Your kitchen’s stove is one of its main workhorses, providing the controllable heat you need to cook meals on a daily basis. Taking good care of your stove or cooktop will protect your investment and ensure it is always ready for use when you need it. While most simple cleaning tasks are easy to perform, if you encounter problems with your range, contact an appliance repair specialist for additional assistance to restore your appliance to working condition quickly and safely.
Ceramic Cooktops
Ceramic cooktops provide an appealing, smooth surface for a streamlined kitchen. Keeping your ceramic cooktop in good shape requires regular cleaning with the right products. Avoid using heavy or cast iron cookware with a ceramic cooktop, as they can leave scratches on the surface. Never use abrasive cleaners or scrubbing sponges to remove spills or stains; instead, use a cleaning solution made from water and mild dish soap or a product made for use specifically with ceramic cooktops. Scrub only with a soft cloth or sponge and try to address up spills or messes soon after they occur to prevent them from hardening on the surface—however, always wait until your stove’s surface is cool before cleaning.
Electric Stove Coils
Electric stove coils can smoke or emit odors when they become dirty, so it’s important to keep your burners clean. Before cleaning, wait for your burners to cool completely and remove them from the stove. Rinse the burner coils with warm water and mild soap; if you must scrub, use only a soft cloth and avoid immersing the burners, as this could damage the electrical connections. For tougher stains or buildup, try a solution of baking soda and water; let the baking soda paste sit on the burner for at least 20 minutes before gently scrubbing and rinsing it away. Next, address any messes on the stove itself by laying a cloth soaked in hot water over hard residue and letting it soak for a few minutes—this will make even caked-on splatters easier to remove. Wipe down the entire surface, including the reflector bowls, with a soft, soapy sponge, then follow with a cloth soaked in clean water. Dry the bowls to prevent water spots, then replace the electric coils.
Gas Stoves
Caring for a gas stove is similar to caring for an electric coil stove. Remove all grates, griddles, and other attachments periodically for cleaning with hot water and mild soap. If your grates aren’t coated, you can scrub them with a scouring pad; otherwise, use a soft sponge to protect your grates’ coating. Tough buildup can be addressed with a spray made for use on gas stove grates; follow the instructions on the product and place grates on newspaper or spray them outside to protect your home’s other surfaces. Clean the stovetop following the same process as for the electric stove, using hot water and a soft sponge to clean up spills and rinse with clean water when you’re through.
These simple steps will keep your stovetop clean, safe, and looking its best. If you’re experiencing trouble with your stove, our qualified appliance repair experts can diagnose and solve your problem quickly for minimal impact on your busy schedule. Visit our website to find out more about our comprehensive appliance repair services in Portland, including stoves, ovens, refrigerators, disposals, washers, and dryers. You can also find more care tips and appliance troubleshooting advice on our blog.
