Keeping your gas stove burners clean not only ensures your food is cooked evenly, but also prolongs the lifespan of your appliance. Grease and soot can easily accumulate on your stove burners if not cleaned regularly.
Cleaning Cast Iron Burners
To keep your cast iron burners in top shape, a number of cleaning methods can be employed:
- Using toothpaste: Apply toothpaste on an abrasive sponge to scrub away stubborn dirt.
- Using scouring cream: Scouring cream with ammonia can be applied using an abrasive sponge or a toothbrush for those hard-to-reach spots.
- Using baking soda: Wipe the burners first with warm water and dish soap. Prepare a thick paste using baking soda and water, then apply this paste on the burners before leaving it for about 30 minutes. Afterwards, scrub off the now softened grease with a brush and rinse lightly.
- Using vinegar: A daily spray of white vinegar can help maintain cleanliness. Let the vinegar sit for around 15 minutes before wiping with a clean cloth.
- Mechanical method: Wipe the burners with a slightly damp cloth. Then, using a safety pin, toothpick or paper clip, scrape off any residue within the burner holes. Finish off by wiping the surface with a vinegar-soaked sponge.
Cleaning Stainless Steel Burners
Stainless steel burners require special care when cleaning. The most effective products include alcohol, soapy water, lemon, and diluted hot white vinegar. Note that bleach is not recommended as it can damage stainless steel.
Removing Soot
Soot can be dissolved using a mixture of water with soda crystals, baking soda, or black soap. Scrubbing with a nylon brush can enhance the effect.
Cleaning Burner Caps
For the cleaning of burner caps, the grates need to be removed from the stove first. The use of baking soda or vinegar is recommended:
- Using baking soda: Submerge the caps in hot water mixed with baking soda. After a while, remove them from the pot, let them cool down, and wipe dry.
- Using vinegar: Boil 2 cups of water with 2 cups of white vinegar and a handful of coarse salt. Then, plunge the caps into the boiling mixture for one minute. Using kitchen tongs, remove and rinse them under cold water.
Regular maintenance can prevent the buildup of stubborn dirt on your stove burners. Adopting these cleaning methods should keep your gas stove in great condition with minimal effort.