Cleaning Electric Stovetops: A Guide For Sparkling Cookware

Keeping your electric stove and pans clean is important for maintaining a safe and welcoming kitchen environment. Food and grease build-up on the stove can lead to unsightly stains and increase the risk of grease fires. Similarly, dirty pans can affect the taste of your food and make it difficult to cook evenly. To prevent this, it is recommended to wipe down your stove and pans after each use and give them a deeper clean at least once a week or whenever you notice a significant build-up of grease and residue.

Daily wipe-downs

Keeping your electric stovetop and pans clean is essential for cooking safety and creativity. Here are some detailed tips for daily wipe-downs to keep your kitchen safe and welcoming:

• Wipe down after every use: It is important to wipe down your stovetop and pans after each use to prevent food and grease from collecting for days or weeks. This helps to keep your kitchen safe and prevents the build-up of stubborn stains.
• Remove grease from the drip pan: Grease in the stove is a common cause of fires. Therefore, it is crucial to promptly remove grease from the drip pan after cooking.
• Use gentle cleaners: You don't need harsh chemicals or maximum-power cleansers. A simple mixture of vinegar and water or a paste made from baking soda and water is usually enough to remove grease and stains. Avoid using household cleaners that are not designed for stovetops.
• Soak and saturate: For an effortlessly smooth clean, soak your drip pans and saturate your stovetop before wiping them down. This allows your cleaning solution to work its magic and loosen any stuck-on food or grease.
• Use smooth-bottomed pans: If you have a glass stovetop, using smooth-bottomed pans can help prevent scratches and keep your stovetop looking seamless.
• Avoid harsh scrubbing materials: Scratching the surface of your stove with harsh scrubbing materials, such as steel wool, can make it more susceptible to grease and grime build-up. For glass stovetops, scratches can ruin their aesthetic appeal.
• Cool it down: Always ensure your electric stove and pans are cooled down before cleaning. Never clean while the stove is still hot. If your burner is malfunctioning, unplug the stove from the wall before cleaning for added safety.
• Remove coils and drip pans: For a thorough clean, remove the coils and drip pans from your stove. Gently lift the coils to disconnect them from the receptacle block. Set them aside and remove any food pieces from under the drip pan.
• Wipe with a dry cloth first: Start by using a paper towel or soft cleaning rag to wipe away dust, crumbs, and loose debris. Drag the dry grime forward and collect it all at the front of your stove. Then, wet your cloth and gather the crumbs in one swift motion.
• Wipe with a wet sponge: Mix a few drops of dish liquid with warm water in your sink or a separate container. Use a soft cleaning cloth or sponge, dipping it into the soapy mixture and lightly wringing it out. Gently wipe down the stovetop, using light, circular motions to remove grease spots and food residue. Avoid using the rough side of the sponge, especially on glass stovetops, as they can scratch easily.
• Rinse and dry thoroughly: Rinse your cloth or sponge and go over the stovetop again to ensure all soap residue is removed. Finally, use a dry paper towel or rag to wipe down the stovetop, removing any remaining soap or grime.

Deep cleaning

Step 1: Prepare the Stovetop and Pans

Before you begin, ensure your electric stove is turned off and cool. Never clean a stove while it's hot. If your burner is malfunctioning, unplug the stove from the wall before cleaning.

Step 2: Remove Coils and Drip Pans

If your stove has metal coils and drip pans, removing them will ensure a better clean. To do this, locate where the burner connects to the receptacle block. Grab the opposite side, lift it about an inch, then firmly pull the burner away from the stove. Set the burners aside and remove any food pieces from underneath the drip pan.

Step 3: Wipe with a Dry Cloth

Use a paper towel or soft cleaning rag to wipe away dust, pet hair, and crumbs from your stovetop. Start at the back of the stovetop and drag all the dry grime forward. Repeat in sections, collecting all the dirt along the front of the stove.

Step 4: Wipe with a Wet Sponge

Mix a few drops of dish liquid into warm water. Dip a soft cleaning cloth or a fresh sponge into the soapy mixture, then lightly wring it out. Use this to wipe down the stovetop, avoiding the rough side of the sponge, especially on glass stovetops as they can scratch easily.

