Stainless steel is a low maintenance material, and it can make any kitchen look professional! However, a stove that looks grimey, and is covered in grease stains, dried up sauces, and food particles will make the entire kitchen look like it's in disarray.
In this article, we'll show you how you can properly clean stainless steel stove tops without damaging the surface, and without using too much effort! All you'll need are a few household staples, and you'll be able to bring the shine back into your kitchen.
What You'll Need
- A commercial cream cleaner OR
- Baking soda paste - made with water or vinegar
- Dish soap
- Paper towel
- Microfiber cloth
- Scrub brush
- Spray bottle
How to Clean Stainless Steel Stove: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Remove the Stove Grates
First, remove the stove grates of the cooktop. Start with a stainless steel cooktop that is cool to the touch to avoid accidental burns. Clean the stove grates separately, which you can do so with a baking soda and vinegar mixture, or some ammonia for tough stains. Remove burner caps as well, if your cooktop is a gas range.
Step 2: Apply Stainless Steel Cleaner
Apply your preferred stainless steel cleaner. Use commercial cleaners as directed, and dilute the cleaning solution whenever necessary. Alternatively, you can clean stainless steel using a baking soda paste made with baking soda, and either water or vinegar.
Spray water or vinegar over the cooktop, and sprinkle baking soda. Let the mixture bubble, and make sure you apply the cleaning paste all over the stove top. Use a small brush to spread the mixture around small crevices.
Step 3: Let It Sit
Let the solution sit. As it sits, the solution should soften and lift off the stains, cleaning stainless steel stove tops. Follow the instructions of your commercial cleaner to know how long you should leave the solution on the stove top.
Check the baking soda solution after 15 minutes. If the mixture seems dry, add more water or vinegar to moisten it. Check to see if the burnt-on grime can be easily wiped off. If not, let the paste sit longer, checking in 5 minute intervals.
Step 4: Scrub Away the Grime
If the grime can be easily scrubbed out with a toothbrush, continue to the next part of the cleaning process: scrubbing! Use a scrub brush, soft scouring pad, or a sponge to remove the grime. Scrub in a circular motion to avoid streaks, and use a thin brush, like a toothbrush, to scrub the crevices and nooks of your cooktop.
Step 5: Wipe the Stainless Steel Stove Top Clean
Wipe the cooktop with a paper towel to remove the grime and cleaning solution. Toss and replace the paper towel as necessary. You may also use a soft cloth to wipe the stove top clean, but you will need to wash the cloth between uses.
Step 6: Degrease with Soapy Water
Degrease the stove top by mixing warm water and dish soap. This will remove any remaining oils, and clean stainless steel stove tops as well from hard water stains, soap scum, and more. Dip a clean cloth into the mixture, and use it to wipe the entire stove top clean.
Step 7: Wipe With a Dry Cloth
Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe the stainless steel stove top dry. The surface should look shiny and new! You may also polish the stove top with a stainless steel polish or a few drops of olive oil, but this step is optional.
Tips to Keep Your Stainless Steel Stove Tops Pristine
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners, like steel wool, to clean stainless steel appliances as these can scratch the surface, leaving notches where stains and dirt can set.
- Use a stainless steel polish to keep the stove top looking shiny and new. Make sure to use a food-safe polish that won't leach harmful chemicals when heated.
- Clean spills as they happen. Stainless steel appliances may be stainless, but spills and sauces can still make the surface look cloudy and discolored.
- Clean your stainless steel cooktop regularly. Stainless steel cooktops can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth, and a few drops of dish soap. Wiping your stainless steel cooktop after cooking will keep the material looking like new.
Maintaining Your Home
Home maintenance is full-time work. All the cooking, the cleaning, and the chores can drain you, especially after a long day at work. Don't fret the cleaning, and call us at Luce Home to tackle the grime and stains for you. Our expert cleaners will leave you with a pristine, spotless, sparkling-clean home you can be comfortable in!
We're just a call away! Contact us to know more about our full range of home services!
