HOW TO CLEAN DIFFERENT TYPES OF STOVETOPS

A clean cooktop can be truly satisfying, as it’s always ready to help you create delicious dishes. Whether you’re adding your own flavor to spaghetti Bolognese or giving Cacio e Pepe a try, you’re bound to encounter a few spills and sauce splatters. Keep reading to learn how to clean different types of stovetops, from stainless steel to ceramic ceramic.

CLEANING TYPES OF STOVETOPS: A GUIDE

How to clean a stovetop depends on its material and design. Some surfaces, like ceramic glass, are easier to clean with a warm cloth and dish soap, whereas gas stovetops and electric burners may require more elbow grease. A daily wipe down and cleaning after each use is a great way to stay ahead of the kitchen mess. For harder jobs, an affresh^® Cooktop Cleaner Kit¹ can help cut through burnt-on residue and polish the surface.

_{1. affresh^® brand products and the recommending brands’ products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.}

GAS STOVETOPS

Gas stovetops may require a little more cleaning than others because of their top burners and ports. Before starting, make sure everything is turned off and cool to the touch. Remove the burners and caps and use a mildly abrasive cleaner and plastic scrubbing pad to help get rid of any build-up. If a deeper clean is necessary, you can gently wipe down the igniter with a wet cloth and unclog the burner ports with a pin. Finally, reinstall the burners and caps, making sure everything fits securely.  For specific instructions pertaining to your range, refer to your owner’s manual.

ELECTRIC STOVETOPS

Discover how to clean your electric cooktop using the right tools and cleaners. You’ll need some supplies, including a cooktop cleaner and scraper, a non-abrasive cleaning pad and a cloth. Use a cooktop scraper to help get rid of any food particles, making sure your scraper is angled at 45 degrees. Clean the surface using diluted vinegar and a non-abrasive cloth. Remove any leftover food with a cleaner such as affresh^® Cooktop Cleaner, allowing the cleaner to completely dry to a white haze. Polish the area with a dry cloth.

INDUCTION STOVETOPS

Clean your induction stovetop in just 30 minutes with the right tools and supplies. Start by mixing equal parts vinegar and water to make a gentle cleaning solution. Once cooled, apply the vinegar and water cleaning solution to the stovetop and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. After you wipe away the cleaning solution, apply some affresh^® Glass and Ceramic Cooktop Cleaner and use a nonabrasive scrubbing pad to help loosen any residue. Polish the area with a soft cloth until you see the white film disappear.

DOWNDRAFT COOKTOPS

Downdraft cooktops are generally easy to clean. You will need mild dish soap, a soft cloth, a cooktop scraper and a microfiber cloth. Make sure all the controls are turned off, and the surface is cool. For smaller spills, use a mild dish soap and soft cloth to wipe everything down, drying the surface thoroughly with a microfiber cloth to help avoid streaks. A cooktop scraper is a great tool for getting rid of sugary spills and burned-on foods.

STAINLESS STEEL STOVETOPS

Stainless steel cooktops may show dirt and fingerprints more than other finishes, so it’s important to have a “go-to” cleaning routine. Once you’re finished cooking, turn off the cooktop and let it cool. Use a microfiber cloth with warm soapy water or diluted vinegar to help remove any residue. Remember to wipe with the grain to help avoid harming the finish. If you’re dealing with tougher stains, try a gentle solution like affresh^® Cooktop Cleaner¹.

_1. affresh^® brand products and the recommending brands’ products are all owned and distributed by Whirlpool Corporation.

CERAMIC GLASS COOKTOPs

Learn how to clean a ceramic glass stovetop using a gentle approach to help avoid scratching or damaging the surface. You will need an oven mitt, a cooktop scraper, a soft cloth and diluted vinegar. While your cooktop is just slightly warm, remove any residue with the cooktop scraper, wearing an oven mitt to protect your hand. Hold the scraper at a 45-degree angle to help protect your stovetop from scratches. Once you remove the residue, spray a diluted vinegar solution on the surface and wipe it clean with a soft cloth. 

For a deeper clean, apply affresh^® Cooktop Cleaner to the soiled areas and scrub off any residue with a soft sponge. Finish by polishing the entire surface using paper towels.

Keep in mind that it is not recommended to use any items that can harm the cooktop surface, like steel wool, chlorine bleach, ammonia or abrasive powder cleansers.

PORCELAIN STOVETOPS

A porcelain stovetop is generally easy-to-clean but can be prone to scratches from harsh and abrasive cleaners. Regular cleaning can help keep your porcelain stovetop in sparkling condition. Make sure the surface is cool before you begin cleaning. Use a soft cloth or sponge and soapy water instead of harsh chemicals and scrubbers. Spills containing acidic foods, like vinegar and tomato, should be cleaned quickly, as they may affect the finish. Make sure the surface is cool before you begin cleaning. You can use glass cleaner or affresh^® Cooktop Cleaner with a non-abrasive scrubbing brush to clean the stovetop surface.

WHAT’S ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO CLEAN A STOVETOP?

Wipe your stovetop down with warm soapy water after every use to help stop food from building up on the surface. Regular biweekly or monthly deep cleaning sessions can help keep your stovetop clean over time. Choose non-abrasive cleaners and sponges to help avoid damage.

WHAT’S THE BEST STOVETOP CLEANER for you?

Dish soap is a great cleaner for stovetop spills and messes. You may already have it on hand, and it’s well-suited for many surface types. For added strength, apply affresh^® Cooktop Cleaner or create a baking soda paste to help with stubborn stains. But always check your owner’s manual to see what is recommended.

HOW DO YOU REMOVE BURNT-ON GREASE FROM A STOVETOP?

First, let your stovetop cool. Then, apply a cleaning solution like a vinegar and water mixture or baking soda paste to the burnt grease and let it sit for 15 minutes. Gently scrub the entire area until the grease loosens and lifts from the surface. Polish dry with a soft cloth to help restore your stovetop’s shine.

TIPS FOR CLEANING A STOVETOP

It’s important to maintain the space you love cooking in. Whether you have a gas or an electric stovetop, these tips for how to clean a stovetop will help keep your surface clean, polished and ready for every culinary adventure.

• Wipe up spills and splatters as soon as possible to help prevent them from hardening or becoming difficult to clean.

• Avoid using abrasive cleansers or cleansing pads that could potentially damage your cooktop.

• Treat tougher stains with a baking soda paste, diluted vinegar or the affresh^® Cooktop Cleaning Kit.

• Deep clean your stovetop regularly to help prevent the buildup of grease and food residue.

• Always refer to the cleaning instructions in the appliance manual for your specific stovetop.