How to Clean a Kitchen Stove

By Shelley Frost on December 10, 2010

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The splatters of dinner left on the stove look unattractive and can harm the porcelain finish. Cleaning your stove regularly keeps it in tiptop shape and might even extend its life. Gas and electric stoves are slightly different on the top, but the cleaning process is similar for both. A daily general cleaning along with periodic deep cleaning keeps away ants and other pests. The cleaning also prevents food from turning to porcelain-damaging acid, according to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension.

Step 1

Wipe the porcelain enamel surfaces of the stove after every meal using a soft cloth dipped in soapy water. Spray glass cleaner is an alternative for cleaning the porcelain. Wipe the cooled burner area if you have a flat-top electric stove.

Step 2

Wash away the soap or cleaner using a damp, clean cloth or sponge. Dry the stove with a towel.

Step 3

Pull off the removable control knobs. Wipe them with a soft cloth dipped in soapy water, but don't submerge the knobs. Dry the knobs before putting them back onto the stove. If the handles aren't removable, wipe them with the cloth, being cautious not to turn on the burner.

Step 4

Remove the burner grates and drip pans. Soak the grates and pans in hot, soapy water if they are really dirty. Wipe them clean with a sponge or soft cloth.

Step 5

Apply baking soda to the damp burner grate or drip pan if you cannot remove some of the food remnants. Rub the baking soda with a soft cloth to remove the stuck-on food.

Step 6

Rinse the burner grates and drip pans with warm, clean water. Dry with with a clean towel before placing them back onto the stove.

About the Author

Shelley Frost has been a freelance writer since 2007, specializing in parenting and education. Her work can be found on websites such as ModernMom.com and PreschoolRock.com. Frost holds a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education with a minor in reading from the University of Northern Iowa.