Since we rang in the New Year, one our common features on the blog has been a regular article exploring the top life hacks relating to each of the appliances we service. Today, we’re shifting our focus to the stove as we near the end of this topic. While the term life hack may technically mean organizational techniques that have been developed with the simplification of your life in mind, it can also extend to helpful cleaning tips that make your life easier and your appliances run more efficiently. Join us as we share with you some of our favourite ways to keep your stove clean and in its best shape.
Our regular readers will come to recognize our emphasis on clean and tidy appliances. It’s one of the most important steps in proper maintenance, and it can extend the life of any appliance, including the stove. When you can ensure your stove is as clean as possible, you’re making sure it doesn’t have to work any harder than it has to in order to heat your food. What you’ll need for most of the tasks we outline below include:
- Clean dish rags you’re willing to get dirty
- Sponges
- Old toothbrushes
- Baking soda
- Dish soap
- Bon Ami spray-on cleaner
- H20
Coil-top Models — Before tackling your stove, we urge you to wait until it’s fully cool to the touch. We also want to remind you to unplug the appliance from its energy source before you begin your task. Now, you’re ready to get on with your cleaning. The 4 coils should detach quite easily from their connectors with only a brief tug. Refer to your owner’s manual to ensure this is the appropriate method for your model. Dampen a cloth with soapy water and rub away any burnt on residue, remembering to keep the electrical connection away from the water. For stubborn stains, apply a paste made out of baking soda and water and let sit for about 20 minutes before you scrub it off.
With the coils removed, you should be able to tackle the drip pans. Remove them from the stove and shake out any collected debris. Using the same mixture of baking soda and water, make sure the entire pan is covered. Let it sit for at least 20 minute before you start scraping away at the mess with a toothbrush. Rinse away the messy paste, return the pan to its place, and reattach the coils into their sockets.
Gas Range Models — Our cleaning methods are similar to the techniques for our coiled top stoves. Remove the grates and knobs if you can, remembering to wait until your stove is cool and unplugged before you begin. Remove any loose debris from the stovetop before using soapy water and your clean dish towel to rub at the stains. For stubborn stains, apply the paste made from your baking soda and water, allowing it to sit for around 20 minutes before you scrub it off.
Flat-top Models — These models are notoriously tricky to clean, making them a frustrating addition to any clean freak’s kitchen. Even water can leave behind stubborn messes when the elements are on, which means the stove is constantly showing evidence of your culinary efforts. Therefore, these models require a more frequent cleaning regime than their coiled counterparts.
The one up-side to these models is that you don’t have to disassemble it before you start cleaning, but we do insist you wait until it has had time to cool completely before you begin your task. With soapy water, scrub away at any loose stains and food build-up. With a clean towel, dry the surface before applying a liberal layer of Bon Ami cleaner — which is a non-toxic, scratch free product that won’t damage your stove as you clean it. Let it sit so it has time to penetrate the grease before rubbing at it with your sponge in a circular motion. It may take a few applications, but eventually you’ll wipe away the cleaner to reveal a spotless stove top.
These methods are simple and take no more than 30 minutes out of your day. We suggest you do this every season, or as often as you require it. Messier cooks might have to increase the frequency of these cleaning tasks, while fastidious chefs can get away with longer periods between cleanings. Regardless of how often you carry out these chores, remember it won’t just keep your stove looking sparkly. It’ll make sure your stove is well-maintained and ready to help you cook.
Should you realize your stovetop isn’t heating consistently — or at all — give us a call. Our stove repair technicians will identify the source of your heating issue and make same-day repairs. Together, with your dedicated cleaning routine and our expert repairs, we’ll keep your stove in tip top shape
