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How to Clean Burnt-on residue off a Stovetop

November 5th, 2021 Fantastic Team How to's

Last update: 6 months ago

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Cleaning the stovetop from burnt-on food is hard work, for sure! But does it always have to be that way? Not really! If you have the right tools, usually most of them are hiding in your kitchen cupboard, or you know the essential secret tricks, getting rid of burn marks from your cooktop is not that difficult.

Food spillages happen often and most of the time, we may notice the burn marks on the stove much later when they’re a bit hard to remove. We all know that cleaning stains from the stove, while still in use, is the best way to keep it clean. However, more often than not, this remains just wishful thinking and we simply postpone the job for another day. That is why we’ve come up with some hacks to make this cleaning chore easy for you.

Whether you have an electric, gas, induction or any other kind of stovetop, in this post, you will find all the tips and tricks you need to maintain it clean, so it serves you for longer.

Table of Contents

How often should a stovetop be cleaned?

Cleaning the stovetop is not among anyone’s favourite chores. Many prefer to put off the task. But stovetops, like any other kitchen appliances, need to be taken care of regularly. The question is how often should this regular care be performed?

As tiresome as it may sound, stovetops should be cleaned daily, or every time they have been used. Wiping any food residue away from the surface is usually enough. See it that way, less grime build-up means less elbow grease from your side later on. So, it’s best to clean the top surface of your cooker after cooking a meal if needed. And when it comes to deep cleaning your appliance, once a week or every two weeks will be generally sufficient to maintain it in immaculate condition.

Now, let’s get down to work! Here is how to clean a burnt-on stovetop, depending on the type.

How to clean an electric glass-ceramic stovetop

There are different types of electric cooktops, such as glass-ceramic induction hobs, regular glass-ceramic stovetops and enamel or stainless steel hobs with hot plates or coil elements. Let’s see now how to clean regular ceramic stovetops in more detail. The job is relatively simple. It is advisable that you use a soft, non-abrasive sponge/cleaning cloth and mild detergents. We also recommend using a natural solution made from vinegar and baking soda to get rid of burn marks. Follow the simple steps below to achieve brilliant results:

Pour some white vinegar into an empty spray bottle and spray a thin layer, enough to cover the stovetop.
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on top.
Place a hot, damp towel over the newly created solution on the stove and wait for 10-15 minutes.
Remove the towel and wipe clean with a damp cloth.

How to clean an electric stovetop with hot plates or coil rings

Some electric stovetops, usually made of enamel, porcelain-enamel blend or stainless steel, have hot plates or coil elements. If you have such a cooktop and you are wondering how to clean electric hob rings, check our step-by-step guide below:

Turn off the cooker from the mains, first.
Remove the coil burners from the stove, referring to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Wipe loose debris away from the coils with a damp soapy cloth.
Similarly, wipe down the stove. Be careful not to make any electrical connections wet.
Make a paste from baking soda and water to remove any stuck-on grease. Let it sit for 20 mins.
Clean off the baking soda paste.
Dry the stovetop and the burners, then install the burners back in place.

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How to clean a gas stovetop

Cleaning a gas stovetop can be slightly more complicated than cleaning an electric one, but still, the steps are similar:

Take the grates off and place them in warm soapy water to soak for 15 mins. If the grates are in a bad condition, soak them in vinegar and leave them overnight.
Use a non-abrasive pad to remove any food residue, then rinse the grates and dry them out.
Remove the burner rings and caps and clean them the same way you did the grates.
Make a baking soda and water paste. You can add vinegar, too.
Apply the solution on the hob using a soft sponge and leave it for 15 mins.
Rinse off with a damp cloth and dry completely before returning the burners and the grates in their places.

Pro Tip: Try out a gas range protector if you want to clean your gas hob less frequently. They are dishwasher safe, withstand extreme heat and are made to fit different stove sizes.

How to clean an induction stovetop

Induction stoves are a popular choice, however, they scratch very easily. They are in effect made from the same glass-ceramic material as the regular ceramic type of cooktops. So, harsh detergents and abrasive cloths can damage them, therefore you need to be careful when getting rid of burn marks. Here is an easy and safe way to clean an induction stovetop:

Combine equal amounts of baking soda and vinegar in a spray bottle.
Spray the solution and wait 15-20 mins.
Wipe the stovetop clean. Repeat if necessary.
Remove hard food residue using a scraper gently at a 30-degree angle.
To make the surface glossy, spray the surface with a glass cleaner.

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How to clean a stainless steel stovetop

Similarly to the examples above, vinegar and baking soda are safe to use on stainless steel stovetops, whether they are electric or fuelled by gas. Apply a baking soda paste, then spray over with vinegar. Wait for a few minutes and wipe clean, following the grain direction. However, if you want to try a different method, here is another suggestion:

Mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1/4 cup liquid dish detergent in a cup of warm water.
Soak a clean cloth with the solution and gently rub the stainless steel hob with it.
For stubborn stains, place the damp cloth on the stove and leave it for 30 mins.
Scrub gently to remove loosened debris using a sponge or a rag.
Wipe the surface clean.

Pro Tip: Use table salt and lemon juice to get rid of rust or hydrogen peroxide to clean even the most challenging stains.

So, there we have it, your guide for cleaning burnt residue from a stovetop. Remember that it’s best if you clean your stovetop immediately after use and deep clean it once or twice a month to maintain the appliance free of burn marks and stuck-on stains. Try using a natural homemade mixture of baking soda and vinegar, it’s an excellent solution for breaking down burnt-on stains. Remember not to use harsh detergents and abrasive sponges when cleaning glass, electric regular and induction stovetops. Consider booking a professional cleaning service if you don’t have the time or the skills.