How to Clean Stovetops and Grates

While stovetops are a magnet for spills and stains, you can make this surface shine by wiping away food spills after cooking and through a weekly deep cleaning. A quick wipe-down prevents spilled food and liquids from hardening, while a deep clean removes tough stains, such as grease buildup. Disinfecting your stovetop also prevents bacteria and germs from spreading, which is why it’s especially important to use a disinfectant wipe or spray to clean the area after handling and cooking raw meats and fish.

By properly cleaning your stovetop, you can increase the lifespan of your stove and keep the area clean and free of harmful bacterias. When choosing cleaning supplies for your stovetop, opt for natural cleaning products, as harsh chemicals can wear away the surface.

Aim to clean your stovetop after every use to prevent food and stain buildups. Once the area is cool, simply spray the stovetop with an all-purpose cleaner and wipe away the spatter with a paper towel or reusable cloth wipe. Cleaning after each use makes removing grime easier, as hardened food is more difficult to scrub off.

If you use your stovetop multiple times a week, aim to deep clean the area weekly. However, if you infrequently use the stove, you can deep clean it less regularly.

There are many different types of stovetops, and each requires separate cleaning methods. Before cleaning your stove, check to ensure the appliance and burners are cool to prevent injury. Follow these cleaning tips based on your stovetop:

• Electric stovetop: Electric stovetops feature electric-powered coil burners that you can remove and deep clean. First, ensure the stove is cool, then unplug and remove the electric coils to disinfect the entire area. Spray a mixture of baking soda and warm water onto the stovetop, then scrub it with a sponge to remove any hardened food. Ensure the area is dry before plugging the coils back into the source.
• Gas stovetop: Gas stoves use natural gas or propane and other flammable gases as a fuel source that filters through the burners and typically feature built-in or moveable grates that hold the pots and pans above the heat source. Grime and splatter can build up around the grates and on the burner tops underneath, so it’s important to remove the grates so you can disinfect the entire area. Apply a few drops of dish soap onto a damp cloth or paper towel and wipe down your gas stovetop. Soak the grates in the sink in hot, soapy water to remove excess food grime. Dry the burner tops and grates thoroughly before placing them back on your stove.
• Glass stovetop: Glass cooktops have fewer moving parts because they don’t have any grates or electric coils. These stovetops are completely flat and smooth and heat up from an electric source beneath the glass top. To clean a glass-top stove, spray a generous amount of soapy, warm water onto the stovetop and allow the suds to sit for five to ten minutes. (You can also use a glass cleaner solution for this process.) Next, use a sponge or single-edge scraper to scrub away any hardened food or grease stains. For a DIY solution, fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spray it evenly across the stovetop. Sprinkle baking soda on the white vinegar solution: The mixture will fizz and loosen tough grime. After scrubbing away the grime, dry the area thoroughly with a clean cloth.

Stove grates are cast iron, so routinely cleaning these surfaces can prevent stubborn and sticky food buildup. Here’s how to clean cast-iron grates:

• Remove the grates. While you can clean grates directly on the stove, sanitizing them in the sink can make the process easier. Simply lift the grates to remove them from the stove and set them in your sink.
• Soak the grates in soapy water. You may find it difficult to remove hardened food with just a sponge and soap. Soaking your grates in a mixture of hot water and dish soap loosens food gunk, making scrubbing easier. Allow the grates to soak for ten to fifteen minutes before you begin scrubbing.
• Clean the burners. While the grates are soaking, you can clean your stove burners. Dip a microfiber cloth in warm water and rub away any grime on the burner tops. Use a toothbrush to scrub away tough grime.
• Scrub the grates with a sponge or clean cloth. Gently scrub off any remaining grime with a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth to avoid leaving scratches on your grates.
  
• Dry the grates thoroughly. Cast iron can rust if left wet, so use a dry cloth to wipe away excess water or soap before placing the grates back on the stove.

Become a better chef with the MasterClass Annual Membership. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Alice Waters, Gabriela Cámara, Niki Nakayama, Chef Thomas Keller, Gordon Ramsay, Yotam Ottolenghi, Dominique Ansel, and more.