Use light, circular motions to rub away grease spots and food residue. For particularly sticky stains, drip soapy water and let it soak for a few minutes. You can also make a paste with baking soda and water to scrub away the gunk. Be careful not to wet the electrical components.

Step 5: Rinse and Dry Thoroughly

Rinse out all the soap and dirt from your stovetop with a clean, wet sponge. You may need to wring and rinse the stove several times to remove all soap residue. Finally, use a dry paper towel or rag to dry the stovetop and remove any remaining soap and grime.

Step 6: Clean and Return the Coils

Turn the stove on to a high heat to remove food residue from the coils. Over time, residue buildup can damage your coils and increase the risk of fire, so it's important to keep them clean.

Fill your sink with warm, soapy water and let the drip pans soak. After a few minutes, wipe away any grease or food build-up. If necessary, use the baking soda paste to clean the drip pans. Allow the drip pans to dry completely before replacing them.

To clean the electrical coils, use a microfiber cloth, a dish sponge, or a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser with soapy water. Don't submerge the coil in water and avoid getting any water or soap on the coil's electrical plug. Rinse and dry the plug completely before reinstalling it.

Cleaning spills and stains

Cleaning Electric Stovetops:

• Daily Maintenance: It is essential to wipe down your electric stovetop after each use to prevent spills and stains from hardening and becoming more difficult to remove. Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe away crumbs, spills, and stains with warm water and a mild dish soap. Avoid using abrasive sponges or steel wool, as they can scratch the surface.
• Deep Cleaning: Once a week, or whenever you notice a build-up of grease and grime, it's time for a deep clean. Start by removing the coils or burners and drip pans for a more thorough clean. Soak the drip pans in hot, soapy water or use a mixture of baking soda and liquid dish soap to scrub away any stuck-on food or grease. You can also use this paste on the stovetop itself. Rinse everything thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth before reassembling.
• Tackling Tough Stains: For stubborn burnt-on stains, create a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the affected area. Let it sit for a while, then scrub gently with a soft sponge or cloth. For glass stovetops, you can use a razor blade scraper held at a 45-degree angle to carefully lift off burnt-on residue. Always ensure the stovetop is cool before cleaning and avoid getting electrical components wet.
• Natural Cleaners: Instead of harsh chemicals, opt for natural cleaners like vinegar, lemon juice, or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Spray or wipe these solutions on the stovetop, let them sit for a few minutes, and then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. These natural alternatives are effective at cutting through grease and grime without damaging the surface.
• Preventative Measures: To reduce the frequency of deep cleaning, take some preventative measures. Use flat-bottomed cookware that is the correct size for your stovetop to prevent spills and messes. Also, be mindful of heat settings, especially when cooking liquids that can easily boil over.

Cleaning Pans:

• Daily Cleaning: Wash your pans with warm water and a mild dish soap after each use. This will prevent food and grease from building up and becoming more difficult to remove.
• Soaking and Scrubbing: For burnt-on or stubborn food residue, fill your sink with hot, soapy water and soak the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub away the food residue. You can also make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the pans before scrubbing. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth.
• Oven Cleaner: If your pans have a lot of burnt-on food or grease, you can use an oven cleaner. Spray the cleaner onto the pans, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe away with a damp cloth. However, be cautious not to use oven cleaners on non-stick pans, as they can damage the coating.
• Natural Cleaners: Just like with stovetops, natural cleaners like vinegar or lemon juice can be effective on pans. Soak a cloth or sponge in the natural solution and use it to wipe away food residue. You can also make a paste with baking soda and water for extra scrubbing power.

Using the right products

When it comes to cleaning your electric stovetop and pans, choosing the right products is essential for effective cleaning and maintaining the integrity of your stove's surfaces. Here are some detailed instructions on the products to use and how to use them:

For Electric Stovetops:

• Before you begin, ensure that your stove is turned off and cooled down. This is important for safety and to prevent damage to the stove's surface.
• For a simple cleaning solution, mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste. Apply this paste generously to the surface of your electric stovetop, focusing on areas with stubborn stains or burnt-on food.
• Let the baking soda paste sit for a while. This will help loosen the stuck-on food and make it easier to remove.
• After the paste has done its work, use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe away the paste and the softened food residue. Ensure that you wring out excess water from the cloth or sponge to avoid getting water into the burner connections and causing electrical issues.
• For a more intensive clean, especially if you're dealing with tough grease or grime, create a mixture of equal parts vinegar and baking soda. Spread this mixture over the affected areas of your electric stovetop.
• Take a clean towel and soak it in hot water. Wring out the excess water, and then lay the towel over the areas where you applied the vinegar-baking soda mixture. The heat and moisture will help loosen the stubborn residue.
• After about 15 minutes, remove the towel and scrub the stovetop gently to remove the remaining residue. Finish by wiping the surface with a microfiber cloth and buffing it to a shine.
• If you're dealing with burnt-on residue on the coils, you can turn on the heat for a few minutes to burn off the residue. However, ensure that you have proper ventilation and keep a close eye on it to prevent any safety hazards.
• For drip pans, remove them from the stovetop and shake off any loose crumbs. Rinse them with hot water, and then apply a mixture of baking soda and dish soap. Let this mixture sit for about an hour before rinsing and scrubbing with a sponge. Finally, dry the drip pans with a dish towel before placing them back on the stovetop.

For Pans:

• For burnt-on food or tough grease on your pans, create a mixture of equal parts baking soda and liquid dish soap. Apply this mixture generously to the affected areas of your pans.
• Let the mixture sit for about an hour. The longer it sits, the more effective it will be at loosening the stubborn residue.
• After the waiting period, scrub the pans with a sponge or scrub brush. Rinse them thoroughly with hot water to remove the cleaning mixture.
• If necessary, repeat the process or use a scrubber to tackle any remaining residue. Finally, dry the pans with a dish towel before putting them away.
• Alternatively, you can use ammonia to cut through grease. Place the cooled-down pans in a plastic bag and add ammonia. Leave them overnight, and then rinse and scrub away any remaining residue. Ensure proper ventilation when using ammonia.

General Tips:

• Always refer to your stove's owner's manual for specific recommendations and precautions.
• Avoid using abrasive cleaning tools or harsh chemicals that can scratch or damage the surface of your electric stovetop and pans.
• For daily maintenance, wipe down your electric stovetop with a damp microfiber cloth or a soapy sponge to prevent the buildup of grease and grime.
• To protect your electric stovetop from spills and splatters, consider using drip pan liners or heavy-duty aluminium foil underneath the burners.

Frequency of cleaning

The frequency of cleaning an electric stovetop and pans depends on several factors, including the amount of use, the type of food being cooked, and the level of mess created during cooking. Here are some guidelines for keeping your electric stovetop and pans clean:

Daily Cleaning:

• It is recommended to wipe down the stovetop and pans after each use to prevent spills and stains from drying and becoming harder to clean. Use a soft cloth or sponge and warm water with a mild dish soap to avoid scratching the surface.
• Grease and food residue should be promptly removed from the drip pans to prevent grease fires.

Deep Cleaning:

• A more thorough cleaning of the electric stovetop and pans is suggested at least once a week or whenever there is a noticeable build-up of grease, food residue, or grime.
• For deep cleaning, allow the heating elements to cool down before removing them for individual cleaning.
• To clean the drip pans, fill the sink with warm, soapy water and let them soak. For stubborn stains, create a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the pans before scrubbing. Rinse and dry the pans completely before placing them back on the stovetop.
• For the stovetop, create a cleaning solution with vinegar and water or use a mild, grease-busting dish soap. Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down the surface, avoiding the use of abrasive materials that can scratch the stovetop.
• If there are burnt-on stains, make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the affected areas. Let it sit for a while before scrubbing gently with a soft sponge or cloth.
• Remember to clean the area underneath the stovetop, where crumbs and spills can fall. Use a plastic knife or spatula to scrape off any hardened food, then wipe the area with warm, soapy water.

Heavy Use:

• If you cook frequently on the stovetop, it is recommended to increase the cleaning frequency. Regular cleaning will help maintain a beautiful appearance and prevent fire hazards.
• Additionally, ensure you are using the correct cookware. Flat-bottomed and appropriately sized pots and pans are recommended to prevent spills and burns.

Frequently asked questions