Whether it's gas, electric or glass, it takes more than a halfhearted promise to really clean a messy stovetop in one day.
We asked Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, to share her expert tips for this kitchen chore. She always recommends cleaning up immediately after cooking before spills and splatters harden, but we know that's not always possible. So she shared her best tips for tackling different types of stovetops to get them looking new again.
Gas stovetop | Electric stovetop | Glass stovetop | Removing tough grime/burnt grease | Best cleaners for stovetops | Meet the expert
How do you clean gas stovetops?
- Wipe grates with a damp microfiber cloth after every use (once cool!).
- Place stovetop caps in a sink of hot, soapy water.
- Allow caps to soak for 10 minutes, then scrub with a clean microfiber cloth.
- If additional cleaning is needed, make a paste of baking soda and water and allow it to set for 30 minutes and then scrub clean.
Note: Fuel ports can also become dirty and even clogged. In that case, you should contact an appliance professional to ensure the safe and effective removal of debris. The pros also know how to adjust burners to ensure they burn with a blue flame. (Orange/yellow flames indicate poor combustion and require additional attention.)
How to clean electric stovetops
- Wipe coils with a damp microfiber cloth.
- Place stovetop burners in a sink of hot, soapy water.
- Allow burners to soak for 10 minutes, then scrub with a clean microfiber cloth.
- Clean reflector pans with mild grease-busting dish soap and hot water and a microfiber cloth.
- Lift up the electric cooktop and wipe clean with a damp sponge. Use soapy water, if needed.
Pro tip: If burnt-on residue remains on the coils, turn the heat on high until the spill burns off. Remember to turn on the exhaust fan, too.
How to clean glass stovetops
- Allow the burner to completely cool.
- Remove debris from the burner with a silicone or plastic spatula.
- Sprinkle baking soda directly onto the stovetop and add a little water to the baking soda to make a paste to completely cover the stain.
- Leave a warm, damp rag on top of the spot and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Wipe the spot clean.
Pro tip: If the spot is really stubborn, add a few drops of distilled vinegar to the baking soda, which should completely clean it.
How do you remove tough grime/burnt grease from a stovetop?
- For electric stovetops, start by removing the heating coils and grease catchers. For gas stovetops, start by removing metal grills and cover the gas heating element so nothing gets in there while cleaning. You can let these soak in the sink with hot water and dish soap while you clean everything else.
- Next, mix lemon juice and white vinegar in a spray bottle and spray it on the grease/grime.
- Allow it to sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing with a damp towel/cloth. Usually this will be enough for grease stains. However, if the grease is still there after you scrubbed, sprinkle some baking soda over the grease.
- Allow the baking soda to sit for five minutes before using another damp cloth or scrub sponge to get rid of the grease.
What are the best cleaners for stove tops?
The best cleaners for your stovetops are items you probably have around your house to begin with like baking soda, white vinegar, lemon juice, water and dish soap.
Warning: Some people use white eraser sponges for extremely tough burn marks. These do work, but it's preferred that you use with caution as this substance is like microfine sandpaper and can scratch the surface if you’re not careful.
TODAY earns a commission on purchases through these links.
Meet the expert
- Marla Mock is the president of Molly Maid, a professional home cleaning service.
