray the stove top with a 1:1 vinegar and water solution, letting it sit for one to two minutes.
4. Wipe down the entire surface, along with the knobs and back panel, using a clean towel or rag.
5. If your stove top has grease buildup, you will also need to scrub it with some soap. Apply a bit of dish soap to a toothbrush and brush any grease or stains in circular motions.
6. Rinse away any soap suds and grime with a soft damp rag.
7. Remove burner caps and place them in the sink with the soapy water, along with the grates.
   • Please note: This step is not done first because the caps act to protect wires beneath.
8. Again, if caps have grease buildup, scrub away any residue with a brush. Do the same for the grates now, as well.
9. Lift off the burner heads and wash away any grime hidden beneath. Use a needle or paperclip to remove grime in tight, smaller crevices.
10. Lift the gas stove top. Gas stoves are designed to be lifted two separate ways and depend on the type. One way is to wiggle the front loose and the second is to release a pin by popping it open, with something like a putty knife, by the left and right front sides.
11. After you open the stove top, take a vacuum with a brush attachment and suck up any crumbs.
12. Lastly, place the clean and dry burner caps and grates back on top of the stove top.

And that's it! By now, you should have a sparkling clean gas stove top.

Sometimes, even when being extra careful, ignitors can create an annoying clicking sound. This can be caused by a number of reasons, including a faulty switch, misplaced burner caps, dirty ignitors or even moisture that accidentally got close to the ignitor. First, try to make sure each burner cap is aligned correctly. If the ignition still clicks, unplug the stove top or cut the breaker to save your sanity and provide safety for the next steps. Since you just cleaned this area, give it extra time to dry or grab a hairdryer to try and speed up the process.

If the ignition still clicks and fires once plugged back in, it could be a dirty ignitor or faulty switch. For gas stove tops that feature top ignitors, oftentimes, crumbs can build up under these as well. Vacuum these areas and look for any corrosion. Take rubbing alcohol or vinegar and, with a Q-tip, gently rub away any grime surrounding the ignitor switch beneath each knob handle.

If spending hours cleaning your gas stove top once in a blue moon leaves you completely exhausted, it's time to take a different approach. Instead, give it regular maintenance. Clean your stove top each and every time you use it to cook, wiping up grease and crumbs as soon as pots are off and grates have cooled down. You can also check out our extensive cooktop buying guide to learn more about gas stoves and what options are right for your kitchen